HOW TO APPLY
Applications for Fall 2025 opens on October 1, 2024.
BEFORE APPLYING
Before submitting an application, you should read carefully about:
- SFU's Graduate Studies Application Process
- Becoming an SFU Graduate Student
- Dean of Graduate Studies Admission Requirements for a Master's Program
- School of Computing Science Admission Requirements for the Master's in Professional Computer Science
- Frequently Asked Questions about the program
Please note that you are required to fulfill admission requirements as laid out by both the Dean of Graduate Studies and the School of Computing Science.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
In order to complete your application for the program, you are required to submit the following documents. Please note that all documents are submitted online via the application system, with the exception of the official IELTS/TOEFL score. Please do not mail any of these documents.
Reference letters
Three reference letters from professors, employers, and/or mentors who can speak to your suitability for the program. Your referees must have a strictly professional relationship with you (no friends, family members, etc.). We are looking for evidence of your academic ability, professionalism, related work experience, and any other information that would make you a strong candidate for the Master of Science in Professional Computer Science.
Evidence of a completed IELTS or TOEFL exam
If English is not your primary language, you must provide proof of English proficiency. Please view Admission Requirements for more information. IELTS or TOEFL test scores need to be sent directly to SFU's Graduate Studies Office by Educational Testing Service. Electronic submission is preferred.
The Graduate Studies Office's address is:
Graduate Studies
Maggie Benston Student Services Centre 1100
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 1S6
The codes required are: TOEFL=Institution Code 0999; Department Code=78 | IELTS= Organization name: Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies
Curriculum vitae (CV)
An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your academic achievements and professional experience. You should include information about any scholarly work you have carried out. You should also include noteworthy volunteer work, scholarships and awards, and anything else that would make you a great candidate for the program.
Statement of purpose
Your statement of purpose is your chance to explain why you would be an excellent candidate for the program by highlighting your strengths, aspirations, and anything else that might set you apart from other applicants. You can also use your statement of purpose to indicate the foundational knowledge you possess that will make you a suitable candidate for this program (please see here for more information). The statement of purpose should be no longer than two pages double-spaced.
Post-secondary transcripts
Applicants are required to upload digital transcripts (e.g. scanned copy, photocopy, etc.) showing course titles and grading scales as part of the online application. Please note that all transcripts uploaded by applicants are considered unofficial.
You are only required to submit your official transcripts to Graduate Studies if you receive an admission offer. Official transcripts can be mailed or emailed directly from the issuing institution to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Simon Fraser University. Your official transcripts are required prior to enrolling at SFU. Enrollment begins approximately two months before the first day of classes. If you previously attended SFU, you do not need to submit official SFU transcripts.
Please refer to the details about the requirements for official transcripts (via mail or email).
SFU does not accept the following:
- photocopies that have not been stamped, attested and endorsed by the Registrar at your home university
- documents in envelopes that have been opened
- documents that do not arrive in sealed envelopes endorsed by the issuing institution or certified translator
- documents that arrive without the official seal of the university
- photocopies notarized by a notary public
- photocopies endorsed by a lawyer, professor, judge etc.
- unofficial translations
- non-literal translations
If you receive an offer, arrange for official transcripts to be mailed to:
Graduate Studies
Maggie Benston Student Services Centre 1100
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 1S6
E-mail us at cspmp@sfu.ca if you have any questions about transcripts that are not answered here.
HOW TO APPLY
Your application and all Dean of Graduate Studies and Computing Science requirements will be submitted online. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the Graduate Studies Application Process before proceeding.
When you are ready, visit the SFU Graduate Studies online application system, create an account, and then select:
- Department: Computing Science
- Programs (select the program you want to pursue): Master of Science in Big Data, Master of Cybersecurity or Master of Visual Computing
- Start date/Term: Fall 2024
QUESTIONS?
Check out our FAQ page, or submit your questions through our ticketing system.