Statistics

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet John Thompson, PhD candidate in Statistics

“We have a strong sense of community in the Statistics program, with many events organized by students and professors.”

Supervisor: Charmaine Dean and Douglas Woolford

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
I am interested in applications of nonparametric statistical methods to data, and a professor here was interested in having me work with forest fire spread data where nonparametric methods are directly applicable.

What idea, suggestion, or comment would you like to share with the Western graduate community?
Work-life balance is the most important part of being a graduate student, and everyone’s balance is different.

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive and be successful?
The support of the Statistics program: specifically administration, my supervisors, and other professors in the department. Everyone is interested in your research and helping you meet your goals in your studies and research.

Do you engage in volunteer activities?
Yes, I volunteer through the department in outreach programs to potential undergraduate and graduate students.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
Come visit Western, and meet some of the professors. Professors are always looking to introduce prospective students to our program. Finding someone you would like to work with on a Master’s project or PhD thesis is the most important aspect of choosing a graduate program. I cannot stress enough that you should have a few professors you’d like to work with in mind, and to meet them before making your decision.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Samya Chams (stats-grad-inquiry@uwo.ca )
Assistant for the School of Math & Statistical Science

Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences

Western University
Western Science Centre Rm 262
London, Ontario N6A 5B7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 84363
f. 519-661-3813

Our department's PhD program encompasses three fields: Statistics, Actuarial Science and Financial Modelling.


The strength and reputation of our PhD program is a result of our internationally renowned faculty, world-class facilities, and the students who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment. Western is pleased to offer Own Your Future, a unique Doctoral professional development program that supports students in their academic studies and career engagement. Through Own Your Future, students will develop insight into their current and evolving skill set. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms (4 years)

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

  • Canadian and Permanent Resident students: $24000/year, including internal scholarship, teaching assistantship and research assistantship.
  • International students: $27000/year, including internal scholarship, teaching assistantship and research assistantship.

Applicants (domestic and international) are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships:

Admission Requirements

  • A MSc degree from a recognized institution with sufficient background in Statistics, Actuarial Sciences and/or Financial Modelling.
  • Direct-entry based on an Honours degree may be considered under exceptional circumstances.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • February 15 - International Applicants

  • August 15 - Domestic Applicants

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Completed applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Fields of Research

  • Actuarial Science
  • Financial Modelling
  • Statistics