Graduate Admissions

How to apply for SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences graduate programs

Application deadlines

Master of Public Health (MPH)

  • Applications open: October 17, 2023
  • Applications close: January 22, 2024

Master of Science (MSc) & Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  • Applications open: October 1, 2023
  • Applications close: January 15, 2024

All programs

Applicants must meet admissions requirements and submit all required documents before the deadline to be considered for admission. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.    

Admission Requirements

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Admission to the MPH requires a competitive GPA, strong references, a good statement of intent, and clear evidence of both interest and involvement in public health. You do not need to have a confirmed senior supervisor before you apply to the MPH program.

We gauge interest and involvement based on your academic history, involvement in activities with a health focus, such as working with an NGO, studying/working/volunteering in a developing country, working for an international agency—particularly with a health focus—or volunteering with an organization in Canada that involves public health issues.

Other influencing factors include the quality and quantity of applications received and available seats. If you are a health practitioner or professional with substantial experience in health or a related field, we may also consider your career accomplishments.

MPH requirement list

Complete baccalaureate degree:

Must be the equivalent of SFU’s 4-year bachelor’s degree in any field, with a minimum of 3.33 (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework when you apply. We will also consider graduate coursework. Your degree can be in progress when you apply but all courses must be complete before the MPH program begins.

How to calculate your GPA

English language competency:

If English is not your primary language you must complete an English language competency examination—either IELTS or TOEFL.

For more information, refer to SFU Graduate Studies English language requirements and SFU Graduate General Regulation 1.3.12.

Proof of statistic course completion:

You must meet the statistics prerequisite and provide evidence of completion. Upload a syllabus of the statistics course you completed demonstrating it meets our statistics requirement.

If you have not completed the prerequisite at the time of application but are recommended for admission, admission will be conditional on the successful completion of this prerequisite prior to the start of the program.

Courses that are accepted generally meet the following criteria:

  • A course with the word "statistics" in the course title

  • A course that covers at least three of the following five topics:

    • Descriptive statistics (means, proportion and standard deviation) and graphical methods (histogram and bar chart)

    • Estimation and 95% confidence intervals

    • Hypothesis testing and p-values

    • Correlation

    • Linear regression

We also recommend that you look into online introductory statistics courses, as these courses are often self-paced and have flexible start dates. Some options are:

If you already meet the statistics prerequisite but would like a refresher, we suggest the online module Introduction to Statistics. This module does not fulfill the prerequisite requirement—it is a suggested refresher only.

Applicants with international credentials

If you have credentials from an institution outside of Canada or the United States, you must submit a credential evaluation report from WES Canada (course-by-course report) or ICES (comprehensive report).

If you completed an exchange or study abroad through a Canadian or American university, you do not need to complete a credential evaluation report.

Credential reports take an average of 3–4 weeks (up to 20+ weeks for some countries) to come from WES or ICES. Start this process early to meet the application deadline.

Admission deferrals

To request a deferral, send your request by email with your reasons to the Manager, Graduate Programs.  Decisions about MPH deferrals are made on an individual basis by the Director of Professional Programs and Accreditation in their capacity of Chair of the MPH Admissions Committee after discussion with the Manager of Graduate Programs. It may take up to two weeks for a response to your request. Deferrals are granted sparingly with about 2-3 deferrals given each year. The Manager of Graduate Programs communicates deferral decisions to students by email. 

The following are grounds for a deferral being considered:

1)    Visa delays: when students have made complete and timely applications for Visas and these are been delayed either in their home countries or in Canada

2)    Personal circumstances: when students have to contend with serious health issues or other serious family matters

3)    Jobs: when students get short-term positions that hold exceptional promise for their future careers.  

Master of Science (MSc)

The MSc program is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Other influencing factors include available seats, whether your educational and career interests complement the Faculty research strengths and any additional preparation for graduate study at the Master's level in Health Sciences.

MSc requirement list

Complete baccalaureate degree:

Must be the equivalent of SFU’s 4-year bachelor’s degree in any field, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or a minimum of 3.33 (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework, when you apply. We will also consider graduate coursework. Your degree can be in progress when you apply but all courses must be complete before the MSc program begins. You will also need to submit evidence—usually references from qualified referees—of the your ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.

