Mathematics 3 (M3) Building on Waterloo's Campus
Join a vibrant research environment and generate new knowledge in one of our four areas of study with the PhD in Actuarial Science.
You'll be best suited to this program if you have completed a master’s or bachelor’s degree in statistics, actuarial science, mathematics, or other quantitative disciplines.
The program focuses on research areas including actuarial science practice, actuarial science theory, finance and probability.
At the end of the program, you’ll have top-notch qualifications to pursue a career in academia, business, industry, government agencies, or research organizations. Our graduates are in demand and enjoy high degrees of job satisfaction.
Research areas
- Actuarial Science Practice
- Actuarial Science Theory
- Finance
- Probability
Program overview
Department/School: Statistics and Actuarial Science
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- January 15 (for admission in September)
Key contacts
It’s hard to believe I’ve been in school so long and still have two years left, but I’ve learned so much in this field. Waterloo has given me so many opportunities to tell stories with data, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
Supervisors
- Review the finding a supervisor resources
- Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors
Admission requirements
- A Master's degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics, completed or expected. Note: graduates of other quantitative and mathematically oriented programs are also encouraged to apply; this includes, but is not restricted to, graduates of commerce, economics, engineering, finance, and any of the physical sciences. The department graduate committee will determine the suitability of each student’s background for success in this program.
- Students with an undergraduate degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, and very strong letters of recommendation.
- At least an overall 78% average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent)
- An interview may be required
Degree requirements
- Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the department of Statistics and Actuarial Science graduate students
Application materials
- Resume
- Supplementary information form (SIF)
- The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
- If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
- Transcript(s)
- References
- Three references, normally from academic sources
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
Tuition and fees
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Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
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Review the living and housing costs
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Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students