phd finance toronto

Your PhD in Administration

PhD in Administration

Applications for Fall 2024 will be accepted between August 15 th , 2023 and December 8 th , 2023.

We strongly encourage all those considering applying to the Schulich PhD in Administration or those seeking more information to first watch the helpful ‘Schulich PhD in Administration Program Overview and Application Tips Information Session’  for the Fall 2024 intake.

The Schulich doctorate comprises four tightly linked phases of study: coursework to acquire in-depth knowledge of your field of study; a comprehensive examination to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter; defense of a formal research proposal; and a dissertation.

From the outset of the PhD program, you are invited to start thinking about the direction of your research. Scholarly development through the presentation and publication of papers with professors and other students is a cornerstone of the program.

Want to learn more?

View all program details, view course offerings, application tips and faqs, meet our students.

“My time at Schulich has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. I have so many fond memories of how vibrant the research culture was and how incredibly generous the professors, fellow students, and staff were - and frankly, still are - with me.” Marie-Agnès Parmentier, PhD 2009 Associate Professor, Marketing, HEC Montreal

Explore our PhD Specializations.

At Schulich, our expertise in various specialized areas of study will help you meet your unique career objectives and give you a competitive career advantage.

• Operations Management & Information Systems
• Organization Studies
• Policy and Strategic Management
• Sustainability

Career Opportunities

Prepare for a stimulating career in academic teaching and research. Graduates from this rigorous program of study contribute to the knowledge and global practice of business through tenure stream positions at leading universities in Canada, the U.S. or abroad.

PhD in the News

Professors Henriques and Diamant Honored at Research Day 2024

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Accountants Have Clearer Guidelines When it Comes to Reporting Illegal Acts

Phd program details by category, admission requirements, requirement checklist.

• Exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered.
• Masters degrees in Business (MBA’s) from South Asia may require further academic qualifications for consideration.
• A degree certificate will be required if the transcript does not indicate graduation or completion from a program.
• Acceptable scores on all measures of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination taken in the last five years.
• While we do not have a minimum GMAT or GRE cut-off, it is recommended that candidates present a competitive score of 650 and above in the GMAT or 320 and above in the GRE.
• To send your scores for these tests to us please use the following codes: GMAT code Z75-X8-80 or GRE code 5697
• Prior research experience is strongly recommended.
• The online application requires: essays (written), an updated résumé and 3 recommendations. Copies of transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and language proficiency test scores (if applicable) may be uploaded to facilitate the initial review process. Note that unofficial documents are sufficient at the application stage.

The PhD program is offered on a full-time basis only. Full-time studies start in September of each year.

The Fall 2024 PhD Application portal will open on August 15 th , 2023.

Fall 2024 Application Deadline: December 8, 2023

Please complete all sections (personal information, education, program of study, payment) of the online application and upload all supporting documentation (e.g. Curriculum Vitae, Scanned Transcripts, Unofficial GMAT or GRE results, and proof of English Proficiency – TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable) by the deadline date. Hard copies of supporting documents are not required at the time of application. Official transcripts and official copies of test scores are only required once an offer of admission is made.

Admissions Decision:  March 2024

For additional admissions information and/or questions about the application process, contact the Schulich PhD Admissions team through our Graduate Enquiry Form. 

View PhD Program Details    Apply Now!

Tuition & Fees

For information on PhD fees, please see York University’s Graduate Student Fees table.

To learn more about the funding offered to PhD students please review PhD Financial Assistance.

Students entering Schulich’s PhD program may expect to receive $30,000 (domestic) and $43,000 (international) each year, up to five years. This funding is guaranteed, provided that students remain in good standing, show satisfactory progress in their work, maintain full-time status and fulfill the expected requirements. If a student defends his/her dissertation proposal before September 15 in his/her fourth year (i.e. start of term 10), he/she is eligible to receive an additional $2000 in year four. Funding in years one through three is tied to a research assistantship. Details are available from the PhD program.

In addition, students will have opportunities to pursue special awards through Schulich and York University and options for working on and off campus. For full details click below.

Financial Aid for PhD Students

Study Options

The PhD must be taken on a full-time basis for the first two years of study. To remain eligible for funding, students must maintain their full-time status.

Available delivery options

• Full-time 48 to 72 months

Location(s)

• Keele Campus Toronto

The requirements to successfully complete the program are outlined below in “Curriculum Overview.”

Curriculum Overview

Candidates for the PhD degree must complete studies in one of the following major fields: Accounting, Organizational Studies, Finance, Marketing, Policy and Strategic Management, or Operations Management and Information Systems. They must also complete a series of methodological courses relevant to that major field.

 Learn more about PhD Course Types 

Coursework only accounts for one of four phases in the PhD program. For a more detailed overview of the PhD program’s four broad phases of study, view program requirements (below)

The courses you take are dependent on your particular program of study and research interests. To see which courses are required for your area of interest, view specializations (below) .

To browse all of our course offerings, view current PhD course offerings or visit our Course Catalog .

Coursework is intended to prepare students to carry out leading-edge research in their major field. A student’s coursework plan is developed in consultation with the faculty member from the student’s field who has been assigned as an advisor.

Students entering the PhD program without an MBA degree are required to do a number of Schulich MBA 1 Required Foundations of Management Core Courses.

Students must complete the following course requirements:

• A core of courses designed to support necessary methodology training
• A minimum of four courses in the major field
• A minimum of two electives in topics related to the major field, approved by the PhD program coordinator in the candidate’s major field of study.

These courses will normally be chosen from those offered at the 7000-level at the Schulich School of Business. With permission, some may be chosen from those offered at the graduate level by other graduate programs or at other academic institutions.

Comprehensive Examination

Each student must pass a comprehensive examination before proceeding to formal work on her or his dissertation. Comprehensive examinations are designed to demonstrate competence and knowledge in the field. The examination is set and administered by the faculty within the student’s major field.

The Faculty regards the comprehensive examination as a pivotal point for deciding whether students should be allowed to proceed with their studies or be encouraged to withdraw from the program.

Dissertation Proposal and Oral Defence

Candidates must prepare a written proposal to conduct original dissertation research carried out under the supervision of a supervisory committee and must defend this to the satisfaction of the thesis supervisor and members of the committee.

Dissertation and Oral Examination

Candidates must prepare a dissertation based on original research carried out under the supervision of a supervisory committee and submit the results in appropriate dissertation form. After the formal submission of the dissertation, an oral examination is held. It is expected that all or part of the dissertation will be published following professional or scientific review.

