Quantitative Finance - Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Today's financial industry is rapidly evolving and complex. The Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) program focuses on the fundamental disciplines of mathematics, statistics, econometrics, machine learning, computer science and finance to provide the analytical tools to solve practical problems in the complex world of finance. You’ll be equipped for positions with financial institutions, corporations and government regulatory organizations.

Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics | Department: Statistics and Actuarial Science | Duration: 16 months (full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (September - December); application deadlines: January 6 (for admission in September) | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper*.

Career pathways

Based in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, the program is offered with the option of a research paper or a thesis. The thesis option is best if you’re interested in pursuing research or a PhD, while the research paper option allows you to complete an internship where you’ll acquire practical experience in a real-world setting to graduate career ready.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An overall 80% average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent). A four-year honour's bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a strong background in quantitative methods. Such a background may be in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, computer science, economics, engineering, physics, provided there is a strong component of high level mathematics in the program. Strong communication skills are also highly desirable. An interview and diagnostic test may be 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.

Terms run fall (September to December), winter (January to April) and spring (May to August). Programmes are currently accepting applications for fall 2027; intake terms vary by programme.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program, paid in the applicant portal. Deadlines are set by each programme (for example MDSAI part-time: fall January 15, winter July 1). Apply two to four weeks ahead of the programme deadline.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

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