Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of MathematicsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $22,188Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Become a first-class independent researcher with the PhD in Statistics program. If you have completed a master’s or bachelor’s degree in statistics, actuarial science, mathematics, or other quantitative disciplines, this PhD will prepare you to enter a career in academia, research or private industry.
Read more
Programs in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science will give you qualifications for positions in business, industry, government agencies, research organizations, and academia. Our graduates are in demand and enjoy high degrees of job satisfaction. Research fields include computational statistics, finance, industrial statistics, probability, and statistical theory and methods.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• A master's degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics, completed or expected. Note: graduates of other quantitative and mathematically oriented programs are also encouraged to apply; this includes, but is not restricted to, graduates of commerce, economics, engineering, finance, and any of the physical sciences. The department graduate committee will determine the suitability of each student’s background for success in this program. || • Students with an undergraduate degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, and very strong letters of recommendation. || • At least an overall 78% average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent). || • An interview may be required. || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Describe why you want to pursue a graduate-level degree in statistics (maximum 500 words). || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • || Transcript(s) || • References || • Three references are required; at least two academic. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 4.5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5) · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$22,188 CAD / year≈ $16,315 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsWaterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: • December 1 (for admission in September of the following year)
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Statistics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) cost?
CAD 22,188 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• A master's degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics, completed or expected. Note: graduates of other quantitative and mathematically oriented programs are also encouraged to apply; this includes, but is not restricted to, graduates of commerce, economics, engineering, finance, and any of the physical sciences. The department graduate committee will determine the suitability of each student’s background for success in this program. || • Students with an undergraduate degree in statistics, actuarial science, or mathematics may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, and very strong letters of recommendation. || • At least an overall 78% average from a Canadian university (or its equivalent). || • An interview may be required. || • Resume || • Statement of interest || • Uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion. || • Describe why you want to pursue a graduate-level degree in statistics (maximum 500 words). || • Program-specific questions (PSQ) || • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application. || • || Transcript(s) || • References || • Three references are required; at least two academic. || • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable || • TOEFL 4.5 (writing 5, speaking 5), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5) · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5) · English test waiver: Exempt from submitting an ELP test score if any one applies: three or more years of post-secondary education at a Canadian institution or university; a completed graduate degree at a Canadian university; three or more years of post-secondary education or a completed graduate degree in an exempt country (list includes Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, UK, USA and others); at least three years' employment in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country; or three or more years of post-secondary education / a graduate degree at a university where English is the only language of instruction per the IAU WHED (this WHED exemption expires two years after graduation). Letters from a university stating the medium of instruction is English do NOT satisfy the requirement. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/admissions/admission-and-english-language-proficiency-requirements · Application fee: CAD 150.00 per program, non-refundable (Graduate Studies Applicant Portal)
Is there a scholarship?
Waterloo publishes guaranteed minimum funding for research-based programs: full-time research-based master's students (domestic and international) often receive minimum funding of CAD 12,000 for one year; full-time doctoral students receive minimum funding of CAD 29,145 per year (effective 1 May 2026) for up to four years. Minimum funding can come from scholarships, awards and graduate teaching/research assistantships. Source View scholarship page
Ready to apply?
Get expert guidance and take the first step towards your global education.
Free counselling · No application fee to enquire · Reply within 24h