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HomeStarting your journeyActuarial education in Canada

Actuarial education in Canada

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Canadian universities have a global reputation for excellence in the quality and rigour of their programs, and they are well-positioned to introduce leading-edge techniques and progressive research to advance the profession. We know that Canadian universities are the right place to teach and assess the foundational actuarial topics to equip future actuaries with the skills they need to be successful in their ACIA and FCIA exams.

University Accreditation Program

How the University Accreditation Program (UAP) works

Mandatory courses
Universities offer mandatory courses as part of their accredited degree program to meet CIA syllabus requirements.

University exams
Course exams establish that candidates have attained core technical knowledge to attain the accredited degree.

ACIA modules and Capstone Exam
The CIA-administered modules and exam verify that candidates have the requisite knowledge to become an ACIA.

Accreditation reviews
Universities are monitored and reviewed annually, with comprehensive reviews conducted every three years.

The role of accredited universities in the new qualification pathways

The University Accreditation Program (UAP) is designed to streamline education and reduce duplication of effort for candidates. Accredited universities offer, as part of their degree programs, a set of mandatory courses that meet syllabus requirements established by the CIA. Universities use education best practices to deliver the fundamentals of actuarial science and students are tested through university exams. The CIA requires no minimum course grades because we rely on and partner with accredited universities to provide a solid foundation for students. We then verify this foundation through CIA-administered ACIA modules and the ACIA Capstone Exam. 

Accredited universities 

After an extensive assessment process, the following universities from across Canada have been accredited to take part in the CIA’s University Accreditation Program. Full details of each university’s actuarial science program are available below. The courses listed represent the CIA’s mandatory courses for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you have questions on mandatory courses from earlier academic years, please contact us at [email protected].

Review non-accredited Canadian universities offering actuarial studies.

Want to become an accredited university?

Accredited universities and courses offered are rigorously and continuously evaluated by the CIA. If your institution is interested in pursuing CIA accreditation, check out the policy governing the program and contact us to learn more or apply.

Check our policy
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The Accreditation Actuary’s role in governance 

Each accredited university must appoint an Accreditation Actuary to be the point of contact with the CIA. They are responsible for maintaining good communications with the CIA, coordinating the terms of the accreditation agreement between the university and the CIA, and collaborating on curriculum development. 

The Accreditation Actuary (ACA) is a full-time faculty member employed by an accredited university who is a member of the CIA.

Explore Student and Candidate membership

Join the Institute as a Student or Candidate member. It is an important milestone along your actuarial journey and a requirement to participate in CIA education programs. As a member, you gain access to exclusive resources, professional networks and support to achieve your actuarial qualification from the Institute. Become a CIA member today and start on your path toward ACIA and FCIA designation!

Learn more about becoming a Student or Candidate member

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Have questions?

A valuable extra-curricular activity for students in actuarial science is to get involved with the Actuarial Students’ National Association (ASNA). As a national leader and organizer of student associations in actuarial science, joining an ASNA committee or attending the annual convention would be greatly beneficial to an actuarial science student.

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