At Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada, Visual Computing Graduate Diploma is offered as a postgraduate diploma in UX & Human-Computer Interaction programme. The programme is delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition is CAD 1,300 per credit for local students.
The Graduate Diploma in Visual Computing requires a minimum of 22 units: 12 units of specialized lab work, at least 9 units of graduate coursework, and a 1-unit portfolio course. Teaching covers computer vision, image processing and computer graphics fundamentals through to deep learning methods such as diffusion models, GANs and variational autoencoders, along with object detection, pose estimation and 3D shape representation. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, a minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.33 (or 2.67 on the final 60 credits), and demonstrated ability in Java, Python, C++ or MATLAB alongside calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and core computer-science topics such as data structures and algorithms. The diploma is currently open to domestic applicants only because of capacity limits, and it is positioned as a pathway credential that can lead into the full Master of Visual Computing.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:2.50 / 4.33
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in computer science or a closely related field. Canadian-educated applicants need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.33, or at least 2.67/4.33 (B-) calculated on the final 60 undergraduate credits; international credentials are assessed against SFU's published country-by-country equivalencies. The program expects applicants to already have working ability in Java, Python and C++ (or MATLAB for a graphics/vision focus), grounding in calculus, linear algebra and statistics, and prior coursework in data structures, algorithms, databases and operating systems. No programme-specific English-language test score is published; SFU's general graduate English-proficiency policy applies to non-native speakers. Because of current capacity limits, the Graduate Diploma is open only to domestic applicants -- Canadian citizens or permanent residents -- for now. Applications for the Fall 2027 intake open on 1 October 2026.
Application Details
Start Date:Fall 2027
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.
