Faculty of Mathematics

Why Mathematics at Waterloo?

Learn about the past, present, and future of mathematics as you take courses in business, computer science, advanced algebra, algorithms, optimization, artificial intelligence, and more.

Waterloo is home to the only dedicated Faculty of Mathematics in North America. This unique faculty offers 22 different majors providing the ability to customize and focus your education.

#1 in Canada for Computer Science & MathematicsMaclean's University Rankings 2024

Mathematics majors and programs

Discover how to choose a program or major in the Faculty of Mathematics →

Co-op and careers

Build a diverse and highly applicable skillset and gain relevant paid work experience to prepare you for success in a fulfilling career in a wide range of industries.

Earn an average of $80,000+ over six work terms to help fund your education

Build your professional network and gain a specialized skillset

Apply your work term hours towards professional designations

Learn more about co-op at Waterloo →

Discover student life in the Faculty of Mathematics

Three students sitting at table playing a board game

Coding, clubs, coffee, donuts. Explore a multitude of opportunities to meet new people, follow your passions, and build something of your own.

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Tour the Faculty of Mathematics

Take a guided tour of our study, research, and social spaces through the Faculty of Mathematics and campus. Highlights include labs, support centres, study spaces, lecture halls, the infamous Math Coffee and Donuts, and some other campus hot spots.

FAQs about the Faculty of Mathematics

What are the admission requirements for Math programs?

Admission requirements vary from program to program, as well as for students coming from high school compared to transfer students.

View our admission requirements for each program →

Learn more about transferring from college or university to Waterloo →

What if I don't satisfy the English language requirements?

If your grades and Admission Information Form (AIF) are eligible for admission but your English language test scores fall below our requirements, you may receive an offer to participate in Math/Bridge to Academic Success in English (Math/BASE) program. The program is designed to allow students to improve their English before beginning in their mathematics program. Students cannot apply directly to Math/BASE.

I am using a summer school/non-day school or repeated course for my application, will this affect my chances of acceptance?

If you repeat a required course or take a course outside of your regular day school, you may jeopardize your chances of being admitted to the Faculty of Mathematics.

You should take all your courses in regular day school and do well in your first attempt.

If you take a course(s) outside your regular day school you will be asked to explain why on your Admission Information Form (AIF).

Review Waterloo's policy on repeated and non-day school courses →

Why should I participate in a math contest?

The Euclid Mathematics Contest and the Canadian Senior Math Competition (CSMC) are administered by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), an outreach affiliate of the Faculty of Mathematics. The results of these contests are used to make math scholarship decisions for students who have applied to programs in the Faculty of Mathematics, including Computer Science.

While the contests are used primarily to award scholarships, a strong score can be an asset to your application. For students whose grades and Admission Information Form scores are on the borderline of receiving admission, a good score could result in them receiving an offer. A missing score or bad score will not be used. Participation in the contests will not hurt your chances of admissions as they are NOT required for consideration.

Contests need to be written in the year that you're applying to Waterloo for the results to be applicable for scholarships and possibly admission. Students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 are welcome to write the contests as preparation for Grade 12.

Should I participate in multiple math contests?

It's recommended that you participate in both the Euclid Mathematics Contest and the Canadian Senior Math Competition (CSMC). If that's not possible, participating in at least one contest is beneficial. If you're applying to one of our computer science programs, you're also encouraged to participate in our Canadian Computing Competition (CCC). View all of our contests.

If you are applying as a transfer student, you do not need to participate in our contests as transfer students are not eligible to receive our math entrance scholarships. They are designed for high school applicants.