Simon Fraser University (SFU), Burnaby, Canada

Simon Fraser University (SFU): Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Fees, and Scholarships

Ranked as Canada’s #1 comprehensive university by Maclean’s, SFU was established 57 years ago as a distinguished public research university in 1965. Almost 35,000 students are enrolled in the university across its three campuses in Canada. 

With a commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity, the university has international students from over 145 countries under its aegis. The Burnaby campus houses most of the university’s academic and research infrastructure and has eight faculties offering plenty of world-class programs. 

Why study at Simon Fraser University?

• It is one of Canada’s top 15 research universities, with 3,100 international research partnerships and 61 research centers and institutes.
• Simon Fraser University is internationally renowned for its excellence. It is ranked #1 as Canada’s comprehensive university by Mcleans Rankings. The university is also ranked #1 most innovative university in Canada according to WURI’s Top 100 Global Innovative Universities.
• The university’s comprehensive co-op education program is one of Canada’s largest and has helped employ over 8,500 students in global corporations.
• The university’s impressive 21:1 student-faculty ratio ensures focused learning.
• Financial assistance is provided through scholarships and bursaries to support international students and recognize outstanding academic achievement. 
• A student-business incubator equips students with the knowledge required to design sustainable business models. 
• The unique HIVE Program by the university connects new undergraduates to fellow students and mentors in the same program.
• SFU is ranked within the top 50 universities globally that drive social change. Various student initiatives aim to protect our environment and contribute to the health and well-being of the community. 
• 1,022 influential faculty members hold some of Canada’s highest research honors.
• Emphasis on athletics as SFU is the only Canadian member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
• The university hosts camps and youth programs and offers volunteering opportunities to students interested in taking on leadership roles.

University Rankings

Programs & Courses offered by Simon Fraser University

For international students who wish to study in Canada, a plethora of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available at SFU. All the courses are taught in English and are under the jurisdiction of 8 main faculties.

To get admission, students need to fulfill some basic admission criteria alongside specific English language requirements. 

Undergraduate/Bachelor’s Programs

International students can choose among over 100 bachelor’s programs offered by Simon Fraser University. The most popular degree choices include

• Computer Science
• Electronics Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Data Science
• Psychology 
• Finance
• Business and Economics

Graduate/Master’s Programs

Master’s programs offered by Simon Fraser University are also highly sought-after. International students usually prefer to enroll in courses like 

• Applied Mathematics
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Global Communication
• Health Sciences

Campus and accommodation

Campuses at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University has campuses across three of British Columba’s major cities—Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver.

The Burnaby campus is the oldest, having been established in 1965. The campus houses more than 36 academic buildings and ‘UniverCity’—a one-of-a-kind residential community home to more than 5000 citizens.

The Vancouver campus was opened in 1989 to respond to the growing demand to educate and train working professionals. Today, SFU has a presence in nine locations in Vancouver, including art studies, an innovation center, and a graduate school of business. 

The youngest campus in Surrey, which opened in 2002, aims to extend the innovative spirit of Simon Fraser University through initiatives like the Sustainable Energy Engineering program, Quantum Algorithm Institute, and the School of Interactive Arts and Technology.

Accommodation at Simon Fraser University 

International students can avail both on and off-campus housing at Simon Fraser University. Several undergraduate and postgraduate residential options comprise towers, traditional halls, studio-style apartments, and townhouses on the Burnaby campus.

 For first-year undergraduates:

North Towers offers traditional-style, private single rooms in three buildings. Washrooms, lounges, and laundry areas are shared spaces. These towers are at a convenient distance of five to 10 minutes from all the necessary facilities, such as the classes, dining hall, gym, library, and more. These towers cost $3,224 per term.

For first-year undergraduates, the East/West towers are designed similar to the North towers with single-person room occupancy and shared services, except that a kitchen is included in the shared areas. The East/West Towers cost $3,720 per term

For second-year undergraduates:

For first and second-year undergraduates. The Shell House is a single-person occupancy, traditionally-styled residence with shared services, including a kitchen, washrooms, lounges, and laundry rooms. The Shell House costs $3,192 per term.

McTaggart-Cowan Hall is available for first and second-year students. Along with all the facilities in the previous residence halls, the McTaggart-Cowan Hall also includes elevators. This residence hall costs $3,192 per term.

For third and fourth-year students:

The Townhouse welcomes third and fourth-year students to its comfortable single-occupancy residence with shared spaces of living room, kitchen, washrooms, and laundry rooms. It costs $3,440 per term

For graduates:

Hamilton Halls are studio-style, private single-occupancy rooms with a private restroom and kitchen for graduate students. Shared spaces are the common rooms, laundry rooms, and elevator. These cost $3,912 per term.

Charles Chang Innovation Center for undergraduates is located in Vancouver, unlike the previous residences, which are all located in Burnaby. SFU Residence at the Chang Centre provides studio-style and 2-bedroom apartments, including a private washroom and kitchen. These residences come in the price range of $3,884, $4,284, and $5,408 per term.

As of now, more than 1,900 undergraduate and 150+ graduate resident students are present on-campus. All of them are allotted single rooms over 100 sq ft. Family housing is available in case of special circumstances too. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled and equipped with modern furnishing. 

Students should note that the campus is disability-friendly and accessible rooms are also available on each floor. Common lounges and laundry rooms are shared spaces for all residents living in the towers. 

If students prefer to live off-campus, SFU has made adequate arrangements by partnering with Places4Students to provide rental listings at affordable pricing. 

