Graduate studies in SFU’s Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) are designed to develop advanced theoretical and applied technical knowledge. SFU offers a leading high-tech program supported by world-renowned faculty and outstanding research facilities.
Our SEE programs are delivered in a new state-of-the-art facility at SFU's Surrey campus, located in the fastest growing community in Metro Vancouver. All of our students enjoy the beauty of British Columbia’s mountains and ocean, the mildest climate in Canada, and the amenities of a world-class city combined with affordable living.
Every year, our multicultural research teams welcome new graduate students from around the world. The result is a solid and dynamic training experience assisted by dedicated professors.
SEE is a part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, which is home to internationally recognized researchers who hold numerous awards and distinctions. Our research programs are supported by several federal and provincial sources, and we maintain a high level of interaction with industry, government and research institutions.
SEE embraces sustainability in its broadest sense as our overarching guiding principle. We endeavour to model best practices and leadership in the pursuit of ecological, social and economic sustainability, as well as gender equity and reduced inequalities in our operations, research, teaching and community engagement. Read more about our guiding principles and commitments.
Together, we are changing the world with innovation and technology.
Degrees
SEE currently offers the following graduate degree programs:
Research Areas
The program aims to offer a unique ecosystem for advanced research in sustainable energy engineering. Through training in formal coursework and hands-on research, SEE graduates will be capable of working with integrity to invent, improve, design and deploy sustainable clean energy technologies addressing the clean energy needs for now and the future.
Candidates will develop a strong aptitude for research and exceptional quantitative, analytical, and design skills in areas such as sustainable harvesting, conversion, storage, distribution, utilization, transition, and management of energy and environmental resources.
Recent and upcoming application deadlines are noted in the table below.
| Intake Term | Applications Open | Applications Close |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2024 |
May 15, 2023 |
September 8, 2023 |
Summer 2024 |
September 4, 2023 |
December 22, 2023 |
Please note that international students are responsible to plan ahead and have enough time to apply for the necessary visa and appropriate documentation to start the program according to their applied semester. Deferrals are not normally accepted.
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 through the online system.
Please ensure you have met the SFU and School of Sustainable Energy Engineering admission requirements. Click on the appropriate links below to learn about the admission requirements for the program you are applying to:
SEE graduate students are required to have identified a Senior Supervisor who has agreed to oversee the student’s research during their degree. Please click here for a list of supervisors who are recruiting students for the SEE graduate programs.
Please submit your application using SFU’s online application system goGrad. Here is a video to help you navigate the system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTA5w1vXrIs.
We cannot access your online application until you submit your non-refundable application fee. Payment is accepted by credit card only (MasterCard or Visa).
It is your responsibility to submit all supporting documents through the online system, ensuring they are complete and legible.
After you have received your offer of admission, you need to submit transcripts for any post-secondary 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. More details about sealed official transcripts can be found here.
Zafar Adeel
Professor of Professional Practice, Acting Director
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Dr. Adeel is available to co-supervise SEE graduate students; learn more about his research
Colin Copeland
Associate Professor, Graduate Program Chair
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Vahid Hosseini
Associate Professor
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Sami Khan
Assistant Professor
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Gordon McTaggart-Cowan
Associate Professor and Associate Director
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Taco Niet
Assistant Professor (Practitioner)
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Kevin Oldknow
Associate Professor
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Vincenzo Pecunia
Associate Professor
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Mariana Resener
Assistant Professor
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Majid Bahrami
Professor
School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Woo Soo Kim
Associate Professor
School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Erik Kjeang
Associate Professor
School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Patrick Palmer
Professor
School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Jiacheng (Jason) Wang
Assistant Professor
School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Research Areas Include:
Learn more about Dr. Wang's research
For full details about the application process, admission requirements, tuition fees and scholarships, please visit the SFU Graduate Studies website: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply.
Here are some useful links to help you get started:
What are the SEE graduate degree options and where can I find the admission requirements?
SEE currently offers Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree options. Admission requirements for SFU’s graduate programs can be found here: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/grad-regulation.html#1.3
Additional admission requirements for the SEE graduate programs can found using the links below:
Is my previous Bachelor’s Degree considered a “related field”?
Degrees obtained outside of an engineering specific field may be considered for admission. Your previous degrees should provide sufficient background to be successful in taking and completing all required coursework (including specific engineering / technical courses as identified in the SEE program description), and to contribute effectively to your supervisor’s research program. Prospective supervisors will assess this when reviewing applications. A list of SEE graduate supervisors can be found here.
What are the research areas in the SEE graduate program?
The program aims to offer a unique ecosystem for advanced research in sustainable energy engineering. Through training in formal coursework and hands-on research, SEE graduates will be capable of working with integrity to invent, improve, design and deploy sustainable clean energy technologies addressing the clean energy needs for now and the future. Candidates will develop a strong aptitude for research and exceptional quantitative, analytical, and design skills in areas such as sustainable harvesting, conversion, storage, distribution, utilization, transition, and management of energy and environmental resources.
Do I need to identify a supervisor prior to applying?
Yes, applicants must have identified a Senior Supervisor who has agreed to consider your application in order to be reviewed for admission to the program. Your application will not be considered until you have identified a potential Senior Supervisor. A list of SEE graduate supervisors can be found here.
What is the English requirement for the SEE graduate program?
The English language requirements can be found here: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/admission/graduate-admission.html#1.3.12
When do I submit my supporting documents? What is the deadline?
After you have submitted you application (which includes paying your application fee), you will have one week to submit your supporting documents.
When will I hear back regarding the admission decision?
We try to process applications as they come in. Depending on when your application is submitted, applications may take longer than usual. After applications close, it may take a few weeks for applications to be reviewed.
International applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure adequate time to obtain study permits and make travel arrangements. In some countries, it can take months to obtain a study permit, especially if a medical exam is required. Please contact International Services for Students with your questions regarding study permits. They also provide important information regarding immigration documents, health insurance, finding housing, and planning your arrival. Additional information for international applicants can be found here: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/applying/requirements.
I'm an international applicant. How long will it take for me to obtain a study permit, etc.?
International applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure adequate time to obtain study permits and make travel arrangements. In some countries, it can take months to obtain a study permit, especially if a medical exam is required. Please contact International Services for Students with your questions regarding study permits. They also provide important information regarding immigration documents, health insurance, finding housing, and planning your arrival. Additional information for international applicants can be found here: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/applying/requirements.
What kind of funding will be given/available to students?
As with other programs at SFU, funding will be established upon mutual agreement between the student and supervisor. Details regarding funding levels would be communicated by the supervisor as part of the offer of admission. If detailed information is required sooner than this, it may be advisable to consider applying for a different program or a subsequent intake of the SEE program.
I have questions about the online application system. Who should I contact?
For your questions specific to the online application system, please contact SFU's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/about/contact.
You can also watch this video to help you navigate the system: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kns-9n3papI.
When you receive your official transcript from your former post-secondary institution, it will be sealed to indicate authenticity. Please do not open the envelope, and please ensure that it is sent to SFU in its original state. In most cases, your former post-secondary institution will mail it directly to SFU. After you have received an offer of admission, please ensure that your sealed official transcripts are sent to SFU's School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the application process). Sealed official transcripts must be received before the student begins their program. Please note that admission will be conditional on receiving official transcripts.