The Schulich School of Business continues to accelerate in its commitment to research excellence across all functional and program areas and through thriving interdisciplinary initiatives within Schulich and beyond. Fundamental to our success in advancing knowledge and understanding in business has been the continued recruitment of researchers of the highest distinction and calibre.

Browse our PhD specializations for faculty profiles by academic area.

Teaching & Learning Online

Program faculty members

Professor of Strategy and International Business; Pierre Lassonde Chair in International Business

Professor of Strategic Management; Executive Director, York Change Leadership (YCL)

Professor of Finance; Bob Finlayson Chair in International Finance

Professor of Marketing; Kraft Foods Canada Chair in Marketing

Professor of Sustainability Accounting; Erivan K. Haub Chair in Business & Sustainability

Professor of Marketing; Director, PhD Program

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management

Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems; York Research Chair in Managing AI-Driven Technologies in Health Care

Associate Professor of Finance

Professor of Public Policy and Sustainability; Director, BBA/iBBA Programs

Professor of Accounting

Professor of Strategic Management

Professor of Marketing; Associate Dean, Research; Anne & Max Tanenbaum Chair in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Professor of Marketing

Associate Professor; Ann Brown Chair in Organization Studies

Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems; Program Director, Master of Supply Chain Management

Professor of Accounting; Associate Dean, Students; Ron Binns Chair in Financial Reporting, Banking and Governance

Professor; RBC Chair in Social Innovation & Impact; Area Coordinator, Sustainability

Program Director, MBA in Technology Leadership; Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems; Special Advisor, AI & Business Analytics

Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems; CPA Ontario Chair in International Entrepreneurship; Co-director of Entrepreneurial Studies

Associate Professor; York Research Chair in Stigmatization and Social Identity

Professor of Strategy; Scotiabank Chair in International Business and Entrepreneurship

Professor of Finance

Professor of Finance; Scotiabank Chair in International Finance

Associate Dean, External Relations; Canada Research Chair (Tier II); Professor of Marketing

Program Director, Master of Marketing; Associate Professor of Marketing

Canada Research Chair in Supply Chain Management (Tier 1); Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems

Associate Professor of Organization Studies; Area Coordinator, Organization Studies

Associate Professor of Organization Studies

Professor of Finance; Area Coordinator, Finance

Professor of Strategic Management; Newmont Endowed Chair in Business Strategy

Associate Professor of Organization Studies; Associate Dean, Academic

FCA, FCPA (Ontario); Professor of Accounting; Area Coordinator, Accounting

Associate Professor of Marketing

Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems; Director, Master of Business Analytics; Director, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence

Program Director, Master of Management; Associate Professor of Organization Studies

Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems

Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Analytics

Assistant Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems

Assistant Professor of Finance

Student Research

Select a PhD specialization to learn more about recent student research, publication and placement.

Application FAQs and Tips

1. how do i apply.

Start by creating a profile in our online system . Once you submit your profile page, check your email to create a password for your application. It may take up to 15 minutes for the email to arrive. Save that email for reference, as it also contains the permanent link to the application portal. You will then be able to begin your application and upload your documents.

2. How much does it cost to apply?

The application fee is $150CAD payable online with any major credit card.

The PhD program does not offer application fee waiver.

3. Do you offer application fee waivers?

4. when will a decision be issued.

Applications will be reviewed following the application deadline. Decisions will be made in March/April.

5. Do I need to send in official documents?

Official documents are not required at the application stage .

You can apply with unofficial documents that are scanned and uploaded to your application. Please ensure all information on scanned documents is clear and legible. The grading scale or legend must be included with the uploaded transcript for each institution; this information is often found on the back or at the end of the transcript. Unofficial test results must be submitted with your application. Required test results need to be submitted prior to the application deadline to be considered.

Official documents are only required following an admissions decision. If admitted to the program, final official transcripts must be submitted before the term start date (early September). Official transcripts and test results must be mailed or emailed directly from the issuing institution.  If my mail:

Graduate Recruitment & Admissions, Room W263B Seymour Schulich Building Schulich School of Business – York University 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario Canada, M3J 1P3

** If the institutions that you have attended provide Official Transcripts in digital format, you may arrange with your institutions to send the official transcripts directly to us via email to [email protected] . (Note: Only transcripts received directly from the institutions are considered official.)

For questions on admission on conditions, please visit http://futurestudents.yorku.ca/admission-conditions

6. Which part of the application is most important?

We take a holistic approach during the application review process and all components of the application are thoroughly reviewed. There is no particular weight assigned to any of the components in the application.

7. Is there a word limit to the essay questions?

No, there is no word limit for the essays.

Applicants are required to provide a written statement in the “Essays” section of the application. This is the statement where you will describe your motives for pursuing PhD studies. Your statement of intent should include:

1) your specific research interests 2) why you have selected your chosen field 3) your career plans

We suggest to provide responses to the questions that equals 1-2 pages in length.

8. Is the GMAT or GRE a mandatory requirement and can this be waived?

Yes, the GMAT or GRE is mandatory.

GMAT or GRE is a requirement of the program and cannot be waived.

All applicants are required to complete the GMAT or the GRE if they wish to be eligible for admission, regardless of their academic or professional profile.

9. What is minimum competitive GMAT or GRE score?

While we do not have a minimum GMAT or GRE cut-off, however, it is recommended that candidates present a competitive score of 650 and above in the GMAT or 320 and above in the GRE.

10. What are the minimum scores required on the acceptable English language tests?

The following minimum scores are acceptable for admission consideration:

11. Can the English language test requirements be waived?

If you have studied full-time at a university where the language of instruction and examination were English for at least 1 year you will not be required to submit an English proficiency test score.

Please note that your official university transcripts or supporting documentation from the university must state the degree was taught in English .

12. Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? Is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor?

Applicants are not required to secure a supervisor before applying to the PhD program.

Your supervisor is typically identified after admission and admission is not conditional upon securing a supervisor. However, we encourage our applicants to connect with our area representatives (see PhD program specializations) to discuss research interests and learn more about each area.

13. Can I use professional references instead of academic references?

You will enter your information into Step 7 of the application form. Full details can be found within the application. Please choose referees, or recommenders, who are most familiar with your potential as a scholar and researcher.

General guidelines for choosing your referees:

• Referees are typically research professors, or others who are able to comment on your scholarly and educational goals.
• Referees should know you well and be able to attest to your past performance, potential, and qualifications for completing a Ph.D. in business and a scholarly career.
• Referees who have served as a research supervisor or a similar role are most preferred.
• Referees cannot be relatives or friends. Schulich cannot offer advice on the suitability of your referee – only you can decide who will best represent you.
• Referee information should be complete, and references should be submitted on time to meet the program deadline.
• Referees must complete the online reference form, recommendation letters will not be accepted.

