Actuarial Science at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Bachelor of Mathematics in Actuarial Science, accredited by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, which can exempt graduates from several professional actuarial exams. Students apply to Mathematics and choose this major at the end of first year.

Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics | Department: Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science | Duration: 4 years (standard); co-op extends total time with work terms | Study mode: full-time co-op | Intake: September | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

First year covers calculus and algebra for honours mathematics, introductory computer science and Introduction to Actuarial Practice. Upper years are mostly Actuarial Science courses plus Statistics and Mathematics, including Investment Science and Corporate Finance, Credibility and Risk Theory, and Quantitative Enterprise Risk Management, with minors available in Finance, Predictive Analytics and Computing.

Career pathways

Common fields include finance, actuarial work, risk analysis and consulting; over 90% of graduates are employed within six months, at employers such as BMO, Sun Life, State Farm, TD Securities, Manulife and Munich Reinsurance.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario students need six Grade 12 U/M courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, a Grade 12 U English and one other 4U course; the admission average starts from the mid-80s on individual selection. Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science is recommended and an Admission Information Form is required.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/actuarial-science

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