A route to explore · Ontario

I enjoy mathematics. Could I build a career in insurance or financial risk?

Discover actuarial science through a first degree

Show me where to start ↓Explore programs →

Your starting point

Compare Waterloo Mathematics entry requirements with your school qualifications. If you already have a quantitative degree, compare the conversion pathway first.

A pathway helps you explore. It does not decide eligibility or guarantee admission, funding, licensing or work. Each program has its own checked date.

01 / Start with your situation

Your first steps

Compare Waterloo Mathematics entry requirements with your school qualifications. If you already have a quantitative degree, compare the conversion pathway first.
Ask how the first-year Mathematics courses lead to the actuarial major and whether prior university credits transfer.
Treat CIA Pathway 1 as a later professional stage for eligible accredited-degree study; obtain a full study budget and individual aid assessment.

02 / Compare real options

Programs and organizations to explore

Open a program to see requirements, costs, funding and the official starting point.

University of Waterloo

Bachelor of Mathematics — Actuarial Science →

An actuarial degree with regular and co-op options, linking probability, statistics and risk analysis to professional education.

Current intake not confirmed · Confirm cost with provider

Checked October 20, 2026 How we check information

Requirements, funding and where to start →

Canadian Institute of Actuaries

CIA Pathway 1 — accredited-degree route to ACIA and FCIA →

A professional qualification route after/during accredited university education, leading to Associate and potentially Fellow membership.

Ongoing enquiries or individual applications · Confirm cost with provider

Checked October 20, 2026 How we check information

Requirements, funding and where to start →

03 / Check affordability

Possible funding

These are leads to assess individually. Loans must be repaid, and grants have conditions.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) →

Eligible study costs, with living and dependent-care costs considered where applicable.

Current intake not confirmed · mixed aid

Checked October 20, 2026 How we check information

Requirements, funding and where to start →

04 / Before you commit

Important distinctions

The Waterloo degree and CIA qualification are separate stages, not two equivalent courses.
Admission, exam credit, co-op employment and eventual professional membership are not automatic. OSAP must be assessed for the university enrolment, not assumed for CIA fees.