How to calculate your GPA

English language competency:

If English is not your primary language you must complete an English language competency examination—either IELTS or TOEFL.

For more information, refer to SFU Graduate Studies English language requirements and SFU Graduate General Regulation 1.3.12.

Confirmed supervision:

You’ll need to reach out to prospective supervisors and confirm their supervision prior to the application deadline. Applicants without a confirmed supervisor won’t be considered.

To start a conversation with a supervisor, you must contact them with:

  • Resume or CV

  • Area of research interest

  • Academic transcripts

In your application, explain how your educational, research and/or career experiences prepared you for your selected area of research and align with your supervisor’s research interests. You are required to describe the general area(s) of research interest, but a full research proposal is not required.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Other influencing factors include available seats, whether your educational and career interests complement the Faculty research strengths, and any additional preparation for study at the doctoral level in Health Sciences.

PhD requirement list

Complete master's degree:

To apply you must have either:

  • The equivalent of SFU’s masters degree, with a minimum CGPA point average of 3.5

  • A bachelor's degree, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or a minimum of 3.67 (A-) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. We will also consider graduate coursework. Individual graduate programs may set a higher admission grade point average. To be admitted directly from a bachelor's degree you must complete at least 50% of the coursework units required for the relevant department’s master’s program if no coursework is required as part of the doctoral degree.

  • If transferring from the FHS MSc program: Completed at least 75% of the coursework units required for the master’s program, with a CGPA of at least 3.5. All graduate courses—whether completed at SFU or at an equivalent post-secondary institution—will be considered in the calculation. To be admitted under this category (transferred to PhD) you must have completed all of these requirements and initiated the transfer request within the first 6 semesters at SFU. As per graduate general regulation (GGR) 1.12.3, if you transfer to the PhD program during your 6th term of your MSc, you will transfer directly to the 6th term of your PhD.

Your degree can be in progress when you apply but all courses must be complete before the PhD program begins.

You will also need to submit evidence—usually references from qualified referees—of the your ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.

How to calculate your GPA

English language competency:

If English is not your primary language you must complete an English language competency examination—either IELTS or TOEFL.

For more information, refer to SFU Graduate Studies English language requirements and SFU Graduate General Regulation 1.3.12.

Confirmed supervision:

You’ll need to reach out to prospective supervisors and confirm their supervision prior to the application deadline. Applicants without a confirmed supervisor won’t be considered. See which faculty members are actively recruiting MSc and PhD students.

To start a conversation with a supervisor, you must contact them with:

  • Resume or CV

  • Area of research interest

  • Academic transcripts

In your application, explain how your educational, research and/or career experiences prepared you for your selected area of research and align with your supervisor’s research interests. You are required to describe the general area(s) of research interest, but a full research proposal is not required.

How to apply

Complete the online application and pay the application fee at least three weeks prior to the application deadline to avoid delays and ensure your references have time to submit their reports. You can upload supporting documentation once you have completed the first part of your application. Your referees can also submit their references for you here, too.

1. Start your online application

All SFU programs use the same application page, so consult the FHS procedures and requirements, as well as SFU’s overall requirements.  

2. Pay your non-refundable application fee

We cannot access your online application until you submit your non-refundable application fee. For Canadian transcripts, the fee is $110 CAD. For applications with any international transcripts, the fee is $150 CAN. Payment is accepted by credit card only (MasterCard or Visa).

3. Submit your supporting documents online (see below)

It is your responsibility to submit all supporting documents on the online system, ensuring they are complete and legible. The documents are outlined at the bottom of this page—read instructions carefully.

4. Submit electronic copies OR mail hard copies of your official transcripts (after offer of admission)

If you receive an offer of admission, you need to submit official transcripts for any institutions you’ve attended. If you have international credentials from a non-English speaking institution, you must send transcripts in their original language with certified literal English translations AND official degree certificate in the original language with certified literal English translation.