14. How much is tuition and what financial aid opportunities are available?

For information on PhD fees, please see York University’s Graduate Student Fees table.

View Graduate Program Fees Structure FAQs

Please visit our PhD Financial Assistance page for more information on financial support and scholarships available to full-time doctoral students.

15. I don’t have my GMAT/GRE score yet. Can I complete and submit my application now and then take the GMAT or GRE and submit the score later?

Yes, but you will need to indicate your scheduled GMAT or GRE test date in the initial stages of your application. Also keep in mind that the PhD application must be submitted by the application deadline (December 8th, 2023 for the Fall 2024 intake) and the GMAT or GRE score must be received no later than December 15th, 2023. If the GMAT/GRE is not received by that date, the application will be eliminated from consideration.

16. I have read the information above but have a question I can’t find the answer to. Who can I contact?

Please connect with the PhD admissions team here: https://schulich.yorku.ca/admissions/connect-with-us/grad-inquiry/

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PhD program admission requirements

Degree and course requirements.

Applicants must have completed, or be in the process of completing a master's degree in economics or a related field with an average of at least B+, or have completed, or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field with an average of at least A- in the final two years of study.

We offer both regular-entry and direct-entry PhD programs. The regular-entry program is open only to students who will have completed the requirements for a master’s degree in economics or a related field by September of the year for which they are applying. Students who do not expect to satisfy this condition should apply to the direct-entry program . In particular, applicants currently in the final year of a bachelor’s program should apply for the direct-entry PhD. Under no circumstances should you apply to both the regular-entry and the direct-entry PhD program. Applicants to the direct-entry program will be asked whether they wish to be considered for the Economics MA program should their PhD application be unsuccessful.

Applicants educated in a country other than Canada should check the equivalent qualifications table prior to starting the online admission application (not all bachelor’s or master's degrees are equivalent to the corresponding degree from the University of Toronto). The PhD is a full-time program. It is not possible to pursue a PhD on a part-time basis. Candidates are required to remain in full-time attendance for the first three years of the program. There is one admission date, in September. There is no January admission.

Applicants must have a strong preparation in advanced mathematics, statistics, and economics, including courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics or statistics.

Please note that meeting these minimum requirements does not imply automatic acceptance into the program. (See the PhD FAQ for the typical profile of a successful applicant.)

The admission process

Please read in full the application information and instructions prior to starting the university's online application to ensure you have informed yourself on essential information including: application deadlines, application processing time, planning for your application submission, how to apply, contact information and the application assessment process.

Once the university's online application form has been completed and the application fee paid (final deadline January 19, 2024), applicants will receive an email message from the Department of Economics with a link to a supplementary form. When this form is completed and the Economics Graduate Office has received all required supporting documentation (final deadline January 19, 2024), the department will begin to review and assess the application. To avoid any issues, we strongly advise applicants to complete their application and supplementary form well in advance of the deadline. To be considered for certain prestigious scholarships, such as the Connaught or Trillium scholarship, the application must be completed by January 19, 2024, including all required supporting documentation.

The application assessment process

The files of applicants who meet the minimum requirements, submit all the required documents by the deadline will be reviewed by the Department of Economics Admissions Committee. Note: The meeting of these requirements is only a necessary condition, not a sufficient condition, for acceptance into the program. The Admissions Committee normally starts to make first round offers from mid-March through early April and may continue with subsequent rounds of offers until June. All applicants will be notified either with an offer of admission or rejection of their application by the end of June.

Please also see our PhD FAQ page for the answers to commonly asked questions.

Department of Economics University of Toronto Max Gluskin House 150 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G7, Canada (416) 978-4622

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Main Content

Master of Finance

Accelerate your finance career by earning your MFin from Rotman. This innovative 20-month program features top-ranked faculty, cutting-edge curriculum and dynamic connections to Bay Street. From classic corporate finance to fin tech disruption, gain valuable knowledge and skills that will have an immediate impact on your current role – and transform your future.

• MFin Stories
• Ready to Apply?

Develop your finance career

As Canada’s leading business school, Rotman offers wide-ranging opportunities to accelerate your career and develop your leadership potential. We’ll give you the finance fluency to make direct impact in your workplace. Classes take place every Wednesday evening and typically full days every other Saturday.

Apply Now Start in September 2024

Rotman Master of Finance program overview

Master the innovations that are rapidly transforming the finance industry, with cutting edge coursework that prepares you to tackle the challenges of today - and tomorrow.

Faculty and Research

No other business school in Canada can match the high standards set by our faculty, who have earned a global reputation for ground-breaking research, published work and authoritative insight into finance issues.

Women in Finance

The Rotman Master of Finance community is committed to investing in the careers of female professionals in finance. We engage and support women who seek to build their leadership skills and take their careers to the next level.

Finance Lab

Our state-of-the-art BMO Financial Group Finance Research and Trading Lab allows you to hone your investment, trading and hedging strategies through access to information on the global markets and tools developed by Rotman experts.

Rotman FinHub- Financial Innovation Hub in Advanced Analytics

Bringing together FinTech practitioners with researchers and students interested in financial innovation issues, the hub explores financial applications of new technologies including blockchain, machine learning, big data and quantum computing.

Event and Speakers

Learn from the best. Each year, Rotman hosts over 100 public talks by best-selling authors, finance professionals and other thought leaders. The insights shared by these speakers have an extraordinary impact.

First steps

Get started by reading about our entrance requirements, attending one of our admission events, and sending your resume to our team to request a coffee chat request. After reviewing your work and academic history, we can help guide you through the application process.

What we look for

Admission Criteria

MFin students live and work in the Toronto area, have an undergraduate degree, and relevant work experience in finance or business. They aim to accelerate their careers to become future finance leaders.

MFin Admissions Events

We run a regular schedule of information sessions, webinars, panels and sample classes for the program. Get to know the school, and learn how to position your profile in the strongest way when you apply.

Already hold a CFA designation?

Many of our students already hold at least CFA Level I, with others having progressed to CFA Level III or Charterholder status. Hear from some of our alumni on why they feel it is beneficial to earn both a Rotman Master of Finance and CFA status.

Application Deadlines

The earlier you apply, the greater your chance to secure an entrance award.

Fees and Expenses

Find out more about Rotman MFin program fees and the kinds of expenses you can expect.

Financing Your MFin

The Rotman School strives to recruit the best candidates to its programs, and is committed to helping you afford your education by providing a broad range of financial options.

