Simon Fraser University Complete Guide

• QS Ranked top university to study in Canada
• Over 8,200 international students at Simon Fraser University
• Numerous study programs in science and arts streams.
• 95 percent employment rate of graduates

Simon Fraser University, or SFU, is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada. It has over 30,000 students studying in various disciplines.

There are eight faculties at Simon Fraser University. They are:

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

What is Simon Fraser University?

Simon Fraser University is reputed for its emphasis on research, especially in fields such as technology, humanities, and sustainability studies.

SFU is an engaged university. An involved university prioritizes interaction with the general public and organizations for mutual progress. Partnerships with communities, policymakers, industries, and businesses are considered for growth.

This engagement is reflected in the teaching, research, and service to the community.

With its three campuses in the Greater Vancouver area, located in Vancouver, Burnaby (the main campus), and Surrey, the extent of interacting with the public increases.

History of Simon Fraser University

SFU was founded in 1965 to offer higher education in Canada. The university is named after Simon Fraser, a renowned trader and explorer.

Key Facts of Simon Fraser University

Some of the key facts about Simon Fraser University are:

• Ranks Number 1 in Canada for entrepreneurial spirit
• 15th position in the world for innovation
• 31 percent of students are international students
• Over 40 percent of research articles are published in leading journals
• SFU's alums include a Pulitzer Prize winner, Rhodes Scholars, and several Olympic gold medallists.

 

Highlight of Simon Fraser University

The highlights of Simon Fraser University are:

• Academic Excellence: The University is among the top-ranked institutions for its research and training in engineering studies and humanities.
• Quality education: SFU is reputed for offering quality education and tutors with expertise.
• Research: SFU is well-known for research, with more than 40 percent of its articles published in journals.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: SFU is ranked first for its entrepreneurial spirit.
• Inclusive Campus: SFU has an inclusive campus with infrastructure for disabled people. 

Campuses of Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University has three campuses located in the three largest cities of British Columbia. They are situated in:

• Burnaby - The main campus is situated on Burnaby Mountain and offers scenic views of Vancouver.
• Surrey – The campus is situated in a state-of-the-art tower near the Surrey Central Skytrain station.
• Vancouver – This SFU campus is situated in historical buildings in Vancouver. The campus offers vocational graduate study programs.

Academic Excellence at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University is known for its quality education and research.

• Research—SFU is a well-known research university in Canada and one of the top 15 universities in the country. Its faculty members drive social innovations and provide solutions to build a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive economy.
• Curriculum—SFU has an innovative curriculum that promotes students' comprehensive growth. For example, the Health Innovation's Health Change Lab at SFU facilitates students' work on interdisciplinary topics to develop real-world solutions.

Detailed information about the popular study programs at Simon Fraser University is given below.

Program	Annual Tuition Fee (in CAD)	Duration
MA in Archaeology	4,133	1 Year
MA in Contemporary Arts	4,133	2 Years
MA in English	4,133	1 Year
MSc in Actuarial Science	4,133	2 Years
MBA (Business Administration)	63,342	1 Year
MSc in Applied and Computational Mathematics	4,133	2 Years
MEng in Engineering Science	4,133	3 Years
MSc in Computing Science	4,133	2 Years
MSc in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology	4,133	2 Years
MA in Applied Legal Studies	3,886	2 Years

 

How to Get Admission to Simon Fraser University?

The acceptance rate at Simon Fraser University is 59 percent. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for enrollment at SFU.

Eligibility Criteria for SFU

The eligibility criteria for admission to Simon Fraser University are given below:

• Required transcripts from High school
• English language proficiency scores with an IELTS score of:
  • A minimum of 6.5 for undergraduate study programs
  • A minimum of 7.0 for graduate study programs
• At least 50 percent in a standard XII level mathematics
• A GPA of 2.50 to 3.50, based on the program you are applying for

Documents Required for SFU

The documents required for admission to SFU are given below:

• Duly filled application form
• Previous academic transcripts
• Required English language proficiency test scores
• Two or more Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• A CV or resume

How to apply at Simon Fraser University?

The step-by-step procedure to apply for admission at Simon Fraser University is given below.

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility for the desired course.

