Actuaries use math and statistics to predict uncertain events in the finance and insurance industries, such as stock market performance and income from insurance policies and pension plans. An actuary's goal is to balance financial success with an acceptable level of risk.


Waterloo is recognized as the top actuarial school in North America. In our program, you'll take courses such as the mathematics of finance, risk theory, and pension mathematics which are taught by professional actuaries. Adding computer science, arts, and various mathematics electives will give you a competitive edge when you graduate because employers value a combination of technical and communication skills.

Gain 20 months of paid work experience through our co-op program, the largest of its kind in Canada, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular system of study. Either way, you'll graduate from a highly rated actuarial school ready to enter a great job market, with high starting salaries.

A 2010 survey by US job search website CareerCast ranked actuary as the #1 job based on income, employment outlook, environment, physical demands, and stress.

Type of program

System of study

For more information, please visit the Actuarial Science website.

See the Mathematics admissions.

Co-op work/study sequences

Sample co-op positions

Recent graduates