FAQs: Ask Questions, Get Answers

Have a question about getting into the program? Here are some of our frequently asked questions. If you don't see your answer here, feel free to contact us to ask!

Transform your potential

The MFin program provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a high-value decision maker. Thanks to the School’s reputation, its deep connections with the local business community, and the strength of its dedicated career services, Rotman can put you on the path toward a successful post-MFin career.

➔ Download the MFin Program Brochure

Prepare for Career Success

Getting ahead.

In a competitive job market, it takes serious focus, drive and leadership skills to take your career to the next level. Whether you are looking to advance or transition professionally, our Career Services coaches will help you position yourself to reach your goals.

"With the tools and skills I gained through this intense 20-month experience, I was able to make a career move at my workplace and land my dream job right after graduation."

- Miranda Fong, MFin, MBA, CFA, Senior Commercial Account Manager, Not-for-Profit Industries, RBC

Graduate profiles

Careers in Finance

Leading companies from across the finance industry seek out Rotman MFin students and graduates for their proven ability to solve tough problems and deliver impressive results.

Emily Halverson-Duncan, MFin '22, CFA

“I’m excited to be working in a role where I am constantly learning. Every day is challenging and engaging,”

• Q&A with Emily
• These MFin students are taking their careers to new and unexpected places

Brittany Miranda, MFin ‘21, CFA

“This program will challenge you to grow and improve as a finance professional. A great amount of time is spent studying many types of investments, but you'll learn the most important investment is the one you make in yourself. The Rotman MFin's return on investment is second to none."

• Q&A with Brittany

Jonathan Zhao, MFin '21

“I want to keep expanding my skillsets and interests into multiple fields rather than being strong in just one.”

• Bridging the gap between accounting and finance as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte

Talal Alam-Eddine, MFin ’22, FRM

"In addition to covering traditional subjects such as corporate valuation and portfolio management, I liked that the program addresses some of the latest innovations in the industry – particularly fin tech."

• Q&A with Talal

Ways to engage

A degree from the Rotman School gives you access to top jobs across a broad range of industries. Our high-touch approach and exceptional staff-to-student ratio means you enjoy personalized attention to help you achieve your career goals.

The program is designed for ambitious professionals who are looking to make the most of their career potential. While there are many ways to measure the return on investment of the program, our goal is to equip you with a lifelong toolkit you can use to take ownership of and manage your career and professional development long after graduation.

To that end, our dedicated Career Services team is committed to working closely with you to refine your career goals, market yourself efficiently, and network with people in a position to help you reach your targets. 

Career services provides students with career support through a range of offerings including:

Individual career coaching (in person or via telephone)

• Self-assessment
• Job search strategy
• Resume and cover letter review
• Interview preparation
• Job offer and negotiation advice
• Career advancement strategy (leverage your MFin within your organization)

Professional development workshops

• Crafting management planning
• Advanced resumes
• Job search strategies 
• Networking and relationship building
• Behavioural and technical interview preparation

Online career resources

• Best in class career content
• Valuable research tools
• Webinars and podcasts
• Access to alumni

As a graduate of the Rotman Master of Finance program you will have lifelong career support that will benefit you throughout your entire professional career.

• How hard work, luck and support from the Rotman community helped this MFin '20 grad get hired

• Career support for Master of Finance students

Cutting-edge curriculum delivered by experts in the field

Offering coursework to fit the needs of the finance professional, MFin gives you an unparalleled breadth and depth of financial knowledge. The curriculum considers how technology is changing the industry, preparing you to tackle these challenges effectively today and in the future.

"Basic coding skills don’t cut it anymore, it’s the era of big data on Wall Street and Bay Street. Banks and financial institutions are looking for talent that has a grip on technology. The MFin program teaches you how to frame intelligent questions and cut through the noise."

- Laura Garzon (MFin ‘20), Associate, Prime Services Group, CIBC Capital Markets

Emerging technologies

Co-curricular workshops, led by FinHub and the TD Management Data and Analytics Lab, help you master the new technologies that are transforming the industry. Sessions on Python and R will develop your coding skills and your ability to manage large and complex datasets.

MFin Course descriptions

The Rotman Master of Finance program provides unmatched theoretical and applied training in finance.

Self-Development Lab

Learn how to inspire others into action. The SDL offers an extensive schedule of workshops designed to nurture your communication and interpersonal skills through feedback-based learning.

Creative Destruction Lab

Become an innovator at one of the world's fastest-growing business incubators. Rotman MFin students can play a vital role at the Lab by providing the strategic insights and the financial acumen needed to turn research innovations into high-growth ventures.

Meet the class

Each MFin class is a diverse group of professionals from all areas of finance - risk, portfolio management, corporate finance, equity research, accounting, sales & trading and so on. They are finance professionals in large banks and boutique firms. Students are selected for their motivation, professional and personal achievements and potential for continuing success.

"The MFin program was a great experience and I’m happy with my time there. I met a lot of smart, creative peers and faculty, and more importantly, we debated both the theory and practice of finance. At the end of the day we all came out smarter, more experienced, and better prepared."

- Siyan Tan, MFin, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

Master of Finance,  Class of 2025 profile

Average Age

Average work experience

% Level II or higher or hold CPA or FCIA

Average score

Academic background

67 % Business/Commerce 10 % Math/Computer Science 10 % Other 7 % Engineering 3 % Life Sciences 3 % Economics

Industry background

20 %  Investment/Portfolio/Wealth Management 17 %  Accounting 13 %  Risk Management/Treasury/Corporate Credit 13 %  Commercial and Corporate Banking 11 %  Retail Banking 7 %  Investment Banking 7 %  Sales and Trading 3 %  Operations 3 % Equity Research 3 % Corporate Finance 3 %  Consulting Strategy

Notable MFin' 23 Employers

BMO Canada Pension Plan Investments Board CIBC CMLS Financial Guardian Capital Group

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan RBC Capital Markets RBC Global Asset Management Scotiabank TD Bank Group

Read about MFin students, alumni and the Rotman School

What is it really like to be part of an MFin class? Find out by reading about the experiences of current class members and graduates.

"The Rotman experience is defined by the people - ambitious classmates who share your passion to achieve."

-Flavia Carvalho, MFin '19

MFin students & alumni stories

The program is designed for motivated finance professionals who are looking to make the most of their career potential.

Read articles about current students, faculty, and the MFin program.

Women of MFin

Rotman in the news.

Each week, our faculty share their groundbreaking research, published work and their authoritative insight into an exceptionally wide range of management issues. Take a moment to find out what's happening this week at Rotman.

Ready to apply and master your finance career?

