Last updated: December 23, 2025
The Computing and Financial Management is a structured plan where students study a major of computer science and a major of finance to gain skills to work in the financial technology industry. Students will study the same major courses as computer science students, minus two, to work in tech-related roles and they will take classes in finance that will allow them to write the Level 1 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFM) exam, before graduating.
CFM is a structured, demanding, and specialized program. It requires strong grades, consistent academic performance, and interest in both tech and finance.
Minimum requirements for transfer
- Currently enrolled as a University of Waterloo student
- Interest in a career in financial technology, finance, or technology
- Enrolled as co-op student
- Grades above 80% in all courses
- Completed the courses identified below for transfer assessment
- Completed, or in the process of completing, at least these two full-time academic terms at the time of application; five courses in each term is preferred
Course requirements
ALL of the courses below need to be completed and graded for a transfer to be considered.
- CS 135 (offered in fall and winter) — You may take CS 115 and CS 116 instead of CS 135 but it will take longer to transfer as CS 115 is a pre-requisite to CS 116.
- CS 136 and CS 136L (CS115 and CS116 or CS135 are pre-requisites to these classes).
- One of Math 127 or Math 137 (or Math 116 or Math 117 for Engineering students)
- At least one 100 level AFM or ECON courses (AFM courses are preferred); more courses are preferred, where possible:
- All students can enrol in AFM 101 and/or AFM 131 (these classes are equivalent to AFM 191 and AFM 132) — enrolment is based on space availability.
- Only students enrolled in AFM or SFM can enrol in AFM 191 or AFM 132 for AFM students)
- Engineering students can take ECON 101 or ECON 102, since AFM courses do not easily fit in your schedule
Grade requirements
| Courses | Minimum grades per class |
|---|---|
| Mathematics (e.g. MATH, STAT, ACTSC) | Low 80s |
| Computer science | Low 80s |
| Arts (e.g. AFM, ECON, SPCOM, PHIL, ENGL) | Low 80s |
|
|
Program requirements
Additional requirements or conditions are needed for students in certain programs.
Computer science, Software Engineering, and UWaterloo-based BBA/BCS students Grade requirements vary for students in these programs. Contact the Program Manager for more information.
Non-math students If you are currently studying in a program outside of the Faculty of Math, you must also apply to transfer to the Faculty of Mathematics and meet the math minimum admission requirements for an internal transfer.
Co-op
CFM is a co-op only program. You'll need to be in co-op to be eligible for a transfer.
Math Regular students Review requirements to transfer from regular to co-op.
All other programs Contact your academic advisor for more information.
Important notes
- Transfers to CFM from other post-secondary institutions are not eligible due to limitations with courses and co-op.
- Transfer requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis each term.
- You should speak with your academic advisor before attempting a transfer.
- Transfers into CFM are competitive.
- Courses graded with a CR/NCR mark cannot be assessed for transfer.
Things to keep in mind
- CFM is structured - You'll need to take 36 required courses and four general electives. Use our course planning resources to see when classes are offered and what you'll study.
- Transferrable credits - If admitted, you'll receive transfer credits. These will be determined, if admissible.
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Transferring to computer science from CFM (as of Fall 2022) - If admitted to CFM, you'll need to spend two full-time academic terms in the program before you can be considered for a transfer to CS.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for consideration?
You can apply for consideration once you have completed, or are in the process of completing, CS136, CS136L, and at least one AFM or ECON course. See our minimum requirements for our required courses.
When do applications open?
Applications open at the midway point of the third month of each term. This is so that you can receive at least midterm grades for your courses before you apply (e.g. Fall - November, Winter - March, Spring - July).
How many times can I apply?
You can apply as many times as you like, but we will aim to let you know your chances of reconsideration after your first application to redirect your study focus, where needed. The longer you take to transfer, the longer your studies may take in CFM given the limited-term availability of courses.
What can I do to increase my chances of a transfer?
For fairness and equity, we look to grades as our strongest indicator of success. We will also review a statement of interest to understand your interest in our program.
If I have strong extra-curriculars in finance and computer science, will this replace my lower grades?
Unfortunately, CFM is a popular and challenging program and so we need to see certain grades to feel comfortable admitting a student into our demanding and structured plan. Extra-curriculars are a great way to build your resume for co-op and determine your interest in the program. If CFM is not right for you, reach out to the Program Manager for similar programs to consider.
How to apply for a transfer
Applications for winter 2026 are now open. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, January 2, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
For winter 2026 applicants, decisions will be made before January 16 — the last day to add courses for the term.
Questions?
If you have questions about the minimum requirements or transfer process, please email the Program Manager.
Transfers are competitive for CFM and all minimum course and co-op requirements must be met for consideration.