Please note:
To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.
International Learning Opportunities
International Exchange Programs
Undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students at SFU may apply for a student exchange. With planning, courses may be used toward a Simon Fraser University degree, and need not extend a student’s period of study. Simon Fraser University has over 120 exchange relationships in more than 40 countries around the world and in Canada.
Participants must meet certain academic and residency requirements. Undergraduate exchange participants may apply for a maximum equivalent of 30 exchange units toward their Simon Fraser University degree. In some cases, a maximum of 15 exchange units may apply to the residency requirements for completing a credential at Simon Fraser University.
Formal exchange program students may receive exchange credit for approved courses completed at the host university with a passing grade.
See International Program section on Special Fees for information about international exchange program fees.
Eligibility for Undergraduate Exchanges
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and visa students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at Simon Fraser University may apply to participate in the exchange program. At the time of application, all undergraduate exchange applicants must
- have completed a minimum total of 36 units* with a minimum of 12 units completed at Simon Fraser University
- have been approved in a program specialization (for example, a major or minor) or have an intended program specialization
- have achieved a minimum 2.67 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) or higher as required by partner institutions
- be enrolled as a Simon Fraser University undergraduate degree student†
*undergraduate students undertaking second/subsequent undergraduate degrees must have completed a minimum total of 12 units at Simon Fraser University at the time of application
†undergraduate visiting, non-degree, diploma and certificate students are not normally eligible for the exchange program
Acceptance into the Simon Fraser University Exchange Program is based on the general eligibility requirements. However, selection for an exchange to a specific partner institution(s) is competitive. Selection is based on the general eligibility requirements for exchange as well as academic performance, motivation, academic reference(s), and any additional requirements of the specific partner institution(s).
Participants must meet certain academic and residency requirements. Exchange participants may apply for a maximum equivalent of 30 exchange units toward their Simon Fraser University degree. In some cases, a maximum of 15 exchange units may apply to the residency requirements for completing a credential at Simon Fraser University.
For a list of exchange destinations, application details and deadlines, please visit the International Services for Students website at https://www.sfu.ca/students/studyabroad.html.
The undergraduate exchange eligibility criteria are intended to select student participants who are likely to succeed academically in the exchange program. If students have unique circumstances and wish to appeal the exchange eligibility requirements, they may contact International Services for Students for information on the formal appeal process.
Eligibility for Graduate Exchanges
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and visa students enrolled in graduate degree programs at Simon Fraser University may apply to participate in the exchange program. At the time of application, all graduate exchange applicants must
- have the approval of both their graduate supervisor (or faculty advisor in the case where no graduate supervisor is appointed) and the chair of their graduate program;
- normally have achieved a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average (CGPA), or higher as required by partner institutions;
- be in good standing and making satisfactory progress in their program of study; and
- be enrolled as an active Simon Fraser University graduate degree student*
*Graduate visiting students, non-degree students, and diploma students are not eligible for the SFU Exchange Program.
Participants on all exchanges must meet certain academic and residency requirements. The graduate residency requirement for Masters and PhD students completing a credential at Simon Fraser University may include up to half of the minimum course work of the university or departmental degree requirements completed at an SFU partner institution on a formal exchange program (as per GGR 1.7).
Graduate students approved for participation in an SFU exchange may, in special cases, be granted permission to take undergraduate courses at a partner institution. However, in most cases, undergraduate coursework taken by graduate students while on exchange will not be counted toward their graduate degree requirements at SFU (as per GGR 1.7).
Field Schools
A field school is a term program led by a Simon Fraser University faculty member for 7 to 12 weeks in the field with some Simon Fraser University course work prior to departure. Field school participants can earn 9 to 12 Simon Fraser University units toward their degree and grade point average. All applicants should
- be 19 years of age or older on the day of departure
- have completed 30 units prior to application
- have a minimum 2.5 grade point average
Additional requirements may apply.
For a complete list of exchange destinations, field school details, information sessions, deadlines and application information, visit https://www.sfu.ca/students/studyabroad.html.
All field schools are subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment, departmental funding and availability of instructors, or safety issues in the destination country.
Funding for Study Abroad
Financial aid, awards, bursaries and scholarships are available to help with the cost of international study through Simon Fraser University. See Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students and Study Abroad Funding and Costs for more information.
Independent Study Abroad
Simon Fraser University undergraduate students may study and receive transfer credit at institutions which do not have a formal exchange agreement. Students arrange this individually, and must also organize transfer credit using a letter of permission. Finance, tuition, academic and language requirements of the host institution must be met. Contact the host university regarding application and admission requirements. Information regarding the process for a Simon Fraser University letter of permission (LOP) is available from Student Services (see Courses at Other Institutions/Letters of Permission).