Admissions

Start early in thinking about our PhD program. University courses in calculus and linear algebra for science or math students could provide useful background for the program. In addition, applicants need to  submit a GMAT score or GRE score. These tests are offered several times per year, and require advance registration.

We will consider applicants who have successfully completed a master's or honours bachelor's degree, with at least an 80% average. Admission is not confined to those with a background in accounting, commerce or business administration. We encourage applications from those whose backgrounds include economics, mathematics, statistics or the behavioural sciences.

We aim to admit three to four students start the program each year. The program requires full-time study. It lasts approximately four to five years, with the first two years being devoted to course work while the last two years are spent writing a thesis.  Students are assigned a faculty advisor when they start the program, and they identify a supervisor after passing the comprehensive exam. 

Please do not contact faculty members prior to admission to ask for supervision.

Before applying, carefully read our admission requirements and information about admissions at the University of Waterloo. 

Application

A non-refundable application fee of $125 CDN must be submitted with your application. Apply online through Graduate Studies.

One or two business days after you complete your online application, you will receive an email with instructions to upload your materials to Applicant Quest (Waterloo’s self-service application system).

The following materials must be uploaded for your application to be complete

Transcripts

  • Transcripts and awarding of degrees from each institution attended.

References (3)

  • Your application package will be stronger if you choose referees who can comment on your academic/research ability.  Your references will be sent an e-mail with instructions about uploading their letters.

Supplementary information

  • A statement of interest (one page or less) indicating why you wish to take a PhD in accounting and what you hope to accomplish.

Test scores

Note:

  • There is no exemption from submitting GMAT or GRE.
  • You must also contact GMAT to provide us with access to your Official Score Report.

English Language Proficiency Certification

  • if required (see International applicant information below)

Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume (1-2 pages)

Note

  • Your application materials must be uploaded using Applicant Quest by the required deadline of January 15, 2024. 

  • If you are not able to upload your application materials on Applicant Quest, please review the Application documents website.

International Applicants

International students are eligible to receive an International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA).

If you apply under one of University of Waterloo's International agreements and sponsorships please review Waterloo's sponsorship requirements which are an important part of your application process.  Indicate which international agreement you will be funded by in your application.

English language proficiency (ELP)

The official language of instruction at the University of Waterloo is English. It is the responsibility of the University to ensure that its graduate students have sufficient English language skills to be successful with the demands of the academic environment. 

English language proficiency information can be found in the academic calendar.

PhD in Accounting English language proficiency examinations and required scores

Internet-based 
TOEFL (iBT)		 IELTS 
(Academic)		 CAEL PTE 
(Academic)		 EFAS Cambridge English Language test
100;
writing 26;
speaking 26		 7.5;
writing 7;
speaking 7		 70;
60 per band;
70 writing;
70 speaking		 68;
writing 65;
speaking 65		 80%
overall in level 400 with at
least 75% in writing, oral
and academic skills

Acceptance of C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Score: 191
Minimum 185 in each area


For more detailed information including international admission equivalencies, please read this information for International Students on the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website.