Waterloo CFM
University of Waterloo
Computing & Financial Management (CFM) lets you study deep computer science and finance inside a single degree — effectively two majors at once, for students genuinely drawn to the technical sides of both.
What CFM is — and what it isn't
CFM is jointly administered by Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics and the School of Accounting and Finance. Students take substantial coursework from both Computer Science (from the Faculty of Mathematics) and Finance, effectively studying two majors within a single degree.
CFM occupies a unique niche in the Canadian undergraduate landscape, equipping students with deep technical knowledge in both finance and computer science. Waterloo describes the program as combining expertise in computer science and finance, with graduates prepared for careers in technology, quantitative finance, or the rapidly growing fintech sector.
It is best for students drawn to the technical sides of both fields
CFM is often misunderstood. It is not a business degree with a coding background, and it is not a computer science degree with some accounting basics — it is a genuinely technical program in both disciplines. It is best positioned for students with a real interest in the technical sides of finance and computer science alike.
The common misreading
“A business degree with a coding background,” or “a CS degree with some accounting basics.” Neither captures the program.
What it actually is
Substantial, rigorous coursework in both computer science and finance — two majors’ worth of technical depth in one degree.
A co-op-only program with six work terms
CFM is offered exclusively as a co-op program, giving students six work terms to explore opportunities in software development, quantitative analysis, banking, investments, data science, and related fields. Waterloo specifically highlights roles such as software developer, data engineer, and global markets quantitative analyst as common outcomes for students in the program.
- Software developer
- Data engineer
- Quantitative analyst
- Banking & investments
- Data science
- Fintech
How to apply: the AIF and CEMC contests
Applying to CFM requires completion of the Admission Information Form (AIF). There is no video interview and no timed written essay portion. Even though there is no SIF requirement for CFM applicants, the Mathematics department heavily considers CEMC contest scores for both admissions and scholarship decisions.
For CFM specifically, three contests carry weight:
CCC
Canadian Computing Competition — the CS-focused contest that signals programming ability.
CSMC
Canadian Senior (and Intermediate) Mathematics Contest — a marker of mathematical depth.
Euclid
The Euclid Mathematics Contest — the senior contest most closely watched in Math admissions.
Application components
OUAC application — marks & transcripts
Admission Information Form (AIF) — no video interview or timed essay
CEMC contest scores: CCC, CSMC, and Euclid
How we coach for it
CFM rewards a long runway. We help Grade 12 students prepare their AIFs — strategically structuring essays and prompts to demonstrate each applicant's unique story — and we help students in Grades 9–11 find the CEMC contest path that maximizes their chances of admission, fits their personal strengths, and aligns with their extracurricular and academic involvement.
- Decode each supplementary or application prompt and what it's really assessing.
- Build a profile and narrative that's competitive across multiple programs at once.
- Practise written and video components with structured, honest feedback.
- Keep every word authentically yours — we teach the how, you do the writing.
Frequently asked
Your program lead
Evelyn Zheng
Lead Coach | Head of Canadian Admissions · HBA '22, Ivey Business School · Western University
Selective business programs reward clarity, not noise. With Waterloo CFM, my job is to help you find the one or two things you genuinely care about and build an honest, competitive story around them.Read Evelyn's biography
Ready to start your Waterloo CFM application?
Speak with a coach who specializes in this program.