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Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Simon Fraser University

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada•World Rank #376

Official program page (opens in a new tab)

At Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada, Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is offered as a doctorate in Software Engineering programme. The programme runs for 4 years, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 2,193 per semester (CAD 2,193 per semester for local students).

At a glance

Degree: Doctorate
Field: Software Engineering
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 2,193 / semester
International tuition: CAD 2,193 / semester

Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·

Program details

Overview

The PhD in Computing Science is a research-intensive doctorate combining four graduate courses (minimum 12 units) with a thesis (CMPT 899), with additional coursework for direct-entry students from bachelor's programs. The program provides training in theoretical and applied computer science, is expected to take 12 to 15 terms, and guarantees every PhD student minimum annual funding of $30,000 for four years.

Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.50 / 4.33
Admission Requirements: Standard-track applicants hold a master's degree in Computing Science or a related field from SFU or an equivalent from a recognized institution. Direct-entry applicants with only a bachelor's degree in Computing Science or a related field must instead show a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/4.33, or 3.67/4.33 (A-) on the last 60 units of undergraduate courses, and complete additional coursework beyond the standard requirements. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate command of English sufficient for graduate study; the university's institution-wide minimum is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 90 overall with at least 20 per section. Admission is highly competitive and limited to top-qualified applicants; a supervisory committee must be formed by the end of the student's first year (third semester), and all PhD students receive guaranteed minimum funding of $30,000 per year for four years.

Application Details

Application Deadline: Domestic applicants apply through EducationPlannerBC, with one set of dates per applicant type rather than by citizenship. Fall 2027 entry: high-school-route applications open 1 October 2026 and close 31 January 2027, while transfer applications open 1 March 2027 and close 15 April 2027 (Education and Contemporary Arts transfer applicants may apply from 1 October 2026). Spring 2027 entry runs 1 July to 15 September 2026, and Summer 2027 entry runs 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027. Admission documents are generally due 28 February 2027 (Fall) and offers must be accepted by 1 May. International applicants use the same EducationPlannerBC dates and portal; SFU publishes no separate international deadline. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.

About Simon Fraser University

“Nous sommes prêts”

Type: University
Control: Public
Campus setting: Urban
Founded: 1965
Students: 37,000
World rank: #376
Programs: 476
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Simon Fraser University institutional building
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Frequently asked questions

What degree does Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award?

Simon Fraser University awards a Doctorate in the field of Software Engineering on completion of this programme.

How long does Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) take?

The programme runs for 4 years.

How much does Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) cost?

Tuition for international students is CAD 2,193 per semester (CAD 2,193 per semester for local students).

Can Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) be studied online?

No — the programme is taught on campus at Simon Fraser University.

What language is Computing Science: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) taught in?

The programme is taught in English.

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