Prospective Students
Please note that the co-op and the Exec MBA program mentioned in this video are not available for our exchange/study abroad students.
Simon Fraser University is an ideal destination for exchange and study abroad students. Our location in metro Vancouver offers the advantages of a large cosmopolitan city on the beautiful west coast of Canada, and our academic programs offer a wide choice across many disciplines in eight faculties.
Eligibility and Application Process
Is your university partnered with SFU?
In order to attend SFU as an exchange or study abroad student, your home university must have a current Formal Exchange/Study Abroad Agreement with Simon Fraser University.
} See if your university is partnered with SFU
If we have a formal agreement with your home university, then check out the application process.
} View application process
What if your home university does not have a formal agreement with SFU?
You can still apply to attend SFU as an Independent Visiting (Non-degree) student.
- If you are an undergraduate student, go to Admission.
- If you are a graduate student, go to Graduate Prospective Student.
Campus Locations
Most students have the majority of their courses at the main Burnaby campus however, individual courses may be offered at Vancouver and/or Surrey. You can easily commute by public transit between each of the campuses using your UPass (transit pass issued by SFU), but we recommend allowing one hour in transit between classes at different campuses. SFU Residence is located on the Burnaby campus.
Burnaby
Perched atop Burnaby Mountain, Simon Fraser University's original Arthur Erickson-designed campus now includes more than three dozen academic buildings and is flanked by UniverCity, a flourishing sustainable residential community.
Vancouver
Described by local media as the "intellectual heart of the city", SFU's Vancouver Campus transformed the landscape of urban education in downtown Vancouver. The campus is comprised of multiple facilities clustered in the core of Vancouver. The School for the Contemporary Arts is located in Vancouver.
Surrey
A vibrant community hub located in the heart of one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. The School of Interactive Arts and Technology is located at the Surrey Campus.
SFU Academic Terms
Simon Fraser University operates on a trimester system. Each academic term is 15 weeks in length, including the final exam period.
Although the calendar year is divided into three terms, two terms are equivalent to one full academic year. Exchange/Study Abroad students may attend SFU for one or two of the following:
- Fall term (early September – mid December)
- Spring term (early January – mid April)
- Summer term (early May - mid August)
Academic Dates
For more detailed information on academic dates, please visit Dates and Deadlines.