Program Overview

Program Overview

The PhD in Combinatorics and Optimization program at the University of Waterloo seamlessly integrates the study of discrete structures and related algorithms through combinatorics, and their applications to real-world problems. Research in this department emphasizes six fields: algebraic combinatorics, combinatorial/discrete optimization, continuous optimization, cryptography, graph theory, and quantum computing.

Research Fields

• Algebraic Combinatorics
• Continuous Optimization
• Cryptography
• Discrete Optimization
• Graph Theory
• Quantum Computing

Program Details

Department/School

The program is offered by the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization.

Faculty

The faculty offering the program is the Faculty of Mathematics.

Admit Term(s)

Admission terms are Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), and Spring (May - August).

Delivery Mode

The program is delivered on-campus.

Program Type

The program is a doctoral, research-based program.

Length of Program

The length of the program is 48 months (full-time).

Registration Option(s)

Registration options are full-time and part-time.

Study Option(s)

The study option is thesis-based.

Application Deadlines

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

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree in combinatorics and optimization, or in a closely related field, with a minimum 89% average in master's level coursework.
• Completion of a master's thesis.
• Evidence of research ability or potential.
• Students in the PhD program are regarded as being on probation during their first year in the department, and their performance during this first year determines whether they are allowed to continue in the program.
• A student who is enrolled in the Master of Mathematics (MMath) program in the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization and wishes to continue in the PhD program has to apply for admission into the program.
• In exceptional cases, a graduate student enrolled in a MMath (Thesis) program in the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization may, through the Graduate Officer and with the consent of the Supervisor, petition the Graduate Committee to be transferred into a PhD program.
• Applicants educated outside of Canada, including those from the United States, are recommended to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) subject test in mathematics.

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 Combinatorics and Optimization graduate students.

Application Materials

• 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): Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions.
• References: Three references are required, normally from academic sources.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: If applicable, proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).

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.