Actuarial Science - Master of Actuarial Science (MActSc)

Mathematics 3 Building

Mathematics 3 (M3) Building on Waterloo's Campus

Fast-track your career in actuarial science with the Master of Actuarial Science (MActSc) program. Take your quantitative background and get the skill and knowledge to be a professional actuary. 

The only program in North America that’s accredited by both the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), it has also been designated as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries (SOA). These credentials will open doors for you to work around the world. Additionally, the exam exemptions you receive by completing the program can substantially reduce the time to becoming an accredited actuary. 

In the program, you will complete an industry project in your third term that provides valuable hands-on learning experience and insight into what being an actuary is like in a real workplace setting. You will also have the opportunity to meet with potential employers prior to graduating through facilitated site visits with local companies, as well as plenty of networking opportunities with our Advisory Board members that come from Canada Life, Deloitte, Equitable Life, Fairfax Financial, Foresters, Manulife, Moody’s Analytics, Munich Re, Securian, Sun Life, and Willis Towers Watson. 

Program highlights

  • Invaluable learning and work experience through the completion of an industry project 

  • Networking opportunities through facilitated site visits and advisory board members from reputable companies 

  • Fast-track to becoming an actuary through industry exam exemptions 

Program overview

Department/School: Statistics and Actuarial Science
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Professional
Length of program: 12 months
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Coursework

Application deadlines

  • January 15 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

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Admission requirements

  • A four-year honour's Bachelor's degree with an overall 83% average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent)
  • An interview and diagnostic test 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

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enroll and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    Three references are required; academic or professional 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