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 one of the top actuarial schools in North America. In this program, students will take courses such as the mathematics of finance, risk theory, and pension mathematics taught by professional actuaries. Adding computer science, arts, and various math electives will give students a competitive edge for their careers because employers value a combination of technical and communication skills. Students will gain 20 months of paid work experience through the co-op program, the largest of its kind in Canada, or they can fast track their degrees by choosing the regular system of study. Either way, students will graduate from a highly rated actuarial school ready to enter a great job market, with high starting salaries.

Note: For direct entry, students are required to have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with the following band scores: 6.5 in writing, 6.5 in speaking, 6.0 in reading, 6.0 in listening. In lieu of this, students may be granted direct admission with an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no band lower than 6.0. Students with an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.4 may be offered admission on the condition they they complete University of Waterloo's Math/ELAS program prior to academic study to improve their English language.