The Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre, home to the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, located on Waterloo's main campus.
Are you fascinated by mathematics as both an art and a science while also being interested in the quantum world?
Discover the PhD in Pure Mathematics Collaborative Quantum Information program, where you’ll conduct original research and generate new knowledge that explores the boundary of mathematics and pure reason.
In collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), this program offers unique opportunities to engage in world-leading research in quantum information. Along with developing expertise in your area of mathematics research, you’ll receive a strong and broad foundation in quantum information science through a wide range of advanced research projects and advanced courses on the foundations, applications and implementation of quantum information processing. You’ll be able to seamlessly apply your skills, tools, and knowledge to address some of the most challenging problems the world is facing today.
At the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to pursue a career in academia, the computer industry, teaching at the high school or college level, or in business, particularly finance.
Program overview
Department/School: Pure Mathematics
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Collaborative, Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- December 1 (for admission in September the following year)*
- December 1 (for admission in January the year after next)*
*Please note that both the Fall and Winter admit terms have the same application deadline.
Key contacts
Supervisors
- Review the finding a supervisor resources.
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.
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the Department of Pure Mathematics graduate students.
Application materials
- 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 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
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.
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Review living costs and housing.
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Learn about the PhD housing guarantee pilot program for newly admitted students in fall 2025 and winter 2026.
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- Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.