In partnership with the Australian Financial Review
University of New South Wales
Apply advanced financial knowledge to evaluate investments, manage risk and make informed corporate and investment decisions across evolving financial markets.
Turning advanced finance knowledge into practical decision-making, UNSW's Master of Applied Finance develops the expertise to address complex financial challenges across corporate finance, investment and financial markets. The program combines contemporary finance theory with practical application, preparing you to evaluate opportunities, manage risk and make informed financial decisions in professional contexts.
Across portfolio management, corporate finance, valuation, international finance and investment, you'll learn to analyse financial information, assess financing alternatives and evaluate different asset classes and investment opportunities. You'll also strengthen your ability to apply financial models and analytical thinking to complex problems, connecting financial insights with organisational objectives and real-world decisions.
Delivered 100% online, the program combines a comprehensive finance core with flexible electives spanning areas such as analytics, financial technology and business management. You can also choose a study pathway aligned with the CFA curriculum, providing a strong academic grounding for those looking to pursue the CFA designation.
"The Applied Finance program is designed for ambitious individuals looking not only for advanced financial knowledge, but also for hands-on and relevant applications of such knowledge. It’s designed for professionals who want to gain the specialised skills for a career in the finance industry. The program is aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum, allowing graduates to position themselves well to pursue the CFA designation – a globally respected and recognised investment credential."
Dr Luis Filipe Goncalves-Pinto, Applied Finance Program Director
To earn the Master of Applied Finance, you must successfully complete eight core units and four elective units.
Core units
Elective units
Select four units of the following:
Available elective courses will vary per program and study period.
*Course designed in line with the CFA examination curriculum. The CFA-aligned Master of Applied Finance pathway provides students with a strong grounding to pursue the CFA designation.
Academic requirements
Cognate entry
To be eligible for the Master of Applied Finance through cognate entry, you must have a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in business, banking or finance-related area with a credit average (65 per cent or higher) as determined by the UNSW Admissions Entry Calculator.
If you have completed similar courses in previous study, you can gain up to four courses of RPL/advanced standing.
Non-cognate entry
Students with a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) and no finance knowledge should apply for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance with a credit average (65 per cent or higher), students will be eligible to articulate into the master’s with full credit for the courses completed as part of the graduate certificate.
An articulation pathway also exists into this master’s program for students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance with a credit average (65 per cent or higher).
English language requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on your educational background and citizenship. UNSW requires a minimum level of English language competency for enrolment. English language skills are essential for webinar comprehension and the completion of coursework, assignments and examinations.
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you will be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
Students may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning for similar previous study completed within the past 10 years. Eligible Master of Applied Finance students may receive up to four courses or 24 credit points, of RPL advanced standing, subject to assessment by UNSW. Supporting documentation, including relevant course outlines, may be required.Contact the university for more information.
Career outcomes
Potential roles:
Indicative total fee in 2026: $62,500 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.
