Frequently Asked Questions About WorldQuant University Answered!

Where do I go to class?

Once you get accepted into the MSc in Financial Engineering program or the Introduction to Data Science module, you will be given the credentials and instructions for logging into the learning platform, where you can access the courses online.

What programs does WQU offer?

WQU offers a two year Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Engineering program and an eight week Introduction to Data Science module. Both offerings are tuition-free and delivered online.

Does WQU offer scholarships?

As a tuition-free university, WQU does not participate in any financial aid or scholarship programs.
What is the relationship between WQU, WorldQuant, LLC, and the WorldQuant Foundation?

Are the courses at WQU 100% online?

Yes, all courses at WQU are provided 100% online. Once you get accepted, you will be given the credentials and instructions for logging into the learning platform, where you can access the courses.

Can I get a visa to study in the US?

WQU does not grant student visas. Since their courses are 100% online, qualified students from all over the world can enroll and participate.

Can I take the courses on a Mac?

Yes, all elements of the courses are available to Mac users.

Will I meet other students?

Students at WQU are part of a community of learners from more than 80 countries around the world. They collaborate on projects and engage in peer reviews and discussions with each other online.

Is WQU licensed?

WQU is currently licensed only in the State of Louisiana. Licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, or signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.

Where is WQU located?

WQU does not have a campus since all our courses are delivered 100% online. Their mailing address is:

WorldQuant University
201 St. Charles Avenue
Suite 2500
New Orleans, LA 70170

Is WQU accredited?

Accreditation is a multi-year process of peer review and evaluation. As part of its conditional approval by the State of Louisiana, WQU is working toward accreditation through a US Department of Education-recognized accreditor.

About the MScFE Program

How do I apply for enrollment at WQU?

Your application and all required supporting documents are submitted online. 

Do I need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores if the language of instruction at my previous university was English?

No. If English was the official language of instruction at your previous college or university, you are exempt from taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

How do I designate WQU when registering for the TOEFL?

The designated institution code for WorldQuant University is B325. Including this code upon registration allows the organization providing the test to make the results digitally available to their admissions team.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply?

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent 4-year degree is the minimum academic requirement for admission into the MSc in Financial Engineering program at WQU. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree and are not sure if your credential/degree/certification is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, you can get it evaluated by World Education Services (WES) and provide WQU with your transcripts as well as proof of the evaluation.

What are the admission requirements?

Here’s an overview of the admission requirements for the MSc in Financial Engineering program at WQU;

• Passing score on eligibility quiz
• Completed Online Application
• Transcripts for all previously earned college/university degrees (bachelor’s degree or equivalent 4-year degree required)
• Passing score on numeracy, statistics, and calculus proficiency test
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exam scores* / English proficiency test

*The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is required of applicants whose native language is not English. The only exception is for applicants who have earned a degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

I understand that WQU is tuition-free, but what other expenses should I prepare for?

Applicants who are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test scores as proof of their English proficiency are responsible to cover the fees associated with these tests. Once accepted into the program, there are no other costs or fees.

How many credits do I need to graduate?

In order to graduate from WQU, students must have earned a total of 42 credit hours. According to our transfer of credit policy, students can transfer up to 21 credit hours from previously completed coursework. For an overview of this policy and other graduation requirements, please have a look at the WQU Catalog.

Can I take the courses on my smartphone or tablet?

No. While you may be able to take some portions of the courses on a smartphone or tablet, a computer (desktop or laptop) is required to access the entire course content.

I can’t find my transcripts. Can I still enroll?

As part of the online application, you must submit scanned copies of your transcripts from all previously earned college or university degrees in order to verify that your previously earned degree(s) meet the academic requirements for admission.

Upon acceptance into their MSc in Financial Engineering program, you are required to submit official transcripts for all previously earned college or university degrees. There are two ways you can submit your official transcripts;

via postal mail, in a sealed envelope and signed by the appropriate university official
digital transcripts, which should be sent to admissions@wqu.org along with the associated verification instructions and/or code.
In both cases, official transcripts must include the official grading scale of the academic institution and be submitted directly from the university attended to the WQU Admissions Office.

Official transcripts must be received by WQUprior to the completion of the fourth course session of enrollment. We highly recommend that you request official transcripts from your previous colleges and universities immediately upon acceptance.

If your transcript is in a language other than English, an official translation must be included.

When is the deadline to apply?

