Applied finance involves financial systems that drive our economy and our society. Whether you're interested in financial technology, data analytics, entrepreneurship or corporate finance, there are so many paths a career in finance offers.

The online Master of Applied Finance at UNSW involves gaining the contemporary and holistic knowledge to solve corporate financial problems, managing the financial functions of firms across the globe, and making effective investment decisions that align with organisational objectives.

You will learn to confidently apply financial practices to overcome market challenges and enhance your professional performance, giving you the competitive edge to thrive in the modern financial world.

The Master of Applied Finance has been designed to ensure you can confidently apply, manage and lead financial functions in all business levels and be an asset to forward-thinking financial organisations and industry. This program is suitable for students who are looking to upskill or switch to a role in finance.

Job roles can include:

• 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

Learn more about careers in applied finance.

Financial systems are central to everything – and strong financial skills are an invaluable mechanism to drive change and create success for our economy, society, and future.

When you have a holistic understanding of finance, you can solve problems, make decisions and lead financial functions in businesses anywhere. The Master of Applied Finance has been designed to ensure that you can confidently apply advanced financial concepts, critical thinking and data-driven analysis to solve complex financial challenges. With globally recognised credentials, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact across diverse sectors of the finance industry, in any market.

Find out more about the top financial career jobs and evolution of finance industry.

If you are looking to enter into a career in finance and study the Master of Applied Finance at UNSW Online, but you don't have a background in finance, you can apply through the non-cognate entry pathway.

If you have a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) but no finance knowledge, you should apply for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance (7430).

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance with a credit average (65 per cent or higher), you will be eligible to articulate into the Master of Applied Finance with full credit for all courses completed as part of the graduate certificate.

The total indicative cost of completing your degree depends on the elective courses you choose to complete and any recognition of prior learning before the commencement of your studies. For indicative domestic and international tuition fees visit the Fees page*.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program. This government loan scheme helps pay for all or part of their tuition. For more information visit: StudyAssist.

*All prices are listed in Australian dollars. Go to our Fees page for up-to-date information. Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. Study plans and completion times might vary depending on the choice of elective courses, RPL, leave and course availability. For more information, please speak with a Student Advisor.

UNSW Online advises approximately 150 hours of study per course over the hexamester for the Master of Applied Finance. This averages 20 hours per week, depending on the course and week. The study mode is 100% online, with no on-campus requirements.

Discover some tips on how to maximise your study.

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) credential is the professional standard of choice for more than 31,000 investment firms worldwide. It is a highly valued and world leading association of investment professionals.

Becoming a CFA charterholder is a defining moment for many investment professionals and exemplifies a strong understanding of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. In order to become a CFA charterholder you must pass three levels of CFA exams, achieve qualified work experience, submit reference letters and apply to become a regular member of the CFA institute.

The Master of Applied Finance at UNSW Online offers the opportunity for you to select a study pathway that is closely aligned with the CFA curriculum, giving you a strong grounding to pursue the CFA designation, and helping you achieve your financial ambitions sooner.

The online Master of Applied Finance at UNSW has been designed in line with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) curriculum, a highly valued and globally-recognised investment credential. The program gives students a strong grounding to pursue the CFA designation so that graduates can become an asset in every sector of the global finance industry. The program offers advanced disciplinary depth, giving you access to the latest thinking and current research in finance.

The online Master of Applied Finance gives students the financial knowledge to confidently apply, manage and lead financial functions at all business levels in both domestic and global contexts. Students will learn how to apply theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as financial practices, to overcome market challenges and enhance your professional performance, which will give you the competitive edge to thrive.

A common practice for universities is to design exam-based programs, however the Master of Applied Finance focuses on applied projects to equip students with the skills to understand and handle real-world industry challenges, making them invaluable to employers with real-world value.

In contrast, the online Master of Financial Technology at UNSW is a program for ambitious working professionals who wish to apply the latest technology, build innovative products & seize opportunities in the growing FinTech sector. Discover more about Financial Technology at UNSW.

Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your online postgraduate studies provided that they meet relevant course requirements. If you are eligible for admission and you have undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Students can apply for RPL during the program application process and must ensure all relevant supporting documents are submitted for assessment if requested by Admissions, including course outlines from the same year they completed the relevant course/s as content may change over time. Courses successfully completed within the past ten years can be used for credit transfer within a program as provided within the program rules and the University rules on credit.

On completion of similar courses in previous study, Master of Applied Finance and Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance students can gain up to 4 courses (24 units of credit) of RPL advanced standing. However RPL advanced standing is not permitted for Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance students.

Find out more about RPL and credit transfer at UNSW.

While many finance courses may seem similar, there are distinct differences between these two postgraduate programs.

A Master of Applied Finance focuses on the direct application of finance tools used in areas such as investment management, corporate finance and financial markets. It is designed for professionals who want to apply financial models, valuation techniques and risk frameworks directly in the workplace.

A Master of Finance places greater emphasis on developing advanced finance knowledge and analytical capability in financial theory, markets and decision-making, including valuation, advanced corporate finance, asset pricing and financial markets.

Key considerations when choosing between the two:

• Study mode: At UNSW, the Master of Applied Finance is delivered fully online and designed for working professionals seeking flexibility, while the Master of Finance is campus-based and offers a more traditional academic experience.
• Learning approach: Applied finance emphasises real-world application and professional relevance; finance programs typically prioritise theory, modelling and analytical depth.
• Electives and specialisations: The Master of Applied Finance offers flexible electives that can be tailored to career goals, whereas the Master of Finance provides advanced electives and formal specialisations in areas such as funds management, corporate finance or fintech.

Both degrees are highly regarded. The right choice depends on your goals and interests.

The Master of Applied Finance is a comprehensive course in finance, including core subjects such as Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Private Equity, Equity Valuation, Fixed Income, Derivatives, and Ethics. Electives cover areas like Financial Management, Business Economics, FinTech, and Decentralised Finance, offering practical skills and alignment with the CFA curriculum.

A Master’s in Applied Finance can be completed in as little as two years, part-time, depending on the program structure, study mode and any recognition of prior learning (RPL) or advanced standing.

The best finance program for you depends on your goals, but strong options offer practical training, align with industry standards, support flexible study and provide clear pathways to specialised or senior roles.

When comparing finance programs, consider practical application, industry alignment, study flexibility, elective options and entry pathways.

• Practical application: Will you learn to use financial tools and models in real business situations?
• Industry alignment: Is the curriculum linked to standards like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) framework?
• Flexibility: Does the program offer online options and part-time pathways?
• Elective depth: Can you build expertise in areas such as analytics or corporate finance?
• Entry pathways: Are there routes for both experienced professionals and career changers?

The best program is the one that fits your career goals and the level of expertise you want to achieve.

UNSW Online’s Master of Applied Finance offers a practical, CFA-aligned curriculum, flexible online study and a range of electives to match your career goals, all delivered by a highly respected Global top 20 university, according to the QS World university rankings, 2026.