Admission requirements for international students

Undergraduate/Bachelor’s level

• Applicants are required to furnish All India Senior School Certificate / Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) / India School Certificate (12th standard)

• Applicants must meet the university’s Quantitative and Analytical Skills requirements with a minimum of 50% in Standard XII level Math for admission (based on a 35% pass scale).

• All applicants must meet the university’s English Language Requirement with a satisfactory score on one of the following English language proficiency tests:

IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no part less than 6.0

Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a minimum overall score of 176, with no component less than 169

TOEFL iBT: overall score of 88 or better with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four components

Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): overall score of 70, with no part less than 60.

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills

Apart from the general admission requirements, applicants must ensure they meet the specific requirements for each Course

Applicants to the Sustainable Energy Engineering program are required to complete a Supplemental Application.

Applicants to the Contemporary Arts program may require a portfolio or an audition.

Graduate/Master’s level 

Admission to master’s programs has the following general requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution (preferably M.A., M.B.B.S., M.Comm., M.Sc., or a Master’s degree in a non–engineering field or Honours B.Eng., B.Sc.(Eng.), B.Tech., B.A.Sc., B.Arch. B.Pharm)

• A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.33 scale, or 3.33 on a 4.33 scale (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses

• Three-year degrees are acceptable if the applicant’s overall standing in degree is 1st Class/Division and the awarding institution is accredited by NAAC with an ‘A’ grade.

• Letters of recommendation evidencing the applicant’s ability to undertake advanced studies in the area of interest.

• Proof of English Language proficiency

Doctoral level 

• A master’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum academic standing of 8 on a 10-point scale
• Preferred degrees are M.Phil., Master’s Degree, Master’s degree in Engineering, Forestry or Medicine, 
• Letters of recommendation evidencing applicant’s ability to undertake advanced studies in the interest area
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition fees and total cost of attendance

Tuition fees for undergraduate/bachelor’s programs 

Students at the undergraduate level are required to choose their preferred courses from the lower division and upper-division. The tuition fees of undergraduate courses at Simon Fraser University is based on units, with some faculties having different per-unit cost. 

Below is an estimation of tuition fees for bachelor’s programs categorized according to their respective faculties.

Tuition fees can be more or less depending on the specific choice of course within a bachelor’s program and other costs unique to an applicant.

*Tuition costs listed in the table above are converted from CAD to USD using the current exchange rate of 1 CAD = 0.80 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.

Tuition fees for graduate/master’s programs 

Tuition fees may vary depending on the specific choice of course within a master’s program and other costs unique to an applicant.

*Tuition costs listed in the table above are converted from CAD to USD using the current exchange rate of 1 CAD = 0.80 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.

Cost of living in Canada

The annual cost of attendance for a full-time student at the Simon Fraser University ranges from 22,100 – 64,200 USD or 81,175-235813 AED**

*Note: Living costs listed in the table above are converted from CAD to USD using the current exchange rate of 1 CAD = 0.80 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.

** Cost of Attendance in USD has been converted to AED based on the current exchange rate of 1 USD = 3.67 AED

Scholarships for international students

The SFU Undergraduates Scholars Entrance Scholarship

High school students who demonstrate excellence in academic and extracurricular activities are eligible for this scholarship. It is available to both domestic and international students admitted for the fall term to any undergraduate degree.

Applicants must submit a separate application to be considered for an entrance scholarship.

Scholarship value starts from CAD 10,000 (USD 7952*) up to an amount sufficient to cover tuition and mandatory supplementary fees. Further funding, in the form of a living allowance, may be offered to support exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial needs.

In addition to the funding, the program also extends support through welcome sessions, dedicated academic advising, and mentorship.

Students with an ongoing SFU Entrance Scholarship are not eligible for other university-administered scholarships until the entrance scholarship is fully paid out. 

H.Y. Louie and Lohn Entrance Award

Simon Fraser University offers awards to help students for whom the cost of attending university would be a significant barrier to accepting admission. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate academic merit and need.

International applicants can submit a complete application and required supporting documentation. International applicants are considered for only the H.Y. Louie and Lohn Entrance Awards.

‘H.Y. Louie and Lohn Entrance Award’ offers 25 awards of CAD 5000 (USD 3976*) each in one installment. Applicants must submit one reference letter and summary of achievements and activities demonstrating volunteer work, school or community involvement, extracurricular activities, and artistic or athletic interests.

The Undergraduate Open Scholarship

The Undergraduate Open Scholarship recognizes and supports undergraduate students who are academically qualified and awards scholarships to students on a term-by-term basis.

No separate application is required; students who meet eligibility criteria are automatically considered for the Open Scholarship.

The university decides the scholarship value calculated as a portion of tuition costs to be paid to eligible applicants.

*Note: Scholarship value is converted from CAD to USD using the current exchange rate of 1 CAD = 0.80 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.

Career prospects at Simon Fraser University

A student holding an ongoing SFU Entrance Scholarship is not eligible for any other University administered scholarship until the entrance scholarship is fully paid out. 

• Students of Simon Fraser University are exposed to ample career opportunities during and after their education.

• A job postings portal invites recruiters to post their recruitment opportunities, which can be viewed by all university students, including alumni. The ‘MyExperience’ portal displays full-time, part-time, internships, and volunteering opportunities.

• Recruiters can also host information sessions to focus on and connect with preferred student groups and educate them about their organization and market their opportunities.

• The university hosts several recruitment fairs. The university-wide recruitment fair is organized twice annually. Faculty-specific fairs are spread throughout different months of the year. These fairs provide students an opportunity to connect virtually with recruiters.

• Career education initiatives and workshops allow students to post career-related questions that industry professionals would later answer with years of experience.

• Other services like resume building, interview preparation, and online presence are available to students to raise their employability.