WQU accepts new students into the MSc in Financial Engineering program seven times a year. Students can begin their studies on the closest academic session start date following the acceptance of their application. We recommend submitting an application ca. 6 weeks prior to the desired start date. For an overview of their academic calendar, please visit our Program page.

Will I receive a diploma when I graduate?

Students who meet all of the graduation requirements will receive a diploma. Once the graduation requirements have been verified, the student will be notified via email and the diploma will be made available.

When do classes start?

The MScFE program is offered quarterly, so there are four start dates per year. Students take one course at a time in a prescribed sequence. New students can begin training at the closest start date following the acceptance of their application. Our current course schedule is shown on our Program page.

What are the graduation requirements?

To graduate from WQU and be awarded a Master of Science in Financial Engineering, students must;

• Successfully complete all required courses
• Earn 42 credit hours (21 of which must be earned at WQU)
• Be in good academic standing
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0

I have a HND. Can I apply for the MSc in Financial Engineering?

HNDs are not considered equivalent to a 4-year bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum academic requirement for admission into the MSc in Financial Engineering program at WQU. If you are not sure if your diploma/degree/certification is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, you can get it evaluated by World Education Services (WES). If WES determines that your qualifications are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, your application can be considered for acceptance if you provide WQU with proof of the WES evaluation.

Can I get transfer credit for previous coursework?

Students can receive transfer credit for up to 50% of the courses in the MSc in Financial Engineering program (7 courses, which equals 21 total credits).

If you have previously completed similar graduate-level coursework, you might be eligible for transfer credit. We recommend that you apply for transfer credit before enrolling at WQU. Your request will be evaluated by the Academic Dean and you will be notified of the decision. Once approved, you will be issued an Enrollment Agreement.

About our Data Science Module

Is the module really tuition-free? Do I need to purchase any books or course materials?

The module is completely tuition-free and you do not need to purchase any books or course materials.

I’m not available during the live sessions and/or office hours. Can I still participate?

Yes, all live sessions and office hours are recorded and will be made available to students.

Can I receive college credit for this course?

No, this course does not offer college or university credit.

I’m currently enrolled in WorldQuant University’s MSc in Financial Engineering program. Can I still participate?

You are welcome to apply for the Introduction to Data Science module. However, keep in mind that this course will require a significant time investment in addition to your MSc studies. Furthermore, this course is not a graduate level course and does not award credit. Students enrolled in the MSc in Financial Engineering program who are advanced in their studies may find a significant portion of the course to be review.

How does the Data Science module relate to the MScFE program?

The Introduction to Data Science module and the MScFE program are two independent offerings. Admissions for each program are handled separately, and admission or completion of either program does not guarantee admission into the other.

What do I need to take the module?

The Introduction to Data Science module is an 8-week continuing education unit. To qualify, you must have experience with algebraic concepts such as functions and variables, which are frequently used in programming. Preference is given to applicants with familiarity in programming fundamentals, basic statistics, linear algebra, and calculus.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to participate in the Introduction to Data Science module?

No. As a continuing education unit, the module does not require you to have any prior degrees – just the algebraic experience necessary to handle the material. In short, you must have experience with algebraic concepts such as functions and variables, which are frequently used in programming. Preference is given to applicants with familiarity in programming fundamentals, basic statistics, linear algebra, and calculus.

How can I prepare for the module?

To prepare for the course, we recommend that you acquaint yourself with basic programming in Python and review basic algebra. You can also practice programming challenges and read about computer science.

Is the module self-paced?

All assignments must be completed within the eight-week duration of the course. However, students are free to review the video lectures and complete the assignments at their own pace within those eight weeks.

Will I be able to work for WorldQuant, LLC?

Other than that which is incidental, WorldQuant, LLC cannot derive any private benefit from WQU. In accordance with representations made to the US Internal Revenue Service, WorldQuant, LLC cannot hire any WQU students or graduates until at least 12 months after the student left or graduated from WQU.

Am I guaranteed a job when I graduate?

No. WQU does not guarantee jobs with any employer.

How can I apply my MSc in Financial Engineering?

Financial engineers pursue professional roles such as quantitative researchers, quantitative developers, quantitative traders, algorithmic traders, and portfolio managers for financial institutions.

Some focus on public policy, working for governments developing state and federal financial policies, or conducting research at think tanks.

There is a tremendous amount of fluidity between different financial-engineering careers, as well as transferable skills that allow professionals to easily move between these opportunities.