Admissions Guidelines

Admission to the accelerated MA program is based on the following criteria:

Completion of 90 credits of undergraduate coursework with a minimum CGPA of 3.67. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 3.67 CGPA will not be considered for this program. Applicants who do not have 90 credits at the time of application are to submit a course plan outlining which courses they will take during the spring and summer semesters prior to entry into the program. This course plan is submitted via the online application system under "Documents."

Quality of writing sample. A project or paper written for a linguistics course, the writing sample must illustrate the applicant's ability to express ideas in clear and appropriate language, sustain an argument, and develop a logical conclusion. Co-authored papers are not acceptable.

Quality and appropriateness of statement of research interests. A brief statement of research interests (one or two pages) stating background, motivation, research interests, and career goals. The proposal does not have to be specific but it does have to show a general direction for research, which can be defined later on. This statement of research interests is submitted via the online application system under "Documents."

Strength of reference letters. At least 3 reference letters are required. Reference letters should include a combination of academic and professional referees and indicate the applicant's ability to undertake advanced study in linguistics. Reference letters should include personal qualities that are deemed relevant to the applicant's ability to engage in graduate work. Referees must indicate the length of time and context in which they have known the applicant. Reference letters are submitted via the online application system; referees are sent an automated email with a link to follow to submit their reference.

Availability of supervisor. An important consideration for acceptance into the graduate program is the availability of a faculty member to supervise the applicant during the MA portion of the program. Applicants are encouraged to consult the faculty directory to find at least 1 potential supervisor that is of interest. Applicants should do a web search on the faculty member, read the faculty member's publications, and consider if their theoretical, conceptual, or methodological approaches are of interest. At least one potential supervisor name should be entered in the online application system.

How to Apply

1. View the application process guidelines on the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Complete the online Graduate Admission Application.

Applicants will be required to pay an application fee of $90 CAN (students with Canadian transcripts only) or $125 CAN (students with international transcripts) by credit card (MasterCard or Visa).

2. Once the fee is paid, applicants proceed through GoSFU to upload documents required to support their application.

Note: Applicants will not be able to upload any documents until the application fee is paid. 

Applicants with credentials from institutions in countries where the primary language is not English must also take an English Language Proficiency Test (TOEFL or IELTS) and meet the university requirements. This test must include a writing component. Test results must be sent directly to SFU Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies from the original source. Test scores are valid for two years from test date. 

Questions about the application process? Contact the Graduate Program Assistant.