Prospective Applicant

Exceptionally able applicants who wish to pursue a doctoral program outside or between existing programs at Simon Fraser University may apply to study under Special Arrangements. A student applying for special arrangements must have a well-developed plan of studies in an interdisciplinary research area that can be shown to have academic merit, and in which the university has appropriate expertise and interest among its faculty members.

Special Arrangements will be made only when the following conditions are met:

1. The applicant intends to pursue a doctoral degree
2. The applicant is exceptionally able, normally evidenced by a minimum CGPA at the Master’s level of 3.67; demonstrated scholarly achievements in the form of first authored papers or conference presentations of research at national or international meetings; completion of a thesis; and awards signifying academic excellence
3. the applicant’s proposed course of studies cannot be pursued in any existing program
4. Funding for the student's program is in place and there is little need for additional financial support from the University

In addition:

1. The Special Arrangements made for each individual student must be approved by the Senate Graduate Studies Committee, and be periodically reviewed by the Senate Graduate Studies Committee. (SGSC has delegated their duties to the Special Arrangements Steering Committee.)
2. The Special Arrangements made for an individual student do not set a precedent for other
   graduate students with similar interests.

Financial Support
Acceptance into the Special Arrangements program carries no commitment of financial support on the part of the Dean of Graduate Studies or Simon Fraser University. 

However, Special Arrangements students are eligible to apply for a limited number of Graduate Fellowships through the Dean's office and may also apply to any suitable department for a Teaching Assistantship (usually to the department in which a student's senior supervisor holds an academic appointment).

Finding a Supervisor
Before you can be considered for admission by Special Arrangements, it is necessary that you locate potential faculty members whose research interests match your own and who are willing to serve on your supervisory committee. 

This is a student-initiated process that requires your presence on campus to contact faculty members who conduct research in your areas of interest, to determine with them the sequence of your course requirements, and to provide them with information about yourself. 

Applicants for admission by Special Arrangements, therefore, must be able to visit Simon Fraser University to make the necessary arrangements.

Application Deadline
Please note that the deadline for receipt of completed applications with all required documentation is December 1 of each year, for admission in the following academic year.  To prepare a strong application, it is necessary for prospective Special Arrangements students to initiate the application process well in advance of this date.