Supporting documents

It is your responsibility to ensure all uploaded documents are complete and legible, and meet admission requirements. Here’s what you need:

Three academic or professional references

Your referees should comment on your academic and/or professional abilities and suitability to a graduate program in Health Sciences. They will submit their references directly through the application system.

Your CV or resume

Outline your academic achievements and/or awards, publications, relevant work and/or volunteer experience.

A statement of intent

Explain your reasons or intentions for pursuing studies in this program, including a description of your prior experience. For MPH applicants, if you have already identified topics of special interest for a practicum experience or master's project, please include this in your statement of intent. Your statement should be no more than two double-spaced typed pages.

Transcripts

You must upload an unofficial transcript (scanned, saved, etc.) showing grades for each post-secondary institution you have attended (including SFU, if applicable), when you are uploading documents to your application. Transcripts must be in PDF format. You cannot upload these documents until your application has been submitted, and your application fee has been paid and processed onto your account.

  • We will not accept screenshots or photographs of transcripts taken with a camera, smart phone, or tablet.
  • If documents are two-sided, please upload scanned copies of both sides.
  • If you have international credentials from a non-English speaking institution, you must upload transcripts in their original language with certified literal English translations AND official degree certificate in the original language with certified literal English translation.

If offered admission, submit one official electronic or physical copy of your transcript for each post-secondary institution you have attended

If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit an official transcript for each post-secondary institution. If you have a degree in progress, your offer of admission letter will confirm if that degree must be awarded before you begin your studies at SFU. If the degree must be completed, do not send your official transcript from that institution until your degree is awarded and appearing on your transcript.

Official transcripts (one per institution):

  • must be official documents, sealed by the institution of issue, and sent directly to Simon Fraser University. The mailing address can be found below - OR -
  • may alternatively be sent electronically via a secure delivery service, such as Parchment, directly from official institutional email addresses (your institution of study must have such a service in place for this to be possible). SFU's email address for receipt of electronic transcripts is gradap@sfu.ca - OR -
  • may also be submitted in an institution-sealed envelope by the applicant, as long as the seal and all official notations/seals/signatures remain untouched and intact on the institution's original envelope. (Do not open the envelope - if you open it, it is no longer official).

Unsealed (open/loose) transcripts will not be accepted as official, even if they are on institutional paper. Transcripts received by email without secure delivery or sent by an applicant will not be accepted as official. Each transcript is subject to review prior to acceptance. 

  • If you have international credentials from a non-English speaking institution, you must send transcripts in their original language with certified literal English translations AND official degree certificate in the original language with certified literal English translation.
  • We will accept notarized copies of original transcripts and degree certificates if you are unable to obtain multiple copies of original transcripts.

Attn: Admissions

Graduate Studies
Maggie Benston Student Services Centre 1100
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 1S6

 

English Language Requirements 

English is the language of communication at the University and instruction in most programs. English languate admission requirements are set by SFU Graduate Stuides. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Applicants applying to programs conducted entirely in French will be exempt from this requirement.

International applicants will not be required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where English is the primary language.  Learn More.

Credential evaluation report from WES Canada or ICES (if applicable) (MPH applicants only)

If you have credentials from an institution outside of Canada or the United States, as part of your supporting documents, you must submit a scanned unofficial credential evaluation report from WES Canada (course-by-course report) or ICES (comprehensive report).

If you attended a Canadian or American university but studied at an international university while on exchange/study abroad, you do not need to complete a credential evaluation report.

Credential reports take an average of 3–4 weeks (up to 20 weeks in some cases) to come from WES or ICES. Start this process early to meet the application deadline.

When you upload an unofficial scanned copy of your report, be sure to upload copies of both sides of any two-sided, printed documents.

Upon successful admission, your official credential evaluation report must be viewable online (only available through WES) OR you must arrange for a hard copy to be delivered to our office. Note ICES does not provide electronic reports.

MSc and PhD applicants are not required to provide a credential evaluation report for credentials outside of North America.

