🎓 Simon Fraser University – British Columbia, Canada

Simon Fraser University – British Columbia, Canada

1. Overview and Location

Simon Fraser University in British Columbia has campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Surrey. Study locations and research units vary by program; confirm the campus before calculating housing and commuting costs.

2. Master’s and PhD Programs

The A–Z list includes Master’s and doctoral programs across many departments. There are research-based programs and professional Master’s programs such as Big Data, Visual Computing, and Cybersecurity. Do not use the requirements or fees of one Computing program to represent all SFU Master’s degrees.

3. Study Modes and Program Selection

Clearly distinguish between thesis/research tracks and course-based/professional tracks before selecting a degree. A thesis is suitable for those who want to pursue research and prepare for further studies; professional Master’s programs focus on coursework, projects, or industry-specific practice. Check the standard duration, number of registration terms, full-time/part-time status, and the specific program’s supervisor requirements. Do not assume every major offers both options.

4. Academic Requirements and Application

Before applying, cross-reference your bachelor's degree, prerequisite courses, and GPA with the program page. Prepare transcripts/degrees, CV, statement of purpose, referees, and language certificates according to the checklist. Research-based programs may require a proposal or an accepting supervisor; professional programs may require experience, a portfolio, or an interview. Minimum scores are only eligibility requirements, not a guarantee of admission.

5. Language Requirements

You must check the medium of instruction, type of certificate, overall score, and individual skill requirements on the program page. Eligibility for a waiver depends on your profile and school regulations, not just having previously studied some subjects in English. You should be prepared to read specialized literature, write academic papers, and present research.

6. Tuition for International Students

For 2026–27, the regular full-time research tuition is 2,192.57 CAD/term, with a continuing rate of 1,096.29 CAD/term when eligible. Professional programs have separate rates: Cybersecurity is listed for international students at 13,856.16 CAD/term and 55,424.64 CAD for four terms. These figures do not replace the total budget, which includes ancillary fees, insurance, and living expenses. You must cross-reference fee groups and the actual number of terms for the program.

7. Scholarships and Research Support

Ask clearly about scholarships, TA/RA positions, and support available for your specific degree and residency status. Only include funding confirmed in your offer or award letter in your budget; check deadlines, progress requirements, work obligations, and whether tuition has already been deducted. Course-based Master’s programs should not be assumed to have the same funding as research programs.

8. Strengths, Considerations, and Suitable Candidates

Suitable for those with research goals or those looking to deepen their technology or expertise within the university’s catalog. It is necessary to compare research-based and professional Master’s programs because funding mechanisms and tuition fees differ. Check the current admission status, supervisors, and campus; do not infer job prospects solely from the program name.

9. Preparation Before Application

Choose a specific program before budgeting. Check the intake term, duration, whether it is in-person or online, prerequisite requirements, and deadlines. For the research track, read faculty publications and clarify whether you must find a supervisor before applying. Transcripts, diplomas, CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and language certificates must meet the program's guidelines; arts programs may require a portfolio. Budget separately for tuition, mandatory fees, insurance, housing, food, travel, and expenses for dependents. Do not include income from part-time jobs or unconfirmed scholarships in your guaranteed budget.

10. Official Sources and Reference Date

Verified as of October 7, 2026. The fees below are for reference based on the university’s website; confirm the fee schedule applicable to your chosen intake and program. Fee groups on the website provide a preliminary comparison and do not replace the school’s formal tuition notice.

• A–Z Program List
• Tuition Fee Groups
• Cybersecurity

Consult with KeyApply

KeyApply assists in selecting suitable schools and programs, preparing application documents, communicating with universities, and obtaining a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). To evaluate your profile, please prepare your degrees, transcripts, CV, language certificates, intended major, and budget. You can call, email, or message us via the website KeyApply.com.