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Admission requirements

The application deadline for the Master in Quantitative Investment Management program (for 2021-22) is March 31. We are looking for students with strong academic backgrounds and quantitative skills. Admission is competitive; meeting all requirements does not guarantee admission.

Academic

Undergraduate degree: bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Preference will be given to applicants with degrees in mathematics, statistics, computer science, science, engineering, business or economics
Minimum grade: a B average or cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.3
Quantitative proficiency: Minimum GMAT of 555 or equivalent GRE result plus a strong quantitative background
Computer programming skills are strongly recommended
Pre-requisite course: Successful completion of a university-level economics course

English proficiency

Applicants whose primary language is not English, or whose previous education was conducted in another language, must submit evidence of satisfactory completion of a standardized English test.

Minimum score of 94/120 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or
Minimum score of 7/9 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module.

Documents

The following documents will be required:

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
Statement of purpose
Official GMAT result (minimum score of 600) or the corresponding GRE result. The GMAT can be waived if certain criteria are met (see below)
Official TOEFL or IELTS result
Detailed resume of academic studies, work experience, and computing skills and experience
Three reference letters, at least one of which is from a professor

Note: International applicants are required to submit a course by course WES ICAP evaluation that includes all prior post-secondary credentials obtained. The WES ICAP evaluation ensures certified expert translation of academic standing and degree credentials and expedites the subsequent review and decision process. The review committee also reserves the right to ask for a WES ICAP evaluation in other cases where such evaluation is needed to accurately assess the applicant's credentials.

Common questions

GMAT/GRE waiver

You should meet one of the following criteria to be considered for a GMAT/GRE waiver:

Master's degree in engineering, mathematics, statistics, computer science, science, finance, economics, business or other related field
Professional designation in the field of finance, accounting (e.g., CFA, CPA) from North American professional bodies
Undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, statistics, computer science, science with a minimum CGPA of 3.7/4.3.

International students: due to different grading schemes across nations, your stated CGPA might not match with our system.

Please note that time elapsed from your previous degree will also be a factor in considering the waiver
If you would like to request to waive your GMAT/GRE, please do so when applying for the program. Based on all of the documents you provide (transcripts, courses you took, CV, etc.), a committee will decide about your request.

Please note that admission to the program is competitive, so meeting the requirements does not guarantee a waiver or admission to the program.

Advanced standing

Professional designations

Normally, advanced standing is not provided for those with professional designations (e.g., CFA, risk management certification). The focus of this program is application of quantitative techniques in various facets of investment. This involves analysis of large data, application of statistical techniques, developing algorithms and coding that are not covered in depth in professional designations.

Previous coursework

Normally no advanced standing will be given, as the program is application-oriented. If you have taken a similar course at a graduate level and wish to apply for advanced standing, our program committee can look at the course outline; textbook and other material used; evaluation method; and other factors to come to a final decision.

Coding prerequisites

Prior exposure to languages such as R, Python and Matlab is an asset, but not a prerequisite.

The MQIM program's three-week, mandatory boot camp provides you with basic knowledge of coding in high-level computer language, financial databases, quantitative methods, financial markets, corporate finance and accounting.