MAppFin - Master of Applied Finance

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule/Programme Rules
Graduate Profile

Learn about the forces that shape our capital markets and drive investment returns.

Understand the fundamental theories of finance while gaining practical skills to enhance financial decision making.

Study with a passionate teaching team who combine industry experience with academic excellence. Benefit from professional development support, purpose-built facilities and access to real-world financial data.

The Master of Applied Finance is designed for both recent graduates and mid-career professionals who wish to undertake an in-depth postgraduate programme in finance with a strong focus on practical application.

Note: Applicants without prior finance study are welcome, but should be aware that they will be studying alongside students who have existing finance training.

The University of Auckland is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. The MAppFin degree positions students well to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter, which has become the most respected and recognised investment credential in the world.

Download our printable MAppFin programme flyer..

Also available: PGCertAppFin - Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Finance

The PGCertAppFin is an alternative pathway for graduates who are initially uncertain about committing to a masters programme. It also suits those who have not achieved the required GPA for direct entry to the MAppFin.

You can access a range of information about the University of Auckland online at AskAuckland.

Alternatively, email us directly with enquiries about the MAppFin.

The MAppFin is a 15-month, 180-point programme studied over five quarters.

In Part I, you will complete seven core courses addressing key finance and related topics, including accounting, economics, financial markets law, corporate finance, investment decision-making, financial risk management, and advanced financial management.

In Part II, you will be able to choose any two specialisation courses out of those that are being offered. You will also engage in an industry-based consultancy project. This provides experience in solving a financial challenge in a live business context. The Consultancy Practice course taken alongside the project is designed to develop professional skills required for successful engagement in and completion of the industry project.

Availability of specialisation courses will depend on factors including student enrolments.

The programme is designed to offer intellectual challenge and to equip graduates with the specialist knowledge and skills to move into a finance-oriented role or a career in financial services. Possible career paths cover broad aspects of the finance industry, both locally and internationally. They include corporate finance, investment management, banking and financial consulting.

Financial Analyst
Treasury Analyst
Financial Consultant
Investment Analyst
Financial Advisor
Investment Banker
Banker
Investment manager

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We have a dedicated Career Development and Employer Liaison manager who can assist you with your career planning, development and management, as well as job-search skills to help you maximise your employment opportunities. They can also recommend relevant workshops and events as well as arrange one-on-one appointments to give advice on building your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

button for easy access to information about study this qualification

The Master of Applied Finance programme is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving finance industry.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Quarter Four	01 July 2026	28 September 2026	12 December 2026
2027 Quarter Four	01 July 2027	27 September 2027	11 December 2027

1 - 2

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 in the University Calendar and the related Programme and Course Limitations and selection criteria.

University of Auckland Qualification

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

5.0 - Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

A relevant Bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II, and completed MATHS 108 or STATS 108, or equivalent.

A relevant Bachelors degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration or Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management with a GPA or 5.0 or higher. You will have also completed 15 points from BUSADMIN 763, BUSMAN 707, MATHS 108, STATS 108, or equivalent.

Note: A relevant degree may be in business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, science or technology.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Qualification from another tertiary institution

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

5.0 - Grade Point Equivalent

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in business or a non-business degree in a relevant discipline such as engineering, health sciences, social sciences, science or technology. Your study must be from a recognised university (or similar institution), and you will need a GPE of 5.0 in the most advanced courses taken. In addition, you must have passed an undergraduate level course in in business statistics (STATS 108), general mathematics (MATHS 108) or equivalent.

If you have completed advanced course(s) in an undergraduate degree that are considered substantially similar to courses in this programme you may be required to complete substitute course(s). Advice will be provided to you on a case-by-case basis

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Business and Economics.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a (i) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

(b) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) completed MATHS 108 or STATS 108, or the equivalent

b (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Finance from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded

c (i) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Administration or Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) completed 15 points from BUSADMIN 763, BUSMAN 707, MATHS 108, STATS 108, or the equivalent.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: A relevant degree may be in business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, science or technology.

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

5 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Applied Finance Schedule.

b A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points of Part I. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Applied Finance cannot continue.

6 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar before enrolling for Part II.

7 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this degree must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director.

8 Courses selected for this qualification are subject to confirmation by the Programme Director.

9 a A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Finance or Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Finance.

b Enrolment in the Master of Applied Finance must be discontinued before any course is reassigned.

10 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Finance or Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Finance may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

11 This degree may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.