Program Overview

Program Overview

The PhD in Applied Mathematics Collaborative Quantum Information program is offered by the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. This program allows students to conduct mathematics-based research and generate new knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment, focusing on world-leading research at the cutting edge of quantum information.

Program Details

• Department/School: Applied Mathematics
• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Collaborative, Doctoral, Research
• Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average: 78% or its equivalent
• Evidence of potential for performing original research, typically provided by successful completion of a master's thesis in a mathematics-related discipline
• In some circumstances, a student enrolled in the MMath program may transfer to the PhD program without completing their MMath program

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the department of Applied Mathematics graduate students

Application Materials

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): Questions specific to the program you’re applying to
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three references are required, normally from academic sources
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
• Review living costs and housing
• Learn about the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students in fall 2026 and winter 2027
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students

Research Areas

The program offers unique opportunities to engage in world-leading research in quantum information, in collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC). Students will develop expertise in their area of mathematics research and receive a strong and broad foundation in quantum information science through advanced research projects and courses on the foundations, applications, and implementation of quantum information processing.