# FAQs
**Source**: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/future-students/master-finance/faqs
**Parent**: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/
**Frequently asked questions and answers.**
[Request more information](https://discover.ucalgary.ca/register/Grad_MFin_moreinfo)
[Apply now](https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/begin-your-application)
## Program FAQs
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#### What’s the difference between the Master of Finance and the MBA in Finance?
The MFin is a **16-month**, **course-based**, **technical finance** degree aimed at quantitatively strong candidates seeking roles that require **advanced analytics**, **modeling**, and **empirical methods**. An MBA (Finance) is broader, management-oriented, and less technical.
#### What makes Haskayne’s Master of Finance unique?
It’s **Western Canada’s only dedicated Master of Finance program**, delivered in 16 continuous months with intensive, applied coursework, access to Mathison Hall facilities, industry-expert instructors for applied topics, and a **built-in Work-Integrated Learning** (WIL) choice.
#### What kind of background is best suited for this program?
Recent grads or early-career professionals from **math**, s**tatistics**, **computer science**, e**conomics**, or **quantitative business** (e.g., BCom Finance). Candidates pursuing the **CFA** may find it a great fit.
#### What can I expect from the classroom experience?
Half-day classes, team projects, and hands-on applications. Spring/Summer courses run in **two-week ‘immersive’ blocks** (with one-week gaps), enabling deep dives and access to industry sessionals.
#### How technical and quantitative is the program?
This program is very technically focused. You’ll cover **asset pricing**, **investments**, **derivatives**, **econometrics**, and **corporate finance** on top of a quantitative foundations block week. Admission requires 3 prior university level (9 credits total) quant courses.
#### What kinds of programming or software skills will I learn?
You’ll apply programming skills for econometrics, time-series modeling, and back-testing strategies (e.g., in Financial Econometrics and Quantitative Investing). You’ll also work with professional market data platforms available through Haskayne’s lab resources.
#### How will the Master of Finance impact my career?
It builds in-demand quantitative depth plus professional development through a Work-Integrated Learning component, helping you compete for technical roles in investment banking, asset management, trading/research, and risk management.
#### What career paths are available after completing the program?
- Investment & Asset Management (hedge funds, family offices, pension funds)
- Quantitative Trading & Research
- Algorithmic & High-Frequency Trading
- Financial Risk Management
- Private Equity & Venture Capital Analysis
- Investment & Corporate Banking
- Corporate Development Advisory
Graduates are well-positioned for **CFA exams** and, later, MBA/EMBA/DBA or PhD.
#### How many students are typically in a cohort?
Typically you can expect between 30 – 50 students per cohort.
#### What networking opportunities are available to MFin students?
Professional Development I & II include networking and interview practice; industry experts teach applied courses; and **Work-Integrated Learning** (internships or research projects) that connects you directly with employers.
#### Can I work while completing the program?
The program is **full-time** and **intensive**. Limited part-time work may be possible, but international students must follow study/work-permit rules.
#### How long does the Master of Finance program take to complete?
16 months, full-time, with no scheduled break.
#### What is the typical weekly time commitment?
Expect a full-time graduate workload: half-day classes plus substantial hours for assignments, projects, and networking activities.
#### What is the capstone or work-integrated learning project?
Choose one:
- Professional Internship in Finance (paid) — culminates in a professional report.
- Research Consulting Project — applied research on a real finance problem; **$3,000 scholarship** helps offset costs.
## Admissions FAQs
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#### Do I need an undergraduate degree in finance or business to apply?
No. A **4-year bachelor’s degree** is required; quantitative fields are ideal. 3 years Bachelors degrees may be considered.
#### What quantitative background is required?
At least **three semester-long courses** (9 Credits in total) across **calculus**, **statistics**, **econometrics**, **quantitative economics**, **linear algebra**, **probability**, or similar.
#### Do I need to complete the GMAT or GRE?
Yes—**GMAT (recommended >600)** or **GRE equivalent**.
#### Can the GMAT/GRE requirement be waived?
Waivers may be granted in certain cases. Connect with a recruitment specialist to learn more.
#### What is the application deadline?
Deadlines are Feb 1st for International Students and June 1st for Domestic.
#### Do I need work experience to apply?
No. Typical entrants have **0–2 years** of experience; early-career professionals are welcome.
#### Is an interview required?
Candidates may be interviewed to determine their suitability for the program.
## Financing FAQs
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#### What is the tuition for the MFin program?
Approx. **$43,196** (Domestic); **$75,162** (International) for the full program (subject to change).
#### What additional costs should I budget for on top of tuition and fees?
Plan for living expenses, technology/laptop, transportation, and standard university fees. The tuition covers books/cases/software.
#### Are scholarships available for MFin students?
**$310,000 in MFin scholarships available**, **up to $20k available per student**.\
[Connect with an advisor](mailto:mailto:nikhil.carneiro@ucalgary.ca) to learn more - and apply early!
## International Applicants FAQs
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#### Can international students apply to the MFin program?
Yes. Apply for a **study permit** and **work permit** together (WIL requires a ‘Co-op’ work permit).
#### What English proficiency tests are accepted?
**TOEFL iBT, IELTS, CAEL**, or **Academic Communication Certificate (A-)**.
#### What are the minimum English test scores required?
**TOEFL 92** (no section less than 20), **IELTS 6.5** (no band less than 6.0), **CAEL 70**.
#### Where can I find information on international admission requirements?
See UCalgary [**Future Students—International**](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/information/international-graduate-students) for complete details.
## Other FAQs
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#### Can I enter the MFin program directly from my undergraduate degree?
Yes—students may apply **straight from undergrad**.
#### Does the MFin prepare me for the CFA designation?
Yes—students are thoroughly prepared to tackle all three CFA exam levels.
#### Does the MFin prepare me for further graduate studies, such as a PhD in finance?
Yes. Graduates gain the **theory, econometrics, and research exposure** that provide a solid base for a **PhD** (with appropriate research interests and preparation).
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### Connect with our Recruitment and Admissions Specialist
#### Nikhil Carneiro
Contact me if you are looking for program information and prospective student advising.
Email: [nikhil.carneiro@ucalgary.ca](mailto:nikhil.carneiro@ucalgary.ca)\
Tel: 403-220-5149
## Need more info?
[Download brochure](https://view.publitas.com/p222-15119/master-of-finance-brochure/)