University of New South Wales

Master of Applied Finance

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Apply advanced financial knowledge to evaluate investments, manage risk and make informed corporate and investment decisions across evolving financial markets.

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  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

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

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
24 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $5,130
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Intake
24th August, 2026
19th October, 2026
11th January, 2027
8th March, 2027
3rd May, 2027
28th June, 2027
23rd August, 2027
18th October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
12
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To earn the Master of Applied Finance, you must successfully complete eight core units and four elective units.

Core units

  • Portfolio Management*
  • International Finance*
  • Corporate Finance*
  • Private Equity and Venture Capital*
  • Equity Valuation*
  • Fixed Income*
  • Derivatives*
  • Ethics and Professional Standards*

Elective units

Select four units of the following:

  • Financial Management*
  • Business Economics*
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Introductory Data Analysis*
  • FinTech Ecosystems and Industry Insights
  • Decentralised Finance
  • Technical Tools for FinTech
  • Robo-Advice
  • Law Regulation and Ethics
  • Tech Disruption in Payments and Transfers
  • Tech Disruption in Funding and Landing
  • Principles of Programming
  • AI in Consumer Finance

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.

Entry requirements

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:

  • English language tests and university English courses.
  • Prior study in the medium of English.
  • Other qualifications.
  • English waivers.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Potential roles:

  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Finance Manager
  • Finance Analyst
  • Director of Finance
  • Portfolio Risk Analyst
  • Financial Investment Analyst
  • Hedge Fund Manager
  • Private Banker
  • Commercial Manager
  • Investment Banking Analyst

Fees and FEE-HELP

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:

  • The number of units studied.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

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.