• Check out our  admissions criteria .
• Have questions? You can  submit your resume  for feedback on whether the Rotman MFin program is right for you. Or,  contact our admissions team . We would love to chat

Start your application

Note: This program is structured for working professionals. We recommend all students have employment in the Greater Toronto area prior to starting their studies.

"The program breadth and depth is truly exceptional, and it has allowed me to significantly accelerate my career."

- Michael Hayes, MFin, CFA, Director, Structuring & Credit Risk, BMO Corporate Finance Division, Toronto

• A passion for people drives this finance professional

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Applications are open for fall 2024.

Applications due:

• February 21, 2024
• July 17, 2024

Apply now to start in September 2024.

Your path to the rotman mfin  .

Download a copy of the MFin brochure

Attend an admission event

Submit your resume for assessment, or arrange a chat  with admissions team

Questions? Email us anytime

Apply now  .

Coursework completed in 16 months.

• September, one intake per year
• Every Wednesday evening
• Typically alternate Saturdays, full day

Total program fee (2024 entry)

• Domestic = $63,020 CAD
• International = $94,000 CAD 

Drive New Knowledge in Business and Society

Doctoral program starting in september.

Celebrating 45 Years of Impact

Phd in management.

An individually tailored program that helps you develop the skills of an impactful researcher, teacher, colleague and mentor to build a successful academic career.

“I met so many interesting people during my time at Smith, from invited speakers and professors to job market candidates and students. The program is rigorous, but it’s important to enjoy the journey.”

Key Features

Specializations.

Develop your analytic and research skills in one of nine areas of specialization. Choose from Organizational Behaviour, International Business, Analytics, Management Information Systems, Strategy, Marketing, Business Economics, Finance or Accounting.

Learning Environment

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University is one of the world's premier business schools. Goodes Hall combines the charm of an exquisitely restored 45,000-square-foot 120-year-old Victorian Schoolhouse with 143,000 square feet of bold new design, structure and modern technology.

Vibrant Community

Queen’s University is located in the heart of Kingston, Ont., a city rich in history and culture, featuring a vibrant food, arts and events scene. Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, the Limestone City offers the best of both worlds – a dynamic, small city that’s close to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and major U.S. centres.

Research Excellence

A member of the U15, Queen’s ranks highly in terms of research funding and intensity. At Smith, our faculty is made up of outstanding teachers and distinguished researchers. They collaborate with scholars worldwide, publish in leading journals, and contribute to advances in business and society through exceptional research.

Queen's School of Graduate Studies

Smith’s PhD program is part of the School of Graduate Studies, which oversees the admissions process and provides support services for the more than 125 graduate programs and 4,200 graduate students at Queen’s University.

School of Graduate Studies

Mathematical finance, program overview.

In the 12-month  Master of Mathematical Finance (MMF) program , students’ superior math skills are focused on the tools of financial mathematics for an initial four-month period. Students then move immediately into an internship with a firm. Afterwards, students will continue their coursework for the remainder of the school year.

Quick Facts

Master of mathematical finance, program description.

In the MMF program, students reshape their existing analytical abilities with the help of senior academics in mathematics, computer science, statistics, and engineering who have experience with the tools of mathematical finance. This cross-disciplinary approach develops graduates with a richer, more innovative approach to applied mathematics in real-world situations. Some of the faculty are seasoned practitioners from the financial industry while others are from leading firms in the financial software industry, developing applications around requirements like risk management, portfolio analysis, and the pricing of advanced derivatives.

The heart of the program is the four-month internship or campus project. Working on real financial projects, students learn to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge gained earlier in the program. In the internship, students team up with employees of the sponsoring firm to experience how financial mathematics impacts the decision-making processes of a financial services organization.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the graduate unit's additional admission requirements stated below.

Applicants must have an appropriate bachelor's degree in a quantitative, technical discipline with a minimum of a mid-B standing in the final two years.

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with minimum scores as follows:

paper-based TOEFL exam: 580 and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

Internet-based TOEFL exam: 93/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections

Applicants must also show evidence of strong mathematical ability. Appropriate workplace experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

Admission to the program is competitive. Those accepted into the program will normally have achieved a standing considerably higher than the minimum mid-B standing or have demonstrated exceptional ability through appropriate workplace experience.

Applicants must satisfy the Admissions Committee of their ability to do rigorous quantitative analysis at an advanced level. The broad background required for this program makes it likely that many strong applicants will not possess all the background requirements. It is expected that applicants will have extra depth in certain areas and need to do additional work in others. Admission may be conditional upon the applicant's satisfactory completion of the required background material.

Applicants should submit a written statement of approximately 300 words outlining their objectives for entering the program. Applicants should also explain how their background is appropriate. An interview may be required.

Inquiries about part-time options for the program should be addressed to the Program Director.

Program Requirements

The program of study begins in mid-August and includes a four-month internship during the second session. Students will be responsible for obtaining their own internship. In cases where the student is taking a leave of absence from an appropriate job, it is expected that the student will return to this job for the internship. In all cases, the Director must approve the placement.

Students will proceed through the program as a group, following a common course of study. The course of study will be fully integrated and computer-laboratory intensive. Course projects and assignments will be designed to integrate the material learned from a variety of the courses and to utilize it in a practical context. Excellent communication and presentation skills will be emphasized in both the oral and written components of the projects.

Students must complete all required courses listed below.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

3 years full-time

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PhD Program Requirements

Students in the PhD program can conduct research in the fields of 1) Statistical Theory and Applications or 2) Probability or 3) Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance .

The research conducted in the department is vast and covers a diverse set of areas in theoretical and applied aspects of Statistical Sciences. Students can work in multidisciplinary areas and team up with researchers in, for example, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, School of the Environment, Faculty of Information, Mathematics, Public Health Sciences, Sociology, Philosophy, and Psychology, and the Rotman School of Management.

The main purpose of the program is to prepare students for pursuing advanced research both in academia and in research institutes.

Program Length

This full-time program normally takes 12 academic sessions (four years) to complete and requires continuous registration. There is a maximum time limit of six years to complete the program.

PhD Direct Entry

This full-time program   normally takes 15 academic sessions (five years) to complete and requires continuous registration. There is a maximum time limit of seven years to complete the program .

Course Requirements

During Year 1, students are required to complete the following 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs):  

Students must complete an additional 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) at the graduate level .   The additional courses must be approved by the student's supervisor and the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies . It is strongly recommended that these courses are completed at the end of Year 2, but no later than the end of Year 4. 

