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International + English Language Requirements
Covid-19 Update
Simon Fraser University is aware that the pandemic is impacting English language test dates in various countries. If you are not able to receive test results prior to your document deadline, contact your program(s) of application with your currently-scheduled test date and your GA/student number to see if one of the following is possible:
- Consideration for conditional admission, pending English language test scores
- Extension of document deadline for your English language test
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.
University minimum requirements for test scores
| Internet-based TOEFL | 93 with minimum of 20 in each category. In order to satisfy the requirement, scores must be achieved in a single test. TOEFL MyBest (super-scored) or TOEFL Essentials results will not be used. TOEFL iBT Home is accepted. |
| Paper-based TOEFL |
580 and TWE 5 |
| IELTS (academic) | overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section |
| CAEL | overall 70; minimum 60 in each section |
| Pearson Academic (PTE) | overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections |
| Cambridge English Qualifications | C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193 C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200 |
Test scores must be valid at the time of submission. All test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test, scores that are more than two years old are not able to be verified and cannot be used for graduate applications.
Some graduate programs may have higher requirements than those listed here.
International Admission Requirements
If you attended a post-secondary institution outside of Canada, the majority of programs will not require a credential evaluation service to be used. A guideline of international credential requirements by country can be found using the drop down list.
Most three-year, Bologna-compliant degrees from research intensive universities are acceptable as a basis of admission to graduate diplomas, certificates and master’s programs at Simon Fraser University.
Select your country to view requirements
Submitting IELTS and TOEFL test scores
IELTS and TOEFL can be submitted electronically directly from the test centre. Releasing your results electronically to Simon Fraser University will update all relevant applications (if you applied to more than one program).
- 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.
- For IELTS, log in to the website of the IELTS test centre and click 'Apply for additional TRFs' in the left-hand menu of your results page. Fill out the application form online
- In India, the British Council is able to transmit electronically to SFU. Please use the following information when submitting your test scores: Organization ID 2036 - Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby BC, V5A 1S6
It can take a minimum of 3-4 weeks for your results to update on your application portal. If you have waited 4 weeks and still do not see your results updated, please send us a ticket that includes:
- Your GA or student number
- 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.
Submitting CAEL or Cambridge test scores
Results for Cambridge or CAEL testing should be sent directly from the testing centre in a sealed envelope for processing to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Submitting Pearson PTE test scores
Send a scan of your unofficial test results with your name and test number clearly visible to our tickets along with your name and GA or student number. Allow a minimum of 1 week for verification of your results.
Countries from which an English language proficiency test is not required
| AIA | Anguilla |
| ASM | American Samoa |
| ATG | Antigua and Barbuda |
| AUS | Australia |
| BHS | Bahamas |
| BLZ | Belize |
| BMU | Bermuda |
| BRB | Barbados |
| BWA | Botswana |
| CAN | Canada |
| CYM | Cayman Islands |
| DMA | Dominica |
| FJI | Fiji |
| FLK | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) |
| GBR | United Kingdom |
| GHA | Ghana |
| GIB | Gibraltar |
| GMB | Gambia |
| GRD | Grenada |
| GUM | Guam |
| GUY | Guyana |
| IRL | Ireland |
| JAM | Jamaica |
| KEN | Kenya |
| KNA | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| LBR | Liberia |
| LCA | Saint Lucia |
| LSO | Lesotho |
| MLT | Malta |
| MSR | Montserrat |
| MUS | Mauritius |
| NGA | Nigeria |
| NZL | New Zealand |
| SGP | Singapore |
| SHN | Saint Helena |
| SLE | Sierra Leone |
| SYC | Seychelles |
| TCA | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| TTO | Trinidad and Tobago |
| TZA | Tanzania, United Republic of |
| UGA | Uganda |
| USA | United States |
| VCT | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| VGB | Virgin Islands (British) |
| VIR | Virgin Islands (U.S.) |
| ZAF | South Africa |
| ZMB | Zambia |
| ZWE | Zimbabwe |
My previous education was in English but not in one of the countries above. Can I be exempt from the language requirements?
In this situation, you should contact the Graduate Program Assistant for the program to which you applied.