Step 2: Organize the required documents

Step 3: Submit the duly filled-out admission application form

Step 4: Wait for your decision on the application form.

Step 5: Fly to Canada

Strategies to Increase the Chances of Admission

To enhance your chances of admission at Simon Fraser University, you could do these things:

• Score a high GPA
• Select a suitable study program that aligns with your interests and experience.
• Apply early to enhance your chances of acceptance.
• Write strong personal Essays:
• Participate in extracurricular activities
• Gather Recommendation Letters:
• Research the study course you want to apply for
• Score the required scores in standardized tests
• Show interest by attending SFU events or interacting with faculty members
• Proofread your application

Student Life at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University offers engaging experiences for students, such as a multicultural and inclusive campus community, an engaging learning community for international students, and various extracurricular programs.

Student Services at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University offers various student services. They are:

• Centre for Accessible Learning or CAL – Infrastructure and facilities for disabled students
• Health and Counselling Services—Students can seek counselling for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being to improve their academic performance. 
• International Services for Students (ISS)—SFU offers multiple resources and counseling for immigration and supports international students in acclimatizing Canadian society. 
• Multi-faith center – SFU facilitates students to practice their faith
• Student Support, Rights, and Responsibilities Office - SFU maintains a safe and respectful campus environment. It makes the students aware of their rights and responsibilities.
• Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Office - Support is offered for members who have experienced sexual violence.
• Residence and Housing - SFU offers students affordable and comfortable on-campus residency options.
• Indigenous Student Centre or ISC

Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The tuition fee for international students at Simon Fraser University ranges from CAD 30,000-36,000 per annum.

International students can also apply for bursaries offered by SFY, provided that the bursary is not the applicant's primary source of income.

Scholarships at SFU

SFU acknowledges the financial demands of International students and, therefore, offers various scholarships. The popular scholarships for SFU are given below:

Scholarship	Amount (in CAD)
SFU James Dean Scholarship	5,900
Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship	20,000 to 60,000

 

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements to apply for a scholarship at SFU, you must:

• Have completed a minimum of 12 units of graded courses at SFU
• Be enrolled in SFU’s standard graded course of at least 12
• Have a minimum CGPA of 3.50

How to Apply?

The step-by-step procedure to apply for scholarships at Simon Fraser University is given below:

Step 1: Research the scholarships available and select the right one.

Step 2: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Organize all the required documents.

Step 4: Submit the duly filled out application form.

Step 5: Wait for the decision

Career Opportunities After Studying at Simon Fraser University

The employment rate at Simon Fraser University is 95 percent. Many renowned Multi-national companies like Google, Amazon, Shopify, and Deloitte hire graduates from Simon Fraser University.

If they meet the eligibility requirements, SFU graduates can apply for the Canadian Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP facilitates international students looking for jobs soon after they graduate.

Some of the popular jobs applied for by SFU graduates are given in the table below.

Job Profile	Average Annual Salary in Canada (in CAD)
Software Engineer	1,00,043
Business Analyst	74,088
Data Scientist	99,932
Environmental Consultant	67,892
Marketing Manager	71,367

 

Internship opportunities at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University offers various internship opportunities, such as:

• Internship in Contemporary Arts
• Fraser Institute
• Connect Canada Internships
• Internships in the Department of Political Science
• Internship Program at the David Lam Centre
• Industrial Internship

You can also avail of co-op programs in SFU in various fields, such as:

• Arts and Social Sciences
• Business
• Engineering Science
• Mechatronic Systems Engineering
• Sustainable Energy Engineering
• Communication
• Computing Science
• Education
• Environment
• Health Sciences
• Interactive Arts & Technology
• Science
• Software Systems

Why Should You Choose Simon Fraser University?

Simon Fraser University could be your top choice to study in Canada. It is one of the leading research institutions in Canada, focusing on innovation, quality education, and community engagement.

Key Reasons to Choose Simon Fraser University

The primary reasons for opting for Simon Fraser University are given below. SFU has:

• Leading Research University in Canada
• SFU is one of the top 1.9 percent of universities worldwide
• SFU offers a diverse range of programs in various disciplines
• It has a high employability rate of 95 percent
• SFU is reputed for its inclusive campus
• SFU offers state-of-the-art research facilities, study programs, and credible scholars.