Undergraduate Credit Studies at Simon Fraser University

Photo of a senior graduate

Seniors, defined as those 60+, are encouraged to enroll in credit studies at SFU, bringing their diverse and unique perspectives to the classroom.

Whether you are a lifelong learner who has never completed high school, or one who is returning to university after having completed an advanced degree, SFU offers a variety of learning opportunities that will meet your needs. Seniors registered in the university have full privileges accorded to all SFU students, including access to the library and all university facilities and services.

Seniors pay the same tuition and student fees as all other students at the university.

In order to make the admissions and registration process easier for lifelong learners, we have developed a streamlined admission application process, and as always, we provide a variety of personalized services aimed at assisting seniors.

Fees at a Glance
For a breakdown of all course fees, please click here: students.sfu.ca/fees/undergradfees.html

Please Note: The Simon Fraser Student Society has agreed to waive the Student Activity Fee for all seniors attending undergraduate studies at SFU. (The fee ranges from between $30.00 to $61.00, depending on the number of courses a student is taking in a given term). Seniors are not required to complete any paperwork to avoid being charged this fee; it will be automatically waived by the SFU registration system each semester.

Deadlines for Admission to SFU
30 April for Fall entrance (September)
30 September for Spring entrance (January)
31 January Summer entrance (May)

Getting Started
Please download and complete the Senior Admission Application form (pdf, 106k).

The Certificate for Senior Citizens
This innovative credit certificate offers maximum flexibility to seniors interested in exploring what the university has to offer. Whether you just take a sampling of courses, or wish to complete a full undergraduate degree, the Certificate can be part of your academic plan. Simply completing 30 units (approximately 10 courses) with a minimum grade of C, calculated on all courses, will make you eligible for the Certificate for Senior Citizens.

To select this program plan, simply select the Certificate option on your application, or contact us to have it added to your profile. Tel 778-782-5212 or email seniors@sfu.ca.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Seniors
In order to assist low-income seniors with the cost of their education, the university has provided some specific financial assistance for lifelong learners. To quality, you must:

  • currently be enrolled or are enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, and be registered in the Certificate for Senior Citizens program
  • be enrolled in fewer than 9 units of normally-graded credit courses for the term (Audit courses are not eligible)
  • be in good academic standing (if you are a returning student) with a minimum 2.000 CGPA.

To apply, download and complete this form: Financial Aid application for the Certificate for Senior Citizens program (PDF, 34k). Application deadline for the Spring 2010 term is December 4, 2009.

For questions about this financial aid opportunity, and any others that may be available to students taking full-time credit course loads, please email fiassist@sfu.ca or call: 778-782-4356.

Other helpful information for Seniors

For complete information regarding possible transfer credits, application and enrollment procedures, program requirements and course descriptions, please consult the SFU Calendar or call the Seniors Program Coordinator at 778-782-5212 or email seniors@sfu.ca.

Contact the Seniors Program
Forms may be returned by mail to:
Seniors Program, Continuing Studies
Simon Fraser University
Suite 2300
515 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3

Tel 778-782-5212
Fax 778-782-5098
Email seniors@sfu.ca