Virtual Orientation

Our next graduate studies orientation and student reception will take place on September 4, 2012, 2–4 pm, at the Diamond Alumni Centre, Burnaby campus.

Reserve your seat online.

We'll provide a quick overview of the University services available to help you succeed as a graduate student. There will also be free refreshments and a chance for you to meet other incoming graduate students.

Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan. See the International Graduate Student upon-arrival page.

Metro Vancouver is one of the most livable cities in the world, and SFU's campuses are located throughout the region. 

One of your student benefits is the U-Pass, which lets you access the entire transit system, including buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus. All three campuses are on the SkyTrain line, and if you're exploring Vancouver for the first time, we recommend that you get familiar with the SkyTrain system first.

SFU gives out millions of dollars each year to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries, and that's not including external options not administered by the university.

There are several types of financial aid available to help you pay for your university education. Options include awards and scholarships, teaching and research positions, as well as bursaries and work-study employment.

The Graduate Studies blog is regularly updated with links to upcoming awards and scholarships.

If you're an international student, you may be able to apply for assistance through your home country.

For more information, visit Financial Aid and Awards and consult your department.

To enroll, log into the Student Information System with your computing ID and password.

There are several ways you can pay for your tuition and fees after you have registered for classes. The most convenient way to pay is either online or through telephone banking with your bank or credit union. For more information see How to Pay Your Fees.

You can get your Library/ID card 24 hours after you have enrolled in a course. You will need to present valid photo ID (for example, government issued ID, driver’s license, or high school GoCard). Library/ID cards are produced at any of our three campuses.

Visit Student Services for contact information. In addition, see their deadlines page for details on peak card production schedules.

All eligible students receive a U-Pass for unlimited access to public transit around Metro Vancouver.

See the U-Pass website for more information on how to get your U-Pass and eligibility.

Please note: To be exempt from the U-Pass fee as of the Fall 2011 semester, you must be enrolled in a course that is marked as being "off-campus" and your mailing address must be outside Metro Vancouver.

SFU Burnaby. As SFU Graduate Students, you are eligible to purchase parking at any time if you satisfy the following eligibility requirements.

SFU Surrey. As SFU Graduate Students, you are eligible to purchase parking at any time if you satisfy the following eligibility requirements.

SFU Vancouver. Nearby parking lots include the one beneath the Harbour Centre complex at 515 West Hastings (weeknights only after 6 pm, all day Saturday and Sunday and statutory holidays) and Imperial Parking at 400 West Cordova Street. The Cordova Street lot offers reduced rates after 4:00 pm for students, faculty, and staff with a valid SFU library card or a parking pass available from Continuing Studies. Bicycle racks are also available at this location. Parking on the street is free after 8 pm.

Pick up your recreation services tag during the first few weeks of the term. It gives you access to recreational facilities, activities and intramurals at the Burnaby campus.See Recreation Services/Membership.

See also separate recreation services for Vancouver-based students and Surrey-based students.