Attn: MPH Admissions
Blusson Hall 11300
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby BC V5A 1S6

Attn: MSc/PhD Admissions
Blusson Hall 11300
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby BC V5A 1S6

Proof of statistics course (MPH applicants only)

Upload a syllabus of the statistics course you completed demonstrating it meets our statistics requirement.

If you have not completed the prerequisite at the time of application but are recommended for admission, admission will be conditional on the successful completion of this prerequisite prior to the start of the program. More information.

Optional additional documents

You can submit optional supporting documents as indicated in the online admissions system.

International and out-of-province students

What to expect when you’re applying from outside of British Columbia:

Are graduate students from out-of-province or from outside Canada required to have health insurance?

Yes. All students are required to have medical insurance. Health services in Canada can be very expensive if you don’t have complete medical coverage. There are two levels of medical insurance coverage in Canada: primary and secondary medical insurance. Together, these plans work to help you avoid unexpected health costs. For more information, please visit SFU’s comprehensive medical insurance website.

Where can I go if I have general questions?

SFU Graduate Studies office for international graduate students is the most comprehensive resource for international applicants and students.  

The International Services for Students office provides support and services for all students seeking information regarding a variety of international learning opportunities.

International student advisors can help you with the following:

  • Study permit and temporary resident (entry) visas

  • On-campus employment regulations

  • Social insurance numbers (SIN)

  • Co-op, post-graduation, and off-campus work permits

  • Visitor visas and work permits for spouses/common-law partners

  • Health insurance and the Canadian medical system

  • US visitor visas

  • Personal, cultural and academic transition

  • Any other non-academic questions or concerns

You can visit the office in person, call 778-782-4232, or send an email to intl_advising@sfu.ca. The pre-arrival guide and welcome guides may also help you prepare for your studies at SFU.

Can international students get a job while studying at SFU?

Yes. International students with valid study permits can obtain employment. There are various employment options available. However, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required. Eligible students may apply for an SIN at a Service Canada office. If approved for a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, students will require a letter from us confirming information required by Service Canada. Contact the graduate program to request this information.

Is housing available on campus?

Yes. SFU Residence and Housing manage all student residences on campus. Residences include dormitories, family apartments, townhouses, towers, and a dining facility.

What kind of support does SFU provide for students who want to live off campus?

Off Campus Housing Services is a free service that helps SFU students who prefer to live off campus. SFU students seeking housing can review a variety of types of property, post a personal profile and search for potential roommates. Information is reviewed and posted daily, so you know your housing information is always up-to-date.

If I live off campus, will I need a car to get to the university?

No. From SFU, students can access the city of Vancouver, North Burnaby, Coquitlam and New Westminster using public and rapid transit (Bus and Skytrain). To help keep student transportation costs to a minimum, SFU has a U-PASS program that gives you access to area transit facilities: you can enroll with your name, photo, and an indication of your enrollment status. The program is available to all eligible SFU students and provides unlimited, all zone access to public transit in Metro Vancouver (the GVRD), including unlimited access to TransLink Bus (including Community Shuttles and West Vancouver Blue Buses), SkyTrain and SeaBus services (all zones), and discounts on West Coast Express Train fares.

What kind of services can I expect from the library?

The SFU Library is dedicated to providing access to collections, services and facilities in support of the teaching, learning and research goals of the SFU community.

Graduate students also receive additional support from from the library with dedicated space and programs to support you throughout your degree. More information can be found  on our current students page.

What kind of study space does the library have?

There are a limited number of offices in the Bennett Library that are available to graduate students on a semesterly basis. Offices are awarded to applicants through the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies (Maggie Benston, Room 1132. 778.782.6568).

Learn more about the SFU Library services here.

Questions?

Before getting in touch, please carefully review the admission requirements and application information. We’ll do our best to get back to you quickly, but responses may be delayed up to two weeks during peak periods.

Note: We do not confirm the receipt of electronic or hard-copy application documents. You must monitor your application checklist on a regular basis. We will not accept late documentation.

Master of Public Health: Quincy Fung
fhsgrads@sfu.ca
1-778-782-7036

MSc/PhD: Margaret van Soest
fhs_programs@sfu.ca
1-778-782-8450