Top Actuarial Science Universities in Malaysia for International Students 2025

Course Name	Duration
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Actuarial Studies	3 years

Course Name	Duration
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies	3 years
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies with Data Analytics	3 years
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies with a Specialism in Financial Technology	3 years

Course Name	Duration
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science	3 years
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science and Finance	3 years
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science with Data Analytics	3 years
MSc in Actuarial Management	1 year

Course Name	Duration
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Actuarial Science	3 years

Course Name	Duration
BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science	3 years

Cost to Study Actuarial Science in Malaysia for International Students

Studying actuarial science in Malaysia is more affordable compared to countries like the UK, US, or Australia, making it a great option for international students looking for quality education at a lower cost.

Tuition Fees

For a full 3-year bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, international students can expect to pay between RM 70,000 and RM 150,000 (approximately USD 16,000–35,000), depending on the university.

Living Expenses

Monthly living costs range from RM 1,500 to RM 2,500 (about USD 300–550). This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses.

Entry Requirements for Actuarial Science in Malaysia for International Students

To study actuarial science in Malaysia as an international student, you’ll need to meet both academic and language requirements. These may vary slightly by university, but here’s a general overview of what most private universities expect:

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Requirements

• A-Level: Minimum of 2 passes, with a strong grade in Mathematics.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum score of 24, with Mathematics as one of the subjects.
• Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT/SACE): ATAR of 60 or above, including Mathematics.
• Canadian Pre-University (CPU): Minimum of 6 subjects with an average score of 60%, including Mathematics.
• Indian School Certificate (CBSE/ISC): Minimum of 60% overall with at least 60% in Mathematics.
• Other equivalent qualifications (e.g. OSSD, WAEC, IGCSE + Foundation) may be accepted, subject to university approval.

English Language Requirements

As all actuarial science programmes in Malaysia are taught in English, you’ll need to meet one of the following:

• IELTS: Minimum 5.5 or 6.0 (depends on the university)
• TOEFL: 500 (PBT) / 60 (iBT)
• Pearson PTE: Minimum score of 42
• Cambridge English (O-Level or equivalent): Grade C or higher

If your previous education was not in English, you may be required to take an English placement test or attend an English preparatory course.

Application Checklist

To apply, you’ll generally need to submit:

• Certified academic transcripts and certificates (translated into English if necessary)
• Passport copy (valid for at least 18 months)
• English language test results
• Passport-sized photos
• University application form
• Application/processing fee (varies by institution)

Internship Opportunities for International Students in Malaysia

For international students studying actuarial science in Malaysia, internships are a key part for building industry experience and securing a job after graduation.

Most Malaysian universities offering actuarial science degrees include a mandatory internship in Year 2 or 3 of the programme. As an international student, you’ll typically intern with:

• Insurance companies
• Reinsurance firms
• Banks and financial institutions
• Actuarial consulting firms

Internships in Malaysia usually last 10 to 16 weeks and provide hands-on exposure to data analysis, risk modelling, pricing, and more. Many employers use internships to assess potential hires, so students who perform well and have passed 1–2 actuarial exam papers (like SOA or IFoA) often receive early job offers.

To improve your chances, start applying 3–6 months in advance. A solid CGPA, clear communication skills, and even partial exam passes can set you apart.

Careers After Actuarial Science in Malaysia for International Students

Graduating with an actuarial science degree in Malaysia can lead to a rewarding global career but it’s important for international students to understand the local job market, visa policies, and hiring preferences.

Common Job Roles for International Graduates

• Actuarial Analyst
• Risk Management Consultant
• Pricing Analyst
• Underwriter
• Pension or Investment Analyst
• Data or Financial Modeller

Industries That Hire Actuaries in Malaysia

• Insurance & Reinsurance Companies
• Banks & Investment Firms
• Takaful (Islamic Insurance) Providers
• Pension Funds & Government-Linked Agencies
• Global Actuarial Consulting Firms

Are Actuaries in Demand in Malaysia?

Yes, but competition is high. Actuarial roles in Malaysia are in demand, mainly in insurance, reinsurance, and consulting firms.

International students with 2–3 passed exams (IFoA or SOA) and internship experience stand a much better chance of getting hired.

Actuarial Science Salary in Malaysia for International Graduates

Pursuing a career as an actuary in Malaysia is one of the most lucrative options for international students in the finance and insurance industries. However, salaries are closely linked to your exam progress and technical experience.

Average Salary Range in Malaysia

• Fresh Graduates (0–2 exams): RM 3,000 – RM 5,000/month
• Mid-Level (3–6 years, partially qualified): RM 7,000 – RM 12,000/month
• Fully Qualified Actuaries (FIA, FSA, etc.): RM 15,000+/month

What Boosts Your Salary as an International Graduate?

✅ Number of exams passed (IFoA / SOA)
✅ Relevant internships or work placements
✅ Strong technical skills (Excel, R, Python, SQL)
✅ Communication skills and business awareness

Those who complete more exams have better chances of employment and higher starting salaries. Based on PayScale data, entry-level actuaries earn around RM3,600/month on average.

Should You Study Actuarial Science in Malaysia as an International Student?

If you're considering studying actuarial science in Malaysia as an international student, it can be a rewarding choice, especially if you're strong in maths and analytical thinking.

As of 2025, ActuaryList reports over 300 active actuarial roles in Malaysia, with around 50 new job openings added weekly, including positions at top global firms like Swiss Re, Allianz, and WTW. This shows a consistent demand for actuarial talent across insurance, consulting, and reinsurance sectors.

However, competition is high. Employers often expect graduates to have passed at least 2–3 professional exam papers (like SOA or IFoA) before offering full-time roles. Some students later transition into related fields like data science or finance, which offer broader entry points and fewer exam hurdles.

Still, if you're committed to the profession, actuarial science in Malaysia offers excellent job security, international career mobility, and long-term salary growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best university for actuarial science in Malaysia?

Sunway University and Asia Pacific University (APU) are among the top universities for actuarial science in Malaysia for international students. Both offer exemptions from IFoA papers and maintain strong industry connections—making them ideal choices for aspiring actuaries.

2. What CGPA do I need to study actuarial science?

You typically need a minimum CGPA of 2.00–2.33 (or equivalent) in A-Levels, or equivalent qualification, with Mathematics as a required subject.

3. Can I become an actuary without passing all the exams?

Yes. Many students start their actuarial careers after passing just 2–3 professional exams. However, to become a fully qualified actuary, you must complete all required exams from organisations like IFoA or SOA.

4. Do Malaysian actuarial science degrees offer exemptions from IFoA or SOA exams?

Yes. Many actuarial science degrees in Malaysia are designed to grant exemptions from key IFoA (UK) and SOA (US) professional papers, helping students fast-track their qualification process.

5. Do I need to pass all professional exams to get a job?

No. Most employers in Malaysia hire actuarial science graduates who have passed 1–3 papers. However, the more exams you complete, the higher your salary and promotion prospects.

6. Can international students work in Malaysia after graduation?

Yes, but you’ll need to apply for a work visa. Employers in insurance, finance, and consulting sectors may sponsor skilled international graduates, especially in in-demand fields like actuarial science.