Did a research recently and found only few Universities in the UK has 8 out of 9 papers exempted (Core Technical) and they are Heriot-Watt University (BSc in Actuarial Science), Queen's University Belfast (BSc in Actuarial Science and Risk Management), Cass Business School (City Uni) - BSc in Actuarial Science, University of Kent (BSc in Actuarial Science), University of Southampton (BSc in Mathematics with Actuarial Science and BSc Social Sciences in Economics and Actuarial Science).
In fact LSE - BSc in Actuarial Science only offers 7 out of 9 papers exempted and Warwick University, you need to complete their Master programme in order to get 7 out of 9 papers exempted.

So, student must choose carefully especially the courses and Universities in the UK when it comes to Actuarial studies.

Yeah, I was wondering about access and logistics too. Several thousand AUD for each of the four final part Australian exams. And each is scheduled to be 15 weeks long. Though they claim to have exam offices/centres in KL, Singapore, Hong Kong too. Anyway any face-to-face is probably in Sydney, if it isn't the web based stuff.

I'm aware the closest place for the UK one is Singapore's SMU. Which is fairly close I suppose, given the exams aren't taken so frequently, just twice a year at most.

Wasn't aware that Australia's was comparably more expensive, or that SOA had more frequent exams.

Thanks for enlightening me. Could I ask some straightforward questions:

1. How frequently can you take SOA exams, and how many times are you allowed to repeat for fails (and what happens - consequences - if you do)?

2. Do you mind telling me where you are working (type of firm and country) and where you plan to work after qualifying?

in UiTM how many papers were exempted ?

I believe that people are doing Actuarial Science for the wrong reasons. I hope that this post will actually shatter the disillusionment that people have. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to discourage people to pursue this challenging course, its challenge being its ultimate reward. However, it is disheartening to see so many people get into this course and ending up not being qualified actuaries, because they fail to understand what this course is all about.
First and foremost, my qualifications: I have wanted to do Actuarial Science since I was in Form 4. In college, I did my research and I have looked at the qualifications provided in the UK, US, Australia and Malaysia. I have now finished my final year in Actuarial Science in the UK. I have interned in an insurance company in Malaysia as well as in my current location. And I have been in your shoes before.

To get the ball rolling, here are some misconceptions that need to be cleared up:

1. I want to do Actuarial Science because I like Math.
This is the biggest misconception that people have about Actuarial Science. In actual fact, a good knowledge of Mathematics is necessary, but a great knowledge is not. In the UK, the first 8 professional papers are somewhat Maths-based, but the tougher papers at the end are all written papers, which require a good command of English, a good knowledge of the insurance industry and good critical thinking skills. Throughout my course, the most difficult branch of Maths we did was Calculus and Linear Algebra, and that is not saying much. When you do start working, you will realise that the only Math you need are mostly addition and subtraction. Computer Programming will be the most important skill you will ever need. And to all of those who says that they need Further Math in their A-Levels, I did Math, Economics and Law. If you like Math, do a Mathematics degree.

2. I want to do Actuarial Science because the pay is good.
True, we have one of the highest starting salaries in the business world. Not by much though. The thing is, a qualified actuary does earn a lot. But to get that qualification, one has to pass professional papers, and those are not easy by a mile. The average time it takes to pass all your papers in Malaysia is around 6 years, depending on how good you are. (Some do take more than 10 years) And truth be told, all other professions will be able to earn a satisfactory remuneration within 10 years. If you want the money, go into Investment Banking. In a magazine which I have read, in business, while all other financial workers are paying off their mortgage for their first house, Investment Bankers are buying their second home.

3. I can pass all my professional exams if I work hard enough.
I want to believe this. I really do want to believe this. But with only 50 qualified actuaries in Malaysia, doesn’t it make you doubt that the only reason people are failing is because of a lack of effort? Studying is easy enough. Working is easy enough. Studying while working is not. While I was working in Malaysia, a colleague of mine works from 9 to 7 everyday, if he is lucky. On his way to and back from work, he studies on the LRT. If there is overtime, he will need to stay back and continue working. On weekends, he studies. At night, after being thoroughly exhausted at work, he studies. And while doing all these, he needs to find time for his girlfriend, family and friends. Now, ask yourself this: can you picture yourself doing that for a year? 3 years? 10 years?

I am really glad I chose this course. I know I would spend half my time working staring in a computer at spreadsheets. I know it will be a hard few years in front of me. I also know that I want nothing more than to qualify as a professional actuary, as I do love what I do very much. But I wished I knew what I was in for before I made the decision. And I do hope that people who read this will have the ability to make an informed decision about the course that is Actuarial Science.

Hi... I'm glad I came across your forum, it's very informative =) I'll be signing up for an Actuarial Studies undergrad course soon (I hope I'll like it XD)... any other tips for a newcomer to the world of Actuarial Science and uni life in general?

where do you study Actuarial Science?

Sunway Uni... I'll be starting at the end of this month =)

ohoh
i still consider between sunway and UTAR

I see~ Well in any case, good luck =)

Btw, are actuarial science courses generally heavy on assignments/projects? Or are they more exam based? Also, what kind of software will I be using (aside from excel)? I am asking because I'm looking to get a new laptop and I want to get one that meets the requirements for my course...

I see~ Well in any case, good luck =)

Btw, are actuarial science courses generally heavy on assignments/projects? Or are they more exam based? Also, what kind of software will I be using (aside from excel)? I am asking because I'm looking to get a new laptop and I want to get one that meets the requirements for my course...

i also not sure about the software
but i know the AS is exam based just like ACCA

I see~ Well in any case, good luck =)

Btw, are actuarial science courses generally heavy on assignments/projects? Or are they more exam based? Also, what kind of software will I be using (aside from excel)? I am asking because I'm looking to get a new laptop and I want to get one that meets the requirements for my course...

Do u guys heard the FRM (financial risk manager) professional certificate?
How was the prospect when getting this qualification.
I'm plan to make a changes in my career.