How to apply for Graduate School at Simon Fraser University (SFU)
The decision to enter graduate studies is life-changing. The decision to pursue your
education in another country takes planning, a sense of adventure and a desire to
expand your academic horizons. Here are our suggested steps for applying to SFU:
Step 1
S
What do you want to study?
Before you apply, review the kinds of programs you would like to take, and whether you need to find a
supervisor before you apply.
o All our academic programs: www.sfu.ca/grad/future/academicprograms.html
o How to find a supervisor: www.sfu.ca/grad/future/before-you-apply/FindingSupervisor.html
Tip: Graduate programs must restrict admission to students whose interests are compatible with
available resources and faculty expertise. Make sure that your research is compatible with current
work being done in your desired department.
Step 2
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What are the qualification requirements?
To start off, review our minimum qualification requirements. For applicants from China, our
minimum overall academic standing for a master’s degree:
o Minimum overall academic standing of
o 80% (Project 211 or 985 universities only)
o 85% (all other universities in China)
o Required credential or degree: A four-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Doctoral degrees
To apply for a doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree from a recognized institution.
Students meeting select criteria may be admitted to a PhD program directly from a bachelor’s
degree, or may be able to transfer from a master’s program to a PhD program.
See www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/admission/graduate-admission.html
English requirements
In order to maintain a high academic standard, an applicant whose primary language is not English
must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field.
Our English language requirements:
o Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category
o Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5
o IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum
of 6.5 in each section
Some programs may have higher English requirements, as indicated in their section of the SFU
calendar. Graduate program staff and faculty members may wish to admit some excellent applicants
as qualifying or conditional students. All qualified students are encouraged to apply.
Program-specific requirements
Some programs have additional requirements. For example, most Faculty of Science programs
require that the student finds a supervisor before applying. Please contact your desired department
to inquire about additional procedures that must be fulfilled before applying. This information can be
obtained from the department’s website, or by contacting the department’s graduate assistant.
Key links for SFU graduate school applications
o List of all programs: www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/future/academicprograms.html
o Before you apply: www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/future/before-you-apply/WhyApply.html
o Admission requirements: www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/future/admission-requirements.html
Step 3
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Assemble your application documents
The application process: www.sfu.ca/gradapply
You must arrange for the submission of:
o Official transcripts, from all institutions attended, showing all courses and marks in Chinese and
certified English (literal) translations
o Official proof of degree conferred is required in the form of a graduation diploma AND degree
certificate with English translations
o Proof of English language competency (tests must be less than 2 years old)
o Other test scores, if required (Some departments recommend or require standardized tests such
as the GRE or GMAT. Please check the department’s website before you apply.)
o List of 3 referees who can comment on your academic and/or professional skills and prior
experience
o Other documents, as required by the department
Tip: Some departments may accept copies of transcripts with your application, and will require the
official transcript to be received after admission. Please consult departmental staff.
Step 4
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Apply online
Online application system: www.sfu.ca/gradapp
The departmental admissions committees and prospective supervisors look very carefully at:
o Your academic performance in previous degrees
o Your research productivity at a level appropriate for your level of training (eg. bachelor-level
research production for a student who has completed a bachelor’s degree)
o Your three (3) letters of recommendation to graduate programs from appropriate individuals
(tenure track faculty members are ideal for these letters)
o If appropriate, letters from non-tenure-track supervisors, who themselves have a PhD, to whom
you reported directly to while working in industry or on an internship
o If English is not your primary language, your test results on the TOEFL or IELTS language
proficiency examinations
> www.sfu.ca/gradapply