Application Procedures
For admission to the Earth Sciences Graduate Program, the prefered method is through the Online Application. In order to use the online application system , you will need to pay an application fee of $90 CAN (students with Canadian transcripts) or $125 CAN (students with international transcripts) by credit card (MasterCard or Visa).
The University also provides additional payment options (e.g., money order, cheque) for the print-based application form (please contact the EASC Grad Secretary for a copy). Return the completed form and application materials (see below) to:
Graduate Program Secretary
Department of Earth Sciences
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Telephone (778) 782-5387
e-mail: eascgsec@sfu.ca
For more detailed admission requirements, refer to the Graduate General Regulations provided in the current SFU Calendar or at the Graduate Studies Office.
To qualify for admittance, M.Sc. applicants should normally have a B.Sc. degree or equivalent, Ph.D applicants should normally have a M.Sc. degree or equivalent, with at least a good secondclass standing (3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4 point system) from a recognized university in one of the Earth Sciences (e.g. geology, geological engineering, geophysics, geomorphology, soil science, or physical geography). Admission will be normally in the Fall semester. While there are no fixed internal application deadlines, you should try to complete your application for admission to the Summer and Fall semesters by March (*see caveat for "Major Entrance Scolarships" below) of the same year. Similarly, you should try to complete your application to the Spring semester by the preceding October.
We strongly recommend that you contact a faculty member to discuss your research interests prior to sending in an application. In addition, you will need to confirm with them that they have space and financial support available, as this is the best route to securing a position in our graduate program.
If you require financial assistance in the form of needs-based Bursaries or Loans, you should indicate this clearly on the margin of the application form. Scholarships/Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships are part of the “typical” financial support offered most graduate students and do not need to be indicated on the application form. Your application must be accompanied by four items:
- A one-page statement of your research interests and career goals. This enables the Graduate Studies Committee to evaluate each application in terms of available supervision. Applications will not be considered complete without this statement.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended, including transcripts covering studies in which you are currently enrolled. Documents must be ORIGINAL, bearing the seal and signature of the institution. If possible, you should have these documents sent directly from your educational institutions to the Department of Earth Sciences Office.
- A minimum of three referees willing to complete a formal letter of reference. Referees should be professionals; at least two of the referees should be academics. You must list the full names and addresses of referees on your application form. Please read carefully the section on Letters of Reference.
- A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $90 CAN (domestic students) or $125 CAN (international students) by credit card (MasterCard or Visa"). If you are unable to pay the application fee by credit card, please visit How to Pay Your Fees for alternative payment methods at http://students.sfu.ca/fees/howtopay.html
Letters of reference
The Earth Sciences Graduate Committee attaches great importance to your letters of reference. You are urged to ensure that your referees are familiar with your academic achievement and/or history of relevant employment. It is your responsibility to contact all three of your referees and request that their Confidential References (included with your application form) be completed and sent directly to the Earth Sciences Program Office. Applications will not be considered without these Letters of Reference. Please note that the Confidential Report form provided by the Earth Sciences department, a reference letter (on the referee’s letterhead), or a combination of the two constitute a reference.
*MAJOR ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
SFU has a very limited number of major entrance scholarships for exceptional students, valued at $18,000 for a one-year period.If you wish to be nominated for an entrance scholarship, you are strongly encouraged to submit your application for admission to your department of intended enrolment by January 15, 2012 . Failure to submit your application for admission by this deadline will decrease your chances for consideration in the annual Entrance Scholarship Competition to be held in February 2012.