PhD in Business Administration

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the SFU Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum admission requirements as well as any additional expectations of the Beedie PhD Program or their intended research area.

A complete application will normally include:

• academic transcripts;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a statement of research interests and intent;
• two references, preferably from academic referees who can assess the applicant's potential for doctoral-level research;
• proof of English-language proficiency, where required;
• GMAT or GRE results, where submitted; and
• additional materials that may strengthen the applicant's demonstration of research readiness, such as a research proposal, academic writing sample, thesis or major research paper, or other relevant supporting documentation.

Applicants should submit additional materials selectively and only where they provide meaningful evidence of research preparation and potential.

GMAT or GRE scores may be considered depending on the area of application. Where considered, test scores form one component of the overall assessment of an applicant’s preparedness for doctoral study.

Applications are considered within the applicant's intended research area by faculty with relevant expertise.

The admissions process considers the complete application rather than relying on any single measure. Applicants may also be invited to an interview.

Admission decisions take into account the applicant's overall research potential and preparation, faculty fit, supervisory capacity, and the strength and composition of the applicant pool.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to:

• review the research areas and relevant faculty profiles;
• identify the area that best aligns with their interests;
• prepare a clear statement of research interests and motivation;
• select referees who can speak meaningfully about their research potential; and
• consider whether GMAT/GRE scores or additional research materials would strengthen their application.

A strong application should demonstrate research potential, intellectual curiosity, strong academic preparation, and meaningful alignment with the research community the applicant hopes to join.