Overview

This Combinatorics and Optimization programme offered by University of Waterloo prepares researchers to investigate complex mathematical structures and develop innovative approaches for challenging theoretical and practical questions. Students undertake original scholarly work within a highly integrated environment that brings together multiple quantitative disciplines, encouraging the exchange of methods, concepts, and techniques across traditionally separate areas of study. The programme emphasizes the creation of new knowledge through rigorous analysis and independent investigation.

Key Facts

Doctoral candidates build specialized knowledge through advanced study and research while benefiting from the close connections between enumerative methods, network structures, secure information systems, computational technologies, and decision-making frameworks. By combining coursework with extensive dissertation research, students develop the analytical and technical capabilities needed to address sophisticated scientific and practical challenges. Graduates are well prepared for professional opportunities in universities, financial institutions, defence organizations, public-sector agencies, insurance companies, and technology-focused industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Algebraic Combinatorics

Continuous Optimization

Cryptography

Discrete Optimization

Graph Theory

Quantum Computing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Waterloo, Canada

Disciplines

Mathematics Operations Research

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General 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.
It is essential that the application for admission into the PhD program contains 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.
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. Neither the GRE general test nor the GRE subject test is required.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Waterloo and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14792 CAD / year

≈ 14792 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4596 CAD / year

≈ 4596 CAD / year

Living costs

Waterloo

Canada

810 - 1447 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Combinatorics and Optimization.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Waterloo

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners