Co‑op
The Master of Finance (MFin) degree has been named as the "must-have degree" by the Financial Times. The Lazaridis MFin degree is designed to help you pursue a career in finance in positions that demand both extensive finance knowledge and excellent quantitative research skills.
Our outstanding faculty are here to help equip you with extensive knowledge in finance and critical thinking skills. Graduating with an MFin degree will allow you to pursue a career in some of the most innovative sectors of Canadian finance.
We offer multiple MFin program formats for students looking for full-time studies or for students who wish to participate in Canada’s largest business degree co-op program.
Small class sizes averaging 25 students.
96% Co-op employment rate.
Preparation for all three levels of the CFA examination.
Thinking about your next move? Whether you want to grow in your current career or head in a new direction, we're here to help you figure out what comes next.
We offer virtual information sessions and one-on-one pre-application consultations to help you find the program that fits your goals. The sooner we connect, the closer you'll be to discovering how what's inside sets us apart and sets you up for success.
Join our mailing list to get helpful updates, resources and support throughout your application journey. Domestic applicants will be able to request a one-on-one pre-application consultation right after signing up. International applicants will first be invited to a virtual information session before scheduling a consultation.
Have a quick question? Contact us at lazaridisgradprograms@wlu.ca.
22
Oct
‘Ask us Anything’ Drop-in Session: Lazaridis Graduate Programs
Zoom
13
Nov
Lazaridis Master of Finance Information Session
Zoom
20
Nov
‘Ask us Anything’ Drop-in Session: Lazaridis Graduate Programs
Zoom
18
Dec
‘Ask us Anything’ Drop-in Session: Lazaridis Graduate Programs
Zoom
6
Jan
‘Ask us Anything’ Drop-in Session: Lazaridis Graduate Programs
Zoom
"The Lazaridis MFin program prides itself on small class sizes, engaging instruction, experiential learning opportunities and attracting top student talent who are pursuing their CFA designation. We deliver a truly special graduate experience that will help you launch your career in finance."
Diego Amaya (PhD), MFin Program Director
Whether you're looking to fast-track your finance career, build toward a PhD, or gain practical experience through co-op, the Master of Finance (MFin) program offers multiple paths to match your goals. Across all formats, you’ll apply finance theory to real-world challenges, prepare for CFA exams (Level I–III), and gain hands-on experience through the Laurier Graduate Student Investment Fund. Located in Waterloo, Canada’s tech and innovation hub, you’ll also tap into a thriving financial services sector and strong research community.
Three terms of study (12 months), with a total of 10 required courses.
The full-time option is designed for students ready to commit to a focused, one-year academic experience. You’ll follow a structured schedule alongside a tight-knit cohort and move through the program at a steady pace. It’s an ideal path if you're looking to build momentum in your finance career while still accessing tailored career support.
Term 1:
Term 2:
Term 3:
Five terms of study (20 months) covering 10 required courses and two four-month paid work terms with firms in the financial services industry.
The co-op stream is designed for applicants with less than three years of full-time work experience. All students begin on a standard study/work schedule. If you don’t secure a co-op position for the winter term, your schedule will adjust to give you more time to find the right opportunity—without falling behind. You’ll continue to be supported by our co-op and career teams throughout.
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Three terms of study (12 months), with a total of 10 required courses.
If you are a highly competitive, research-focused applicant interested in pursuing a PhD in Finance, the Master of Finance Methods Field provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies. Indicate your interest in your statement of intent. Students in this stream will be assigned a faculty supervisor.
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Term 3:
Advance your career in finance and analytics with an integrated Master of Finance (MFin) and Master of Science in Management Analytics (MMA) double degree program. Over 20 months, you’ll graduate with two master’s degrees and knowledge in advanced financial theories with data analytics, preparing you to address complex financial challenges using sophisticated analytical tools.
Key Highlights:
The Lazaridis MFin is a member of the CFA Institute University Recognition Program. You can prepare for all three levels of the CFA examinations while you work toward completing the MFin degree.
The Laurier Graduate Student Investment Fund (LGSIF) is an investment fund for graduate students at Wilfrid Laurier University. The daily operation of this fund will be supervised by faculty members and governed by Laurier policies.
Start your journey to a successful career in finance with the Lazaridis MFin Co-op program. Gain skills, experience, and connections you need to excel in today's competitive financial landscape.
MFin Co-op students typically work in the financial sector, with 80% of paid co-op placements located within the Greater Toronto Area. The co-op option is available to applicants with less than three years of full-time worke experience. Applicants who are not accepted into the co-op program will automatically be considered for the regular program.
Our MFin students gain invaluable experience working with leading financial institutions and corporations, including the following:
The ten required courses listed below are taught by world-class instructors who will equip you with the foundational and advanced knowledge need to join the next generation of finance leaders in Canada.
You will have the option to take various elective courses and gain exposure to broader finance topics or dive deeper into a specific specialization.
In addition to the 10 required courses and optional elective courses, you will receive training in:
This course will focus on valuation of both mid-size and large firms. In the context of valuation, discussions will include mergers and acquisitions, financing and capital structure, corporate restructuring through bankruptcy and capital restructuring, and corporate governance. In order to prepare students to assume effective roles as a manager or advisor in a corporate finance function, MF663 is designed to facilitate the development of the following:
This course is a follow-up to the first (introductory) investments elective (BU673): the prerequisite course which provides introduction to different types of capital markets and financial securities thereof, investment opportunities in these capital markets, and the risk-return relations for these securities. The objectives of this advanced course are twofold:
This covers all aspects of security analysis. Students take on the role of either equity analyst or portfolio manager. Their work will be reviewed and overseen by industry professionals and faculty members. Analysts will learn:
The course allows students to manage real money for the Laurier Graduate Students Investment Fund (LGSIF).
This course discusses several issues in the field of International finance. Five key topics will be discussed:
The course will feature several cases in International capital markets and risk management. Bloomberg training will be part of the course. The students will be required to use data and analytical tools from Bloomberg to conduct regression and statistical analysis using Python.
“I really enjoyed my time at Laurier. The MFin program provides a great selection of courses which equipped me with the theories of the financial market. I also learned about industry practices through co-op terms.”
Rebecca Li (MFin '15), Vice President, Capital Market Risk Management, TD, Singapore
Ready to take the next step?
Just follow our three-step admission process. We'll walk you through how to apply and
get set for your first day as a grad student.
Applications received after the early application deadline are accepted and reviewed until capacity is reached or the final deadlines pass.
Master of Finance applicants who are not accepted into the co-op program will automatically be considered for the regular program.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
Please note, the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks.
To apply to our Master of Finance program, you must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. Normally this evidence is a score of at least 100 in TOEFL or at least 7 in IELTS. Results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS as part of the application process.
Questions? Contact lazaridisgradprograms@wlu.ca.
“The world is fierce but a degree from the Master of Finance program at Laurier gives me the credibility to compete. The 20-month program format enabled me to apply what I learned in the classroom into two four-month internships and the continued working life. More importantly, people here are super nice and helpful!”
Marina Xiao (MFin '14), Treasury Manager, Funds Transfer Pricing, TD, Toronto
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
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2025/2026 Tuition Fees* |
Per Term |
Total |
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MFin (Domestic) |
$10,700 |
$32,100 |
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MFin (International) |
$18,343 |
$55,029 |
Tuition Fees Incidental Fees Co-op Fees
*Tuition fees are reviewed each spring and are subject to change. Wilfrid Laurier University may revise tuition and program details without notice.
We are pleased to offer a limited number of entrance scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for outstanding applicants. All applicants are automatically considered. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic excellence; no additional application is required.
Looking for more ways to help fund your studies? Here’s how you can access funding and research scholarship opportunities at Laurier:
Please note: Students in the Master of Finance program are not eligible for funding through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
“The MFin program was instrumental in kickstarting my career. The co-op staff and professors are knowledgeable with regards to what employers are looking for, and the courses go into sufficient detail to teach us this material. The co-op semesters also give us exposure to multiple roles.”
Sean Keaney (MFin '13), Principal, Equity Research Analyst (Clean Tech and Sustainability), Eight Capital, Calagary
Whether you're continuing your academic journey or transitioning from the workforce, Laurier Career Centre is here to help you thrive. We provide guidance to explore career paths both within academia and beyond. From crafting standout resumes, CVs, and cover letters to mastering effective job search strategies, we offer resources tailored to your needs.
As a graduate student, your schedule is full but investing in career development during your studies can set you up for long-term success. Let us help you build the skills and confidence you need to transition seamlessly into your professional career.
Here's an overview of the Laurier Career Centre and MFin program features that will help you land that next promotion.
Build advanced, real-world finance skills in areas such as:
Hands-on opportunities to bridge theory and practice:
Recruitment Inquiries
Connect with our Graduate Program Recruiters:
Brenda Burns & Victoria MacKenzie
lazaridisgradprograms@wlu.ca
Admissions Inquiries
(for applications in progress and enrolled students only)
lazaridisgradoffice@wlu.ca
Academic Director, Master of Finance Program
Diego Amaya, PhD
Associate Professor
View a complete list of all faculty and staff in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.
Thinking about applying? Domestic applicants can book an on-demand one-on-one pre-application consultation with us anytime.
International applicants need to attend a virtual information session before scheduling a one-on-one consultation.
All applicants will get helpful updates, resources and support to guide them through the process.
