Applying

There is no general admission at the graduate level at SFU, as admission is specific to each program. You may apply to as many programs as you wish within an application period.

Simon Fraser University operates on a trimester system. The Fall term is from September through December, the Spring term is from January through April, and the Summer term is from May through August.

Decisions for fall admissions are announced starting in February and continue through summer. Each program has a different review period that follows its admission deadline. For questions about decisions and offers of financial support, contact your program directly.

Admission is specific to each program; you must apply to your program(s) of interest. Visit the program or department website for more information on that program and admission deadlines. After comparing programs, if you still have questions, reach out to the program through the contact information listed on the program website.

Even if you meet the minimum University requirements for admission you are not assured admission into any graduate program. Most graduate programs have program-specific admission requirements in addition to the minimum which can be found on their program website.

Prepare your application information and supporting documents. Individual graduate programs will require different components and submissions. We recommend contacting potential supervisors (if required) and your referees well in advance of starting the admission application.

English language test scores, where required, are sent to us electronically, directly from the testing agency. We encourage you to release your results as early as possible, as they can take approximately 4 weeks to process onto your application.

The online application has 3 steps and we advise you work ahead of your program deadline:

1. Complete/submit the application form
   Can take approximately 45 minutes. Includes identification, academic history etc.
   
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee
   Submit the payment 5–7 days prior to the final deadline to allow for processing time.
   $110 for applicants with Canadian transcripts, $150 for applicants with international transcripts.
   
3. Checklist (upload supporting documentation)
   Required documents depend on the program and may include transcripts, curriculum vitae, research proposal etc. You will send reference requests at this step. All required supporting documentation and references need to be completed by your program's deadline (the deadlines for documents and references are set by each program).