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Logo of Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University

Burnaby, Canada • Founded 1965 • QS 2027 #312

Updated Sep 2026 · Source: sfu.ca

Overview

Acronyms: SFU
Founded: 1965
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #312 Times Higher Education 2026 #301-350 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #401-500 CWTS Leiden 2025 #583 SCImago 2026 #376
Motto: Nous sommes prêts
Colours: Red and blue
Mascot: McFogg the Dog
Simon Fraser University institutional building
1 / 5

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1965 and named after the explorer Simon Fraser.

Its main campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain in Metro Vancouver, with additional campuses in downtown Vancouver and Surrey, and it operates on a year-round trimester system with Fall, Spring and Summer terMs. SFU is organized into eight faculties spanning applied sciences, arts and social sciences, business (the Beedie School of Business), communication, art and technology, education, environment, health sciences and science, and it is known for one of Canada's largest co-operative education programs, which places students in paid work terms across most disciplines. It maintains strong research activity in computing science, interactive technology, health and sustainable energy.

Tuition is assessed per credit unit rather than as a flat program fee, with differentiated rates for business, engineering and computing science courses and cohort-based pricing for international students. Undergraduate admission runs in three intakes per year, and applicants can meet the English requirement through a wide range of accepted tests or prior study in English.

Entrance awards include the Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship, open to both domestic and international high school applicants, with values reaching six figures over a full degree.

Location & Contact

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Simon Fraser University are listed below.

Address: 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC
Postal Code: V5A 1S6
Phone: +1 (778) 782 6930
Fax: +1 (778) 782 5682
Social Media:

Academic Details

Simon Fraser University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Academic Year: Year-round trimester system: Fall (September–December), Spring (January–April) and Summer (May–August) terms; undergraduate admission is offered in all three terms
Recognition: Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia
Admission Requirements: SFU admits undergraduates three times a year — Fall (September), Spring (January) and Summer (May) — and every undergraduate applicant, domestic or international, applies through EducationPlannerBC (application fee CAD 86 for domestic applicants, CAD 130 for international applicants). Canadian secondary-school applicants: graduate from high school carrying at least five approved academic Grade 12 courses, one of which must be English Studies 12 or its equivalent, with 70% or better in Language Arts 11 / English 12 or equivalent. Each faculty adds its own Grade 11 and Grade 12 subject prerequisites, and approved AP or IB courses may stand in for them. B.C. applicants file the Student Transcript Service form by 31 January so SFU can read their grades; files are re-read as new marks arrive, with early offers usually released between November and January and standard offers between February and April. International secondary-school applicants: graduate from a university-preparatory stream at a senior high school and submit a transcript showing completed courses plus final grades for the first semester of the senior year — the admission average is calculated on final-year results. Country-by-country equivalencies are published, and faculty prerequisites still apply (senior-level Math for business and interactive arts; senior-level Math plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics for computing science and software systems; senior-level Math plus two of Biology, Chemistry or Physics for science and environmental science majors; senior-level Math, Chemistry and Physics for the engineering programs). Applicants who fall short of direct entry can begin through Fraser International College, SFU's on-campus pathway partner. Transfer applicants (either citizenship): at least 24 attempted transferable post-secondary units and good standing with a minimum 2.00 GPA. With fewer than 24 units the high-school record is assessed as well, and holders of a B.C. Associate of Arts or Science degree are given preference at 0.25 GPA points below the regular transfer cut-off (never below 2.00). All undergraduate applicants must also clear the Quantitative and Analytical Skills requirement: 60% or C in an approved Grade 11 or 12 math course, 3 in an IB mathematics course, D at GCE A/AS level or C- at GCSE O-level maths, or C- in a transferable 3-unit university math or quantitative course. Undergraduate English minimums (all applicants, whatever their citizenship): IELTS Academic 6.5 with no part below 6.0 (One Skill Retake not accepted); TOEFL iBT 4.5 overall with no part below 4.0 on the scale used from 21 January 2026, or 88 overall with no part below 20 for tests sat before that date; Duolingo English Test 125; PTE Academic 65 with 60 in each communicative skill; CAEL 70 with no part below 60; Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency at 176 with no part below 169; LanguageCert Academic 70 with no part below 65. Exams sat more than 24 months before the application are not considered. The requirement can also be met without a test: the last three years of full-time secondary schooling in English in Canada or in a country where English is the principal language of instruction (four years at a recognised international school elsewhere) with 70% in a senior English course; the IB Diploma including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL) at grade 3; a transferable 3-unit ENGL or certified writing-intensive course at C-; or GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B) at grade 4/C. Graduate admission is run separately by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the minimums differ by credential. A master's applicant needs a bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 3.0/4.33, or 3.33/4.33 over the last 60 units; a doctoral applicant needs a master's degree, or a bachelor's with 3.5/4.33 (or 3.67/4.33 over the last 60 credits); graduate certificates and diplomas ask for a CGPA of at least 2.5. Graduate English minimums are IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in each section; TOEFL iBT 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each section, or 90 with 20 in each category for tests sat before 21 January 2026; CAEL 70 with 60 per section; PTE Academic 65 with 60 per section; Duolingo 125 with 105 per section; or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency at 180. Graduate scores are valid for two years. Individual graduate programs set their own — often higher — standards and their own application deadlines, so check the department before applying.
Total Students: 37,000
Academic Staff Range: 900-999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Canadian University Press (CUP) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Below is how Simon Fraser University is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units.

Unit 8 items
  • Beedie School of Business
  • Faculty of Applied Sciences
  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Environment
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Science

Programs Offered

Simon Fraser University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

476 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 213 programmes

Showing 10 of 213.

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master's Degree 100 programmes

Showing 10 of 100.

Doctorate 45 programmes

Showing 10 of 45.

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Certificate 67 programmes

Showing 10 of 67.

Micro-credential 4 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate 20 programmes

Showing 10 of 20.

Postgraduate Diploma 25 programmes

Showing 10 of 25.

Scholarships in Canada

Canada-wide scholarships, relevant to students considering Simon Fraser University or other institutions there.

How to apply to Simon Fraser University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Simon Fraser University, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Simon Fraser University offers 476 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at Simon Fraser University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via Simon Fraser University's online portal at www.sfu.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (778) 782 6930. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Simon Fraser University

Common questions about Simon Fraser University — answers from its published profile.

How old is Simon Fraser University?

The institution opened in 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).

What city is Simon Fraser University in?

Simon Fraser University operates from Burnaby, Canada.

Is Simon Fraser University public or private?

Simon Fraser University is a public institution.

How big is Simon Fraser University's student body?

Simon Fraser University serves approximately 37,000 students.

What is Simon Fraser University's ranking?

It ranks QS 2027 #312.

How is Simon Fraser University organised academically?

The institution comprises 8 academic units.

Is Simon Fraser University accredited?

Yes, Simon Fraser University is recognised by Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia.

What is Simon Fraser University's official website?

You can find Simon Fraser University online at www.sfu.ca.

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