Field: Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance

During Year 1, students must complete the following 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs):  

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

Within Years 1 and 2, students must complete a two-part comprehensive examination: 1) an in-class written comprehensive exam and 2) a research comprehensive exam. Students must pass both the in-class written exam and the research exam to continue in the program.

In-Class Written Exam

Students must attempt the in-class written comprehensive exam by the end of Year 1. If a student fails this portion of the comprehensive exam, one further attempt will be allowed by the end of Year 2. Students who achieve A or A+ grades in all required coursework are exempt from the in-class written exam.

Research Comprehensive Exam

Students must attempt the research comprehensive exam by the beginning of Year 2, which includes a technical report and an oral presentation. If a student fails this portion of the comprehensive exam, one further attempt will be allowed at the end of Year 2.

Thesis Requirements

Conducting original research is the most important part of doctoral work. Your thesis must constitute significant and original contribution to the field.

Annual Doctoral Progress

You will have yearly meetings with a committee of no less than three faculty members to assess your progress.   

Departmental Oral Examination and Final Oral Examination

The completed thesis must be presented and defended within the Department of Statistical Sciences in addition to being presented and defended at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS).  

Residency Requirements

All students must satisfy a two-year residency requirement as outlined in the Calendar of the School of Graduate Studies, General Regulations .

Direct-Entry PhD students must satisfy a three-year residency requirement.

Questions about your program?  

Please reach out to our graduate team at [email protected] . 

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Addressing current issues confronting organizations and investors operating in today’s rapidly changing financial environment.

The PhD specialization in Finance at McGill prepares students for research-oriented academic careers. While students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the typical student holds an undergraduate or a master's degree in economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering or physics.

The program is normally completed in five years. The first two years in the program are devoted primarily to taking courses in finance, as well as supporting disciplines (economics, mathematics and econometrics/statistics). After the first two years, students enter the dissertation phase of the program. For details on the Finance Area, research domains, publications and working papers, visit the Desmarais Global Finance Research Centre website.

Numerous required and elective doctoral courses are offered by the McGill Finance Faculty, including:

• Financial Economics
• Corporate Finance
• Empirical Methods in Finance
• Continuous-Time Finance
• International Finance
• Fixed Income Securities Theory
• Corporate Governance

Faculty and Research

The McGill Finance area includes fourteen faculty members who regularly publish in the top finance journals. The moderate size of the program (currently we have 13 Ph.D. students in residence) make it possible for the students to closely interact with the faculty and to benefit from personalized attention and support. Because the faculty's interests span a wide spectrum of specialized fields in finance, students enjoy a lot of freedom in the choice of their dissertation topic.

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Insightful research for visionary management.

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PhD Tuition and Funding

A&s tuition, fees & base funding package - 2023-24.

2023-24 full-time = $8,213.96  ($6,210.00 tuition + $2,003.96 mandatory incidental fees) 

International

• 2023-24 full-time = $8,969.96  ($6,210.00 tuition + $2,003.96 mandatory incidental fees + $756.00 UHIP)

PhD Program Funding

In 2001, the Faculty of Arts and Science introduced a base funding package for eligible graduate students. This package has increased substantially over time. The base funding package helps the Faculty to recruit outstanding students and allows these students to focus on their studies and complete their degrees in a timely manner.

Students are responsible for any course-related expenses, as well as payment of their tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change on an annual basis. In 2023-24, the tuition fee for full-time domestic PhD students is $8,213.96. Additional information is available on the Student Accounts website . 

The base funding package consists of a University of Toronto Fellowship (UTF) and a Research Assistant Stipend (RA Stipend). There is a possibility of top-ups from sources such as the Program-Level Fellowship.

More Information

Program-level fellowships (plfs).

PLFs are provided by Faculty of Arts and Science. For the 2023-24 academic year, the Faculty of Arts and Science is allocating $1,000 for each registered PhD and MA student. The distribution of funds is determined in consultation with graduate students each year. For the 2023-24 year, we will distribute 50% of allocated funds to MA and PhD students' base funding ($500 per MA and Year 1-5 PhD students) and the other 50% to Black, Indigenous, and other racialized MA and PhD students.

Research Assistantship (RA)

RA Position

Faculty members can hire students to assist with their research. Faculty members pay students from their research funds and in addition to base funding. RA Position is paid as a taxable T4 and involves hourly rates for your research-related work for a faculty member. It is paid as you are completing the work. There is a contract between a student and a faculty member outlining the specifics of this position.

RAship Stipend

PhD students receive an RA stipend of $800 included in the base-funding. The RA stipend helps students to connect with faculty members and their research. Consult your funding letter. RA Stipend is paid into your account by direct deposit in October. 

TAships play a very important role in the Centre’s educational mandate for both graduate and undergraduate students. Therefore, the decisions about TA assignments are made by the Centre’s director, both Associate Directors, with administrative support from Undergraduate Adminstrative Coordinator and Graduate Administrator. 

The hourly rates and the total number of TA hours are regulated through the university’s Collective Agreements with CUPE3902, Uni 1. The current agreement sets a limit of $7,755 to be counted towards base funding for students entering in year 1. Any TA earnings beyond this level will augment a graduate student's actual income, and cannot be offset by lower levels of financial support from other sources (UTF and RA).

TA Assignments, Contracts, and Training Timeline

• May:  The Subsequent Appointment System opens for students in Year 2 and beyond to declare whether they want to hold an appointment in the coming year, and to provide some details about the kind of TA-ship they want, and on which campus. 
• July: You will get a provisional TA assignment on the  TAship site . 
• July: for F/Y terms and in November for S term:  Any TA Job Posting  Applications  will be made available.
• August 11 for F/Y term and December 11 for S term:  You will receive your TA contract. 
• September 1:  Description of Duties and Allocation of Hours (DDAH) forms outlining TA duties and specifying the hours assigned to them, have to be confirmed by both the TA and course instructor on the  TAship Online System
• Questions regrading TA assignments at the St. George campus can be sent to  Colleen Osborn .  Questions regrading TA assignments at the UTM campus can be sent to   Sabrin Mohamed   Questions regrading TA assignments and DDAH forms at the UTSC campus can be sent to  Milene Neves  

How is your funding paid?

The stipend part of University of Toronto Fellowship payments are paid through direct deposit. To set up direct deposit, follow these steps:

• Log into your ACORN account. 
• Ensure your contact information, including address, is up-to-date under Profile & Settings . 
• Click on Financial Account  in the left menu. 
• Select Direct Deposit  and enter your banking information. You will need your transit number, bank number, and account number. 
• Banking Authorization Form
• Void cheque or printout from bank with account information
• TD1 Tax Form, TD1-ON Tax Form
• Photocopy of Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, and
• Photocopy of study permit (if not a citizen or resident of Canada).
• Note to international students: If you do not have a Social Insurance Number, please secure the information required by Services Canada in applying for a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). You must have a valid Social Insurance Number in order to earn income in Canada. 

