Simon Fraser University: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship & Placements

Simon Fraser University Highlights

Simon Fraser University is a reputed research institute in Canada. Thousands of students from across the world apply to this University across its different fields of study. This public University ranked 328 on the QS World University Ranking in 2023. Its rank on U.S. News & World Report 2022–23 global university rankings in 2023 was 317, and the QS Employability Ranking positioned it between 301 and 500.    

Of all Canadian Universities, Simon Fraser publishes numerous research papers every year. This makes this institution well-marked in Canada’s higher education landscape map. Established in 1965, this 58-year-old University is situated in British Columbia. The campus spreads across Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby. 

The University hosts a plethora of courses across these campus areas. Different campuses have different subjects and courses. Around 30,000+ students study in this University, of which the majority pursue undergraduate courses while some 4,000+ students opt for postgraduate courses. 

• Simon Fraser University offers holistic education wrapped with time-relevant skills that make every student job-ready.   
• Scholarships and financial aid are available here. Students with merit can apply for these aids to study at SFU. 
• Computer Science, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Archaeology, History, English, Environmental Sciences, French, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Physics, and Indigenous Studies are a few popular departments here.  
• The University offers UG and PG courses for all domains and a fair opportunity to quench knowledge thirst. PhD courses are equally rewarding and popular here. 

Simon Fraser University Rankings

• National Rankings: Simon Fraser University (SFU) consistently ranks among the top 15 universities in Canada, known for its innovation, research, and strong programs in business, engineering, and social sciences.
• World Rankings: Globally, SFU is placed within the top 300 universities according to the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, reflecting its global reputation in academics and research.

Simon Fraser University Admissions 

Simon Fraser University has an acceptance rate of 59%, meaning aspirants have a fair chance of getting selected. However, the application process for international students remains a little thorough. 

UG Admission

• For UG admission, the students must submit English Language Proficiency Test scores. The minimum IELTS score required is 6; for TOEFL iBT, the score must be at least 88. 
• Students applying for UG courses in SFU must also have a quantitative and analytical skill test score.  
• Aspirants should submit English transcripts of all their school records, including their 12th-grade cards. 
• Some departments may have specific requirements that the students should check before applying.

PG Admissions 

• International aspirants would require IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/ Cambridge English Qualifications scores to pursue graduate courses.  
• Students from certain countries do not need to submit English Proficiency Test scores. However, India is not one of those nations.  
• Students should apply for scholarships and grants to fund their courses.
• LOR is necessary for admission to PG courses. 

Ph.D. Admissions 

• For doctoral courses, the requirements vary significantly across the departments. 
• The basic admission requirements remain the same for international students.
• To opt for scholarships and funds, students have to check the domain-specific funding available 
• LORs are necessary for admission to PhD courses
• A PG degree with high grades is also a must

Eligibility Criteria

Simon Fraser University is a top-rated institution in Canada for research. It is a public University that welcomes students from different countries, ethnicities, and cultures. Getting admitted to one of its UG/PG/Doctoral courses remains subject to fulfilling certain eligibility criteria. 

• Academic Transcript: All documents (school/college records) should be submitted in English. No other language is approved. If the records are in another language, students must translate them into English. 
• GRE/GMAT: Whether or not a student would require a GRE/GMAT score depends on the subject and the course chosen.
• English Proficiency: IF the applicant is from a country where English is not the primary language, IELTS/TOEFL/PET would be necessary. 
• Check the University’s official website to learn more about the course-specific requirements.

Simon Fraser University Programs

Simon Fraser University has multiple departments belonging to different domains of study. Students will find several options from science to humanities, from environment to arts. The following are only a few popular courses many international students apply to. 

• MS - Annual tuition fee is around INR 3.53 L - 24.23 L
• B.E/B. Tech - Annual tuition fee is around INR 9.46 L - 19.18 L
• MBA/PGDBM - Annual tuition fee is around INR 35.04 L
• BBA - Annual tuition fee is around INR 19.18 L
• MIM - Annual tuition fee is around INR 3.53 L - 28.01 L
• PG Diploma - Annual tuition fee is around INR 2.45 L
• MA - Annual tuition fee is around INR 3.6 L
• Executive MBA/PGDBM - Annual tuition fee is around INR 20.56 L - 23.25 L

Simon Fraser University Intakes

Simon Fraser University offers three main intakes: Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May). The Fall intake is the most popular, with application deadlines typically around January 31st for international students. The Spring and Summer intakes have deadlines around September 15th and January 31st, respectively.

