Program Overview

Program Overview

The PhD in Pure Mathematics program at the University of Waterloo is designed for students who wish to conduct original research and generate new knowledge in the field of pure mathematics. The program is offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and has a duration of 48 months for full-time students.

Research Fields

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Algebra and Logic
• Analysis
• Geometry and Topology
• Number Theory

Program Details

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

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree (or equivalent) in mathematics with at least a 78% standing. Exceptions may be made for students with an honours bachelor degree who demonstrate a very high level of background preparation and research potential.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.

Application Materials

• Program-specific questions (PSQ): These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three references are required, at least two academic.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Application Deadlines

• December 1 (for admission in September the following year)
• December 1 (for admission in January the year after next)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page 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.

Career Opportunities

At the end of the program, students will be prepared to pursue a career in academia, the computer industry, teaching at the high school or college level, or in business, particularly finance. The field of pure mathematics has significant real-life applications, such as finance and cryptography.