Important notes:

• ACORN/ROSI and U of T's payroll HR system are not connected and therefore any changes to your information must be submitted separately for each system.
• Payroll entries must be processed by the payroll close date, which is typically about the 15th of the month, and about the 7th in December. Your information must reach the Department Manager in sufficient time to allow for processing.

When to expect payment

UTF payment comes in two forms: a stipend and tuition.

• The stipend is paid three times a year: at the beginning of September, January, and May.
• The tuition is paid directly into the student account in two instalments, in September and January.

CGS-M, SSHRC, FAST and OGS awards are paid in three instalments in September, January, and May. Students holding CGS-M, SSHRC and OGS awards are responsible for paying their tuition as it is NOT automatically deducted from these awards.

TA payments come on the 28th of the month, but only for the months the student teaches. If, for example, the student’s TAship is in the Fall semester only, the payments will be deposited in September, October, November, and December. The Winter payments come in January, February, March and April.

RAship Stipend is paid into your account in October by direct deposit.

Additional Funding Sources

Work-study program.

Every year the Centre hires work-study students to provide employment and career development opportunities. This is a part of the University of Toronto financial aid program. Students may apply for the positions advertised by the Centre, but also for positions advertised by individual faculty members and other departments.

Work-Study positions for the 2024-25 academic year will be made available on the Career Learning Network website .

Job postings will be made available to view in August 2024. All students registered as full time for the 2024-25 year will be eligible to apply.

Research & Conference Grants

• The Faculty of Arts & Science and the School of Graduate Studies hold competitions annually for research travel grants. Funds are available for a limited number of doctoral students in the humanities to study or carry out research in Canada, the United States or overseas.
• The Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies realizes the importance of research abroad and has limited research and conference travel funds available.

Financial Aid

We encourage you to investigate your eligibility for financial aid:

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With PhD in hand, U of T grad and former Olympian aims to tackle athlete abuse

Erin Willson, who competed in the 2012 Olympic Games with Team Canada, is graduating with a PhD from the Faculty of Kinesiology & Public Education (photo by Hannah Kiviranta)

Published: June 5, 2024

By Jelena Damjanovic

Erin Willson was a synchronized swimmer for 14 years – half of which were spent as a member of Team Canada, including competing in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Yet, despite her triumphs, Willson's long career at the pinnacle of her sport also caused her to realize just how many athletes experienced emotional abuse, and how little awareness there was around the issue.

“There was some conversation about sexual abuse, but notably, experiences of body shaming and emotional abuse were missing,” says Willson, who is graduating with a PhD from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) this spring.

“This was important to me because I had known from my experience – and the experiences of other athletes that I had spoken with – that emotional abuse can have a lot of really negative effects, but these were being ignored or dismissed as ‘part of sport.’”

When Willson began weighing up options for graduate school, she was drawn to KPE due to the research being done by Professor Gretchen Kerr and Associate Professor Ashley Stirling – dean and vice-dean, respectively – on emotional abuse and body image issues in sport.

Willson says few people were talking about abuse in sport at the time, and the work of Kerr and Stirling resonated with her due to her own experiences. She decided she wanted to contribute to increasing our understanding of athlete abuse as well as shed light on positive coaching approaches.

“As cliché as it sounds, I knew I couldn't change my own experience, but hoped I could change the experiences of future generations so that other athletes would not have to go through what I did to reach their goals,” says Willson.

Her doctoral research took a positive approach to addressing maltreatment in sport. While increased attention to the issue has led to the implementation of codes of conduct and new mechanisms for reporting and investigating abuse, Willson identified an important gap in research and practice.

“Something that’s been missing is teaching coaches and sport organizations what to do instead of focusing on what not to do,” says Willson. “A common reason we've heard from coaches who are hesitant to adopt more positive coaching methods is that they don't elicit performance results like abusive tactics do.”

For her dissertation, Willson interviewed Olympic and Paralympic medalists and their coaches who had a positive sport experience to provide evidence that positive coaching styles elicit performance and to outline what positive coaching can look like.

She says the biggest challenge she faced was the intensity of the subject matter she was studying. “I felt this especially when my personal story of what I had experienced as an athlete became public,” says Willson, noting she was “really lucky” to have the support of friends, family and her supervisor.

Willson said she also received plenty of support for her advocacy. For the past three years, she has been the president of AthletesCAN, and has advocated for athletes on issues like safe sport, representation and funding. “While I have been very fortunate to be able to pursue multiple passions at once, at times, it was difficult to balance both interests,” says Willson. “I was very fortunate to have the support of my supervisor and the faculty of KPE, who supported and celebrated the work that I was doing in both areas.”

Her research-to-practice approach was also encouraged through a Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship , which supports public scholarship. With the help of the fellowship, Willson travelled to several international conferences and completed a month-long seminar at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece – the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.

Willson is conducting post-doctoral research with Kerr in KPE’s Safe Sport lab, where she’s working with the Coaching Association of Canada to translate her dissertation data into a practical toolkit for coaches. This summer, she started teaching an undergraduate course on maltreatment in youth sport.

“It’s an exciting time for women's sports in Canada, which aligns with my research interests of gender-based violence and gender-equity as a solution to violence, so I can see myself being involved in this, either through research, practice or a combination of the two in the near future,” says Willson.

Reflecting on her time thus far at KPE, Willson credits her supervisor Kerr and committee members Stirling and Professor Emeritus  Bruce Kidd for creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment.

Her biggest piece of advice for students interested in following in her footsteps? Pursue your passion.

“Graduate school can be really difficult, but if you're passionate about what you're doing, it makes it so much easier,” she says. “Even on the hardest days, I always woke up feeling so grateful that I got to do something that I loved.”

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Ascent Student Loans Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

Ascent provides a variety of repayment term lengths on its student loans and low minimum interest rates on fixed-rate loans. You may also qualify for a 1% cash-back reward that will be paid to you after graduation. 

