English Language Requirements

English is the language of communication at the University and instruction in most programs. 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.  

All test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test. Some graduate programs may have higher requirements. 

IELTS and TOEFL can be submitted electronically directly from the test centre. For TOEFL, SFU's Institution Code is 0999, a departmental code is not required. If ETS requires a departmental code please select the most appropriate choice from this list.

Please note that results for IELTS and TOEFL can and should be electronically released to Simon Fraser University generally (not to particular programs), and that valid results would then be applied to all graduate-level applications (should you apply to more than one program).  

Once you release your official results to SFU, it can take a minimum of three weeks for them to appear and update on your application portal. If you have waited for three weeks and still do not see your results updated, please send us a ticket that includes:

• The date on which you released your results to SFU
• Your unofficial test results with your name and test information clearly visible
• Your application deadline for your program of application

Please note our inquiry response time is approximately 3 business days.