Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Honours) (CRICOS course code 087814J) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 1 year. This program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in actuarial studies or a related field and wish to deepen their knowledge through advanced coursework and a research project. Actuarial studies focuses on using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess and manage risk in insurance, finance, and other industries. UNSW is one of Australia’s leading universities, consistently ranked among the top 100 in the world, and its actuarial program is highly regarded. This honours year equips graduates with the analytical and professional skills needed for careers as actuaries, data scientists, or financial analysts. The course is delivered at UNSW’s Kensington campus in Sydney, a vibrant city with a strong financial services sector. All international students benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act, and HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and UNSW is one of the most popular choices for international students seeking quality education.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) falls under the field of Insurance and Actuarial Studies (081103). Students engage with advanced topics in actuarial science, including probability theory, financial mathematics, statistical modeling, and risk management. The honours year typically involves coursework in advanced actuarial techniques and a supervised research project that allows students to explore a specific area of interest. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to sit for professional actuarial exams and pursue careers in insurance, superannuation, investment, and banking. The skills developed are highly transferable, with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis and problem-solving. At the honours level, students are expected to demonstrate independent research capabilities and critical thinking, setting them apart in the competitive job market. This course is CRICOS-registered under code 087814J, ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international students.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Honours) has a duration of 1 year, calculated as 52 weeks of full-time study. The language of instruction is English, so international students must demonstrate English proficiency as part of entry requirements. This is a single qualification course, meaning it does not lead to a dual award. While the program is delivered full-time, part-time study may be possible in some circumstances, but international students should ensure they maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The course is not a foundation studies program, and it is not a VET course (no VET national code). The provider, UNSW, offers this honours year as an extension of its undergraduate actuarial program, providing a pathway to advanced study or professional practice.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$54,500 per year, as recorded in the CRICOS register. In addition, non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,000, bringing the total indicative cost to A$55,500. Please note that these fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with The University of New South Wales (UNSW) on their official website (www.unsw.edu.au). The fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover. Living expenses in Sydney are estimated at around A$25,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other personal costs. The student visa application charge is also additional. Always check the provider’s website for the most up-to-date fee structure.
To be eligible for this course, international students typically need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in actuarial studies or a closely related field with a strong academic record. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) requires applicants to meet a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) for admission into the honours year. For English language proficiency, an overall IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 is generally accepted, with no band score below 5.5-6.0. Other equivalent English tests such as TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements may consider pathway programs or foundation studies offered by UNSW Global. It is essential to check the specific entry requirements for this course on the UNSW website, as they are subject to change and may vary by intake. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider directly for detailed admission criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student holding a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This allows you to gain valuable work experience and supplement your living expenses while studying. Many actuarial students seek internships or part-time roles in finance, insurance, or data analytics to build their professional networks. While the course itself does not require work, UNSW’s Career Centre offers resources to help students find employment opportunities. Remember that your primary purpose in Australia is to study, so work should not interfere with your academic commitments.
The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Honours) is delivered at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Kensington campus, located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and Australia’s largest city, with a diverse population of over 5 million people. The campus is well-served by public transport, including buses and the light rail, making it easily accessible from surrounding suburbs. Sydney is a major financial hub, home to the headquarters of many banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, providing excellent networking and internship opportunities for actuarial students. The cost of living in Sydney is relatively high, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $500-600, groceries around $80-100, and a weekly transport pass about $40. However, the city offers a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and a multicultural environment that enriches the student experience. UNSW itself has over 60,000 students from more than 130 countries, creating a diverse and inclusive community.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. The visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (such as 087814J), meet genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. You must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress. It is important to note that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; for specific visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. All CRICOS-registered courses offer the protections of the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Applying for the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Honours) at UNSW involves three key steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Actuarial Studies), and location (New South Wales) to confirm this course meets your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UNSW’s official website (www.unsw.edu.au) to review the specific entry requirements, prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and any other supporting documents, and submit your application before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW offers you a place and you accept, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds ready.
Choosing where to study is a big decision. Sydney offers a world-class education at UNSW, combined with a dynamic job market in finance and insurance. The city is home to over 200,000 international students, with more than 20 CRICOS-registered universities and colleges. Living costs are higher than in other Australian cities, but the opportunities for internships and networking can offset this. Sydney’s public transport network makes it easy to explore the city, and the campus at Kensington is close to the central business district (CBD). If you enjoy a bustling city life with beaches and cultural diversity, Sydney could be an excellent fit for your honours year. However, it’s important to budget carefully and consider your personal preferences. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource—always verify details with the provider and government sources.
Ready to take the next step? Explore this course on the UNSW website or contact the admissions office for more information.
View the full The University of New South Wales (UNSW) profile →
Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.