6.23% - 16.09% variable and 4.29% - 15.96% fixed (with AutoPay discount)

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• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No prepayment or origination fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low minimum fixed rate APR
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple ways to contact customer support
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May be eligible without a cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cashback reward after graduation
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• Apply through your computer
• Customer service available via phone, email, and physical mail
• Provided you are eligible, you'll receive 1% of your initial loan balance as a cashback bonus after graduation
• Five, seven, 10, 12, 15, or 20-year repayment terms available (20-year term only available for variable loans)
• Undisclosed late fees
• Loan minimum of $2,001*, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance per term
• *The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
• Overall maximum loan amount of $200,000
• Loans made through Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC

Ascent Student Loans

Ascent is a good option for borrowers who are looking for a wide range of repayment options and want to avoid some fees. You can take as many as 15 or as few as five years to pay back an undergraduate student loan from Ascent. The lender also allows you to either defer payments, make smaller payments, or pay interest only while enrolled in school. Ascent also doesn't charge an origination fee or a fee for paying back your loan early.

You can get a loan with or without a cosigner, but you'll need to qualify based on your income and credit if you don't have one. You can apply to release your cosigner after two years of consecutive, on-time payments. 

Before you apply for any private student loan from Ascent or any other lender, first seek out federal student loan options . You can usually get better terms and protections through the government.

You need to meet the following qualifications to get a student loan :

• Be a US citizen, permanent resident, a temporary resident with an eligible cosigner, or have DACA status 
• Be enrolled in a school within Ascent's network half-time or more
• Pass a credit check or have a cosigner who can pass one
• Have a minimum income of $24,000 for the current and previous year from you or your cosigner
• Without a cosigner, have two years of credit history 

There are several options for contacting Ascent's customer support. You can call the company from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST Monday through Thursday, or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST on Friday and Saturday. You can also email the lender, or send physical mail to its address in San Diego.

1. Collect the required documents and information. This includes your Social Security number, your school of enrollment, your major field of study, the loan amount you need, your address, and certain financial documents.

2.   Fill out Ascent's online application . You can complete the application in just several minutes. After doing so you'll get your prequalified rates without affecting your credit score. 

3.   Review loan offers and pick the one you can afford.  After you submit your information, Ascent will give you different term options. A shorter term length means larger monthly payments — but you'll save more in interest. 

4. Accept your loan terms and plan for repayment . After you sign the document accepting your loan terms, your loan will be approved and funded. Make sure you've worked your loan payments into your budget — late payment may add significant costs to your loan. 

Ascent Student Loans Pros and Cons

• Many repayment term lengths . You'll have a choice between five, seven, 10, 12, 15, or 20-year repayment terms (20-year term only available for variable loans).
• No origination fee or prepayment penalty . Origination fees can add to the overall cost of your loan and increase the cost of your borrowing. Ascent doesn't charge those fees. 
• Low minimum fixed interest rates . Ascent has competitive minimum fixed interest rates on its student loans. 
• May qualify without a cosigner . Ascent has options for borrowers who want to qualify for a loan without a cosigner. Generally, you'll pay higher rates, but it's an option many lenders don't offer. 
• Cash-back reward . Provided you are eligible, you'll receive 1% of your initial loan balance as a cashback bonus after graduation
• Late payment penalty . Ascent charges a late-payment fee amounting to 5% of the past due amount up to a maximum of $25.
• Higher rates for non-cosigned loans . While loans that aren't cosigned may be easier to qualify for, the trade off is that you'll pay higher rates. 

Ascent Student Loans Repayment Options

You have three options to repay your Ascent student loan after you've taken it out: deferred, minimum, and interest-only. Each option has its advantages for different types of borrowers. 

With deferred payments, you won't pay off any of your balance until after the grace period, so it will be the most expensive option as a whole. Interest-only payments will cost the most while you're in school, but it will cost the least overall because you won't accrue any interest while in school.  

Ascent has student loans for many degree types, including:

• Undergraduate

Ascent Undergraduate Student Loans

Ascent has several repayment options for its undergraduate loans, with terms of five, seven, 10, 12, and 15 years available. The minimum rates on its fixed undergraduate student loans are lower than many competitors' rates. You may qualify for a 1% cash-back reward with Ascent after graduating. 

Ascent Graduate Student Loans

Ascent's graduate student loans have repayment terms of five, seven, 10, 12, 15, and 20 years available. Ascent has a lower minimum APR on fixed loans than many other competitors do on its graduate loans, but its maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you can find elsewhere. 

Ascent Student Loans FAQs 

Ascent provides as much as $200,000 for undergraduate and graduate credit-based Loans and $20,000 for undergraduate non-cosigned outcomes-based loans.

Ascent says international students attending US colleges and universities may be eligible for its private student loans. 

Private student loans, including those from Ascent, don't qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs. However, the company says its loans may be forgiven if the borrower is permanently and severely disabled or dies.

Ascent allows you to pay off your student loans early without penalty.

Ascent requires you to maintain GPA of at least 2.9  and meet your school's satisfactory academic performance in order to qualify for its student loans.

Ascent has an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, the organizations highest rating. However, an excellent BBB rating doesn't guarantee you'll have a good experience.  Be sure to check online customer reviews and see if any of your friends and family have experiences with the lender. 

Ascent has low minimum fixed rates, but higher minimum rates on variable loans than comparable lenders — though your rates will depend on your unique financial situation. However, if you or your cosigner don't have the best credit score, Ascent's maximum rates on both variable and fixed undergraduate loans are lower than competitors. Here's how Ascent compares:

Ascent Student Loans vs. College Ave Student Loans

College Ave Undergraduate Student Loans is the only company among the three competitors listed here that allows you to make full payments on your loan while you're in school. All three comparable competitors offer deferred, fixed, and interest-only repayment options. 

You can pick a repayment term length of five, eight, 10, or 15 years with College Ave undergraduate loans, while Ascent offers term lengths of five, seven, 10, 12, and 15 years.

College Ave Student Loans  

Ascent Student Loans vs. Sallie Mae Student Loans

While Ascent offers term lengths of five, seven, 10, 12, and 15 years on its undergraduate loans, Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loans  will assign you a term length of either five, 10, or 15 years. 

Sallie Mae Student Loan Review   

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated Ascent Student Loans

We rate all student loan products in our reviews and guides on a 1-5 scale. The overall rating is a weighted average that takes into account seven different categories, some of which are judged more heavily than others. They are:

• Interest rate (20% of rating)
• Fees (20% of rating)
• Term lengths (15% of rating)
• Repayment options while in school (15% of rating)
• Borrower accessibility (15% of rating)
• Customer support (7.5% of rating)
• Ethics (7.5% of rating)

Each category's weighting is determined based on its importance to your borrowing experience. Rates and fees have the most significant impact on the total cost of your loan, so we weigh those the most heavily. Customer support and ethics are still crucial parts of the borrowing experience, but do not directly tie to a student loan's terms, so they have less of an impact on the overall rating.

Read more about how we rate student loans »

Ascent Student Loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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