What makes this program different?
Computing and Financial Management is jointly delivered through Waterloo's computing and accounting-and-finance strengths. Students develop software, data, mathematics, accounting, economics, and financial-management knowledge in one degree.
The program is deliberately specialized. It can fit fintech, quantitative analysis, financial systems, analytics, risk, and other roles where business decisions depend on technology.
Choose CFM because you want both serious computing and serious finance—not because you are undecided between two unrelated programs.
Understand the academic threshold.
Ontario applicants need a strong mathematics and English foundation. Waterloo lists individual selection from the low-to-mid 90s and requires the Admission Information Form.
- Ontario diplomaComplete the OSSD and the required Grade 12 U courses.
- EnglishAny Grade 12 U English with a minimum 75%.
- MathematicsMHF4U and MCV4U are required.
- Additional courseOne other Grade 12 U course is required.
- AIFSubmit Waterloo's required Admission Information Form.
Published ranges describe recent competition, not a guaranteed cutoff. Confirm the live admissions page for your intake and applicant type.
Apply to the exact CFM program.
Applicants should distinguish CFM from Computer Science, AFM, Mathematics, and other Waterloo programs that can lead to finance or technology roles.
- Direct-entry program
- Required senior mathematics
- Required AIF
- Co-op is built in
- Show sustained quantitative readiness
- Describe relevant projects honestly
- Compare CFM with CS and AFM
- Budget for study and work-term moves
A coding project, finance activity, or problem you explored deeply says more than listing unrelated clubs. Explain what you learned and why the intersection matters.
Foundation first. Direction next.
The curriculum develops computing and finance together, then uses work terms to test that combination in practice.
Build both foundations
Study programming, mathematics, economics, accounting, and finance.
Apply the combination
Complete paid work terms across technology, finance, analytics, or related settings.
Deepen integration
Use advanced computing and financial-management courses to solve more complex problems.
The workload is not half of each subject; students must meet meaningful expectations in both.
Review the current academic calendar because course sequences and degree requirements can change.
Co-op is central, not an add-on.
Build substantial paid experience across several recruiting cycles.
Connect software and data skills to financial products, markets, and institutions.
Test different functions, industries, and work environments.
Use campus clubs, projects, competitions, and entrepreneurship resources.
Waterloo does not guarantee a specific employer or role. Co-op success still depends on grades, skills, applications, interviews, and labour-market conditions.
Turn the degree into a direction.
Graduates can explore software development, financial analysis, fintech, data and business analytics, risk, product, consulting, and financial systems roles.
The strongest candidates can explain both the technology and the business decision it supports.
Professional credentials may help in some finance roles, but the degree does not automatically grant them.
Budget the complete experience.
Use Waterloo's official fee pages and include tuition, student fees, housing, food, equipment, transportation, and possible relocation between work terms.
Co-op earnings can help but should not be treated as guaranteed funding. Pay, job availability, and living costs differ by term and location.
Who might thrive here?
- Enjoy advanced mathematics
- Want substantial coding
- Are genuinely interested in finance
- Value repeated co-op terms
- Like connecting technical and commercial problems
- Want a broad general BBA
- Dislike programming
- Want minimal quantitative work
- Assume co-op guarantees a job
- Prefer maximum elective freedom
CFM is a distinctive choice for students ready to commit to the intersection of computing and finance. Its value comes from mastering both sides and using co-op to prove that integration.
Verify before you apply.
Use the linked official sources to confirm details for your circumstances. Requirements, dates, fees, curricula, and outcomes can change.