STUDENTS pursuing an actuarial degree today increasingly seek more than academic qualifications.
They look for programmes that offer professional exemptions, internationally recognised accreditations, and the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
The Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) delivers on these expectations through its UK and US actuarial accreditations, complemented by a technology-driven Actuarial Science programme that prepares graduates for the profession’s future.
Combining rigorous theoretical foundations with practical, real-world applications, APU’s Actuarial Science programme equips students for both traditional actuarial careers and emerging fields such as climate risk, healthcare analytics and technology-driven risk management.
Recognitions and accreditations paving the way
APU’s commitment to quality is reflected in the professional accreditations earned by its programmes.
Its Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies has been fully accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) since 2018, enabling eligible students to obtain six-paper block exemptions (CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1 and CB2).
Unlike subject-by-subject exemptions, APU’s block exemption structure enables students who achieve an average score of 65% to earn all six IFoA paper exemptions in one go, providing a more streamlined and attainable route to professional qualification.
To date, 79% of APU actuarial graduates have achieved the maximum available exemptions, significantly accelerating their professional progress.
APU’s actuarial programme is also recognised by the Society of Actuaries (SoA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) in the United States, opening doors to a wide range of international career opportunities.
Expanding horizons through specialisms and advanced studies
To keep pace with evolving industry trends and technological advancements, APU introduced two pioneering undergraduate specialisations – the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a Specialism in Data Analytics, and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a Specialism in Financial Technology (FinTech).
Both specialisations are fully accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and remain the first and only undergraduate actuarial specialisations of their kind in Malaysia.
These specialised pathways equip students with expertise in actuarial science, data analytics and financial technology, preparing them for careers as actuaries, data analysts, data scientists, fintech engineers and fintech specialists in an increasingly digital economy.
In 2024, APU further enhanced its offerings with the launch of the Master of Science in Actuarial Science, which received full accreditation from the IFoA, enabling Master’s students to qualify for exemptions from CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CP1, CP2 and CP3.
The APU Master of Science in Actuarial Science is offered in three pathways: the standard programme, a specialism in Economics, and a specialism in Business Analytics.
These pathways are designed to cater to students from non-actuarial backgrounds as well as those with prior actuarial knowledge who have obtained exemptions from the core professional principles examinations.
Notably, APU is the first university in Asia and one of only seven globally to offer exemptions covering all three CP subjects, providing a uniquely fast-tracked route to IFoA Associate status.
The Master’s programme is delivered by experienced academics and practising actuaries, covering both traditional actuarial science and advanced data analytics, and preparing graduates for careers as actuaries, analysts, academics and industry specialists.
Scholarships, affordability and student support
APU is committed to making high-quality actuarial education accessible through competitive tuition fees and generous merit scholarships.
Many actuarial students, particularly high-achieving SPM, STPM, A-Levels and UEC graduates, receive tuition fee waivers of 10% to 50%.
APU is also one of only a few IFoA partner universities in Asia to secure prestigious IFoA Foundation Scholarships.
Each year, the top five graduating students are awarded scholarships worth RM24,246 (£4,490) by the IFoA Foundation.
Among them, the best-performing student additionally receives the Sir Edward Johnston Prize, valued at RM1,314 (£250).
A thriving community and strong industry engagement
APU’s actuarial programmes currently support a vibrant community of more than 1,000 students and alumni, enriched by active academic and industry engagement.
Signature events such as APU Actuarial Day, Actuarial Summit, and APU Mathventure provide students with exposure to industry leaders, practical insights, and valuable networking opportunities.
The Actuarial Appreciation evening, held in July 2026, celebrated the achievements of APU alumni and their progression in the actuarial profession.
A total of 41 alumni who had graduated over the previous two years were recognised for their career milestones and professional accomplishments.
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of APU’s first two graduates to attain Associateship qualifications, marking a significant milestone for the University.
Wendy Wong Wei Wei achieved the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) qualification under the Society of Actuaries (SoA), while Soo Zi Yang attained the Associate of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (AIA) qualification under the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA).
Their achievement stands as a testament to the quality of APU’s actuarial education and its commitment to developing highly competent actuarial professionals.
School head Assoc Prof Dr Rajasegeran Ramasamy highlighted the structured pathway towards IFoA Associate status as a key advantage.
“Through the Bachelor’s programme, our students secure exemptions from CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1 and CB2. They then progress to the Master’s programme, where they obtain further exemptions from CP1, CP2 and CP3.
“Upon completing CB3 independently and fulfilling two years of relevant industry experience, they are eligible to attain IFoA Associate status.”
He added that APU graduates excel in insurance, finance and business roles, involving pricing, reserving, product development, risk management, AI and data analytics.
Actuarial Studies programme leader and SoMAQS senior lecturer Ong Li Kee shared that graduates with maximum exemptions are highly sought after, with many receiving job offers even before graduation.
Industry practitioner TAC Consulting Limited actuarial director David Wong further shared that fresh actuarial graduates typically earn RM4,000 to RM5,000, with salaries increasing based on exemptions and exam passes.
APU’s teaching team includes fellows and associates of the IFoA and SoA, ensuring students benefit from strong academic grounding and real-world industry insights.
Graduates receive dual awards from APU (Malaysia) and De Montfort University (DMU), UK, enhancing global employability.
With internationally recognised professional accreditations, innovative academic pathways and strong industry engagement, APU continues to prepare graduates for careers in an increasingly data-driven global actuarial profession.
Discover more at the APU Open Day on Aug 15-16, visit www.apu.edu.my, or call 03-8996 1000 to start your journey today.