Simon Fraser University Acceptance Rate

Simon Fraser University has a competitive admissions process with an estimated acceptance rate of around 50-60%. The acceptance rate varies depending on the program, with some programs, such as business and computer science, being more competitive than others. Applicants should aim for strong academic performance and meet specific program requirements to improve their chances of admission.

Simon Fraser University Accommodations

Staying at the Simon Fraser University campus can offer students a lot more than just education. Campus life is all about exploring, connecting, and making bonds. The three campuses host over a dozen different residential facilities. Some options are enlisted here. 

• North Towers
• East/West Towers
• Courtyard Residence
• Shell House
• McTaggart-Cowan Hall
• The Townhouses
• Hamilton Hall

All residential facilities offer comfortable rooms with storage, beds, working desks, and washrooms. Students can stay in a single occupancy room or a shared room. Meal plans for residents remain integrated. 

Simon Fraser University Cost 

Students willing to join a UG or PG course at SFU must bear the tuition fee, living costs, medical insurance, and other expenses. 

To sum up, studying at SFU may seem quite expensive to many students without financial aid. However, the University offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships, making studying here possible for many students. 

Cost of Course 

The cost of attending UG/PG courses at Simon Fraser University varies from domain to domain. With a scholarship letter, the costs go down considerably. However, the following is a rough idea of how much an international student may need to study at SFU. 

Cost of Living

• Tuition cost: $32,724
• Housing: $11,874 (Single room with meal plan)
• Textbooks and Supplies: $1,920
• Medical Insurance: $868

Therefore, the total cost would be around $47,386. 

Simon Fraser University Scholarships

Simon Fraser University offers a plethora of scholarships to students from across the world. The following are only a few such scholarships that the University offers. 

• Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship remains available for Canadian and international students. The total amount of this grant varies between $20,000 and $130,000. Students from any field of study can apply for it. 
• Uggla Family Scholarship: A special scholarship is offered to 10 students annually. This aid generally focuses on students with critical financial problems from specific communities. These communities include indigenous people, persons of color, black people, LGBTQIA2S+, or people with disabilities. 
• Entrance Scholarships: Entrance scholarships also remain available for international students. The scholarship value ranges between $20,000 and $140,000. 

The University also offers several other awards and financial aid to students with outstanding achievements. Aspirants can check the University website to learn in detail. 

Simon Fraser University Placements    

Simon Fraser University offers 360-degree education that helps students gain the competitive edge required to launch their careers. Graduates, postgraduates, and PhDs from SFU find excellent career opportunities across continents like Asia, Europe, and America. 

In the last few years, the PhDs of SFU have secured faculty positions in prestigious institutions like Monash University, King's College London, Kent State University, Central Michigan University, National Cheung Kung University, University of Victoria, Renmin University of China, University of New South Wales, and California State University Sacramento. 

FAQs About the Simon Fraser University

1. What are the application deadlines for international students at SFU?

Fall: January 31st; Spring: September 15th; Summer: January 31st. Deadlines may vary by program.

2. What are the English language requirements for admission to SFU?

Generally, an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 88 is required. Some programs may have higher requirements.

3. Does SFU offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, SFU provides various scholarships and financial aid options for international students based on academic merit and financial need.

4. What is the cost of living in Vancouver for students?

Students should budget around CAD 1,500 to 2,500 per month, considering rent, food, and other expenses.

5. What accommodation options are available at SFU?

SFU offers on-campus housing, including residence halls and apartments. Off-campus options in Burnaby and Vancouver are also available, though they can be expensive.

6. Are there part-time job opportunities for students at SFU?

Yes, students can find part-time work both on-campus and off-campus in various sectors like retail, hospitality, and more. Vancouver's dynamic economy offers diverse job opportunities for students.

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