Doctoral Program in Actuarial Studies

Located within the Department of Economics, the world-renowned Centre for Actuarial Studies is one of the seven teaching units that are fully accredited by the Actuaries Institute with leading researchers in actuarial studies and financial mathematics. It has been designated a Centre of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) by the US Society of Actuaries (SOA).

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Generous scholarships (full fee waivers and a stipend of AUD$30,000 per year) are available for high-performing applicants through the University of Melbourne.

Top-up funding of AUD $10,000 available for research, experiments and conferences during the research phase of the program.

The Doctoral Program in Actuarial Studies is a 3-year thesis-only degree offered by the Centre for Actuarial Studies.

Members of the Centre undertake research in insurance, superannuation, financial mathematics, risk theory and related areas.

The Centre can offer PhD supervision in several areas, including:

• Risk theory
• Investment models
• Survival analysis
• Financial mathematics
• Derivative pricing
• Applied probability
• Mortality modelling
• Longevity risk
• Climate change risk

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1. Apply online

Applicants to the University of Melbourne must use the online application form to apply for all graduate research degrees and to make a scholarship application (ensure you apply for course code: DR-PHILBE). International applicants may also apply through a University of Melbourne registered Overseas Representative.

2. Attach supporting documents

Please be sure to attach in full all relevant supporting documents (previous academic transcripts, evidence of English language requirements, GMAT/GRE score sheets). We will not be able to assess your application without these documents.

• Previous academic transcripts, including evidence of completions if applicable.
• Evidence of English language requirements
• GMAT/GRE score sheets
• Curriculum Vitae. A current CV outlining your all complete and incomplete academic qualifications and work experience, and details of any research publications (if relevant).
• Prospective Supervisor Support. A copy of an email or letter indicating that your nominated Principal Supervisor has agreed to support your application;
• Research Proposal (at least 1000 words)

  The research proposal is the starting point for your thesis. Ideally, it should include a brief introduction and conclusion, and the following outline:

  • the specific area of your intended research, with a clear title;
  • a brief summary of the key literature in this field, including a short bibliography and summary of key relevant works;
  • a sketch of the key research questions you hope to answer; and
  • a description of the methodology required to conduct this research.