Admissions

Learn how to apply to the SIAT graduate program.

Applications open:

TBD

Applications close:

Applications to the September 2024 intake are closed.

Next start date:

Information about the September 2025 intake will be added to this page as it becomes available.

Applications closed

Admission to the graduate program

Applications for our September 2024 intake open November 12, 2023 and close on January 8th for project-based master's and February 1st for thesis-based master's and doctoral applications.

All required supplemental material must be received by the application deadline, incomplete applications will not be reviewed. See the SIAT document checklist for information about the supplemental material requirements. It can take up to a week for an application to be released for document upload after the application payment is made so please be sure to start your application with enough time to complete it by the deadline.

The admission committee review of completed applications will be on a rolling basis and applicants will be notified via email once an admission decision has been made. We are unable to provide application status updates. Notifications will be sent to the email address provided in your application form. If your email address has changed, please update your information online and notify us via email at grad_admissions_siat@sfu.ca.

Master's completion options

Master of Arts and Master of Science applicants will need to choose which completion option (project-based or thesis-based) they are applying to when applying to our master's program.

In addition to selecting this option please explicitly state in the Research Interests section of your application and in your Letter of Intent which completion option you are applying to.

We will be accepting a small cohort of project-based students in addition to our cohort of research-based students. Students cannot switch between the two completion options once admitted so we encourage you to review the information about these options prior to applying. Please direct any queries about our completion options for our master’s degrees to grad_admissions_siat@sfu.ca.

Project-based master's program information

Information for Project-Based Master's Students.pdf
Download for more information about the project-based master's program structure, requirements and expectations, program advising, and additional resources.

Application information for Project-Based Master's

Admission to the PBM is highly competitive. In previous years, only between 5 to 10% of applicants were offered admission.
Project-based Master's applicants are not required to identify a potential research supervisor when submitting their application. However, they can mention the potential research or teaching faculty whose academic studies interest them.
In the Letter of Intent, we recommend that PBM applicants explain why they have chosen the PBM program and SIAT, how their post-graduation plans align with the program's goals, and the topics they intend to work on when completing the Project Course requirement.
Evaluation of applicants will be based on prior academic performance, the clarity and alignment of the Letter of Intent with the PBM option, and the fit of their general project interest with SIAT’s faculty expertise.

Project-based versus thesis-based completion option

The video below explains the differences between the two completion options. More information can be found about these options on our Graduate Degrees page as well as on our Graduate Coursework page.

Applying to SIAT

The SIAT graduate application and admission process is accessed through an online admission system and all materials are to be submitted through this system. Before applying to the program, you should review the following links to ensure you have the required knowledge and documentation for a successful application.

Review the SFU Graduate Admissions requirements.
Review SIAT's document requirements checklist.
Review the SIAT Research Faculty listing to determine who might be a good fit for you research interest.
Apply to SFU through the online application system.
Upload required documents to the online application system.

You must upload all required documents into your application including your unofficial transcript. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application, they are required if you receive an offer of admission and must be submitted directly to the Graduate Studies office.

The only hard copy document to be submitted with your application is your official English Language score results if these cannot be transmitted electronically by the testing centre.

Document upload is not available until after you have submitted your application form and paid the requisite fee.

Please note the following

Your name must be written on all documentation
The application fee must be paid to make the application active
SIAT offers one intake per annum - fall semester only - however, exceptional doctoral students will be considered throughout the year.
The Admissions Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion, deny admission to any applicant notwithstanding that the applicant meets the minimum standard entrance requirements.

Outstanding PhD students being considered outside of the fall intake are considered 'out-of-cycle' applications. These applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you wish to be considered as an out-of-cycle applicant you must first consult with research faculty to identify a match and senior supervisor.

SFU Graduate Admission Process ↗

Download SIAT's Application Document Checklist ↓

Visit our research faculty listing →

Online application system for graduate studies at SFU ↗