Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Applied Finance and Economics (MAFE) at the University of Canterbury is a taught master's degree combining advanced Finance and Economics.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Combines finance and economics, providing a broader understanding of financial markets and the wider economy.
• Designed for students who already have a strong academic background in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Provides intensive practical training in modern data analytics tools.
• Uses project-based learning rather than a conventional thesis.
• Includes a substantial applied capstone course covering areas such as forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, financial decision-making and portfolio management.
• Students have opportunities to use UC Business School's Trading Room and Bloomberg terminals.
• The programme provides a pathway aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum.
• Internship opportunities are available.
• UC describes the programme as preparing graduates for professional roles in finance, banking and the public sector.
• UC Business School holds AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, placing it among the small percentage of business schools worldwide holding all three accreditations.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current qualification page identifies four compulsory courses:

• FIEC675 Advanced Applications in Finance and Economics
• FIEC601 Quantitative Finance and Economics
• FINC672 Advanced Applications in Finance and Economics
• MFIN604 Quantitative Analysis

With approval, FIEC601 may be substituted with another 15-point postgraduate course.

Elective requirements:

• 45 points from ECON 601–679, with no more than 45 points from ECON 601–619.
• 45 points from FINC 601–679, with no more than 45 points from FINC 601–619.
• Approved substitutions may be possible for one Economics or Finance course.

The programme therefore develops knowledge in:

• Advanced economics
• Advanced finance
• Quantitative finance
• Quantitative analysis
• Financial decision-making
• Portfolio management
• Forecasting
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Financial markets
• Economic analysis
• Data analytics
• Applied financial and economic modelling.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formally named majors or specialisations within the MAFE.

The programme combines two principal disciplines:

• Finance
• Economics

Programme Highlights

• 180-point master's qualification.
• Taught/coursework format.
• Combines Economics and Finance.
• 12–18 months full-time according to the main qualification page.
• January and July international intake options.
• No conventional thesis.
• Practical applied capstone.
• 45-point FIEC675 capstone course.
• Training in quantitative analysis.
• Financial forecasting and decision-making.
• Portfolio management.
• Cost-benefit analysis.
• Access to UC Business School Trading Room and Bloomberg terminals.
• CFA-related pathway.
• Internship opportunities.
• Preparation for finance, banking, economics and public-sector careers.
• UC Business School has triple-crown AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed for professional careers in finance, banking, economics and the public sector.

UC gives examples of career destinations among MAFE alumni, including:

• Corporate Finance Analyst – Deloitte
• Valuation and Business Modelling Consultant – EY
• Investment Banking Analyst – Murray & Co
• Risk Assurance Associate – PwC New Zealand
• Actuarial Analyst – Suncorp NZ.

UC's current international Business School information also identifies possible roles such as:

• Financial Analyst
• Financial Advisor/Consultant
• Investment Broker/Trader
• Capital Investment Manager
• Portfolio Consultant
• Risk Analyst
• Consumer Banker
• Insurance Actuary
• Economic Consultant
• Other finance/economics positions in public and private organisations.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest UC information available in September 2026 confirms that the MAFE continues to be offered as a 180-point programme with January/July international intake options.

Important current requirements and considerations:

• A Finance, Economics or related bachelor's background is expected.
• Calculus-based mathematics is required.
• Statistics preparation is required.
• Intermediate-level Microeconomics and Finance preparation are required according to the programme's detailed entry information.
• A UC-equivalent B average is indicated by the MAFE programme information.
• Students should contact the Economics and Finance Department before enrolling.
• The programme has no traditional thesis.
• The final applied component requires approval of the Head of Department.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student intending to study the MAFE on campus in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, unless another visa category applies.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient money to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient money for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character where applicable.
• Genuine reasons for studying in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Evidence of an onward ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
• Medical examination/chest X-ray or police certificates where applicable.