At Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada, Visual Computing: Master's Degree (MVC) is offered as a master's degree in UX & Human-Computer Interaction programme. The programme runs for 4 semesters, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 13,856 per semester (CAD 9,364 per semester for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Master's Degree
Field:UX & Human-Computer Interaction
Duration: 4 semesters
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 9,364 / semester
International tuition: CAD 13,856 / semester
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
SFU's Master's Degree in Visual Computing (MVC) is explicitly course-based rather than thesis-based: its minimum 30 units break down into at least 15 units of graduate coursework, 12 units of specialized lab work, and 3 units tied to a mandatory four-month co-op placement. The full program is designed to run four semesters, about sixteen months, with a recommended load of nine units per term to spread coursework evenly. Curriculum content spans computer vision, graphics and image-processing fundamentals through machine learning and deep learning, with applications in areas such as medical imaging, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, 3D games and simulation, and computational design and fabrication. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.33 for Canadian-degree holders (or 3.33 on the final 60 credits), plus the same programming and mathematics background expected of Graduate Diploma applicants.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in computer science or a closely related field. For a Canadian degree the program asks for a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.33 (B), or at least 3.33/4.33 on the final 60 undergraduate credits; international credentials are assessed against SFU's published country equivalencies. Applicants should already be able to program in Java, Python and C++ (or MATLAB for a graphics/vision focus) and have background in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, data structures, algorithms, databases and operating systems. Non-native English speakers must meet SFU's general graduate English-language requirement; applicants who completed a prior degree taught and examined in English in a designated country are exempt, and no separate test score is published on this page. There is no portfolio review, supervisor match, or work-experience requirement stated for admission. Conditional admission is available in exceptional circumstances for applicants with significant relevant professional experience.
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.
