Home › Colleges › Canada › Simon Fraser University
55%
Acceptance rate
~$15k
Tuition / yr
6.5
IELTS required
30%
Intl students
1965
Founded
#318
QS World rank
Strong CS & co-op near Vancouver. This guide covers Simon Fraser University's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is best known for Computing, Interactive Arts, Business. Popular programs for international students include:
- MSc Computing Science
- MEng
- Master of Data Science
- MBA
- MSc Engineering
Class profile: Moderately selective.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 85 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| GRE | Optional |
| GMAT (MBA) | 550 |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.0/4.0 (B) |
| Work experience | 2–4 yrs (MBA only) |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for Simon Fraser University.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | CAD 20k/yr |
| Application fee | $50–100 |
| Living costs (est.) | CAD 12,000–18,000/yr (CAD 20,635 for visa) |
| Scholarships | Graduate fellowships |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Shortlist programs & check GRE policy
- IELTS 6.5–7.0; prepare SOP, LORs, transcripts
- Apply online (Fall deadlines Dec–Feb)
- Receive offer letter
- Pay tuition deposit → get acceptance
- Apply for study permit (GIC)
📄 Documents checklist
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- 2–3 LORs
- Resume
- IELTS / TOEFL
- GRE (if required)
- Passport
- Proof of funds (GIC)
- Application fee
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · Canada
- Student visa: Study permit
- Work while studying: 24 hrs/week off-campus during term
- Post-study work: PGWP: up to 3 years
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Clear the requirements comfortably. Meet IELTS 6.5+ and the GPA cleanly, then differentiate with a focused SOP and 1–2 strong recommendation letters.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at Simon Fraser University and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. Simon Fraser University needs IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 85 / PTE 58. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (CAD 20k/yr) plus living costs (CAD 12,000–18,000/yr (CAD 20,635 for visa)); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. Simon Fraser University's main intakes are Fall (Sep) & Spring (Jan) — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan) |
| Typical deadline | Rolling |
| Acceptance rate | 55% (moderately selective) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (sfu.ca) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for Simon Fraser University?
- Simon Fraser University typically requires IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 85, PTE 58). GRE: Optional.
- How much does Simon Fraser University cost?
- International tuition is approximately CAD 20k/yr, plus living costs of CAD 12,000–18,000/yr (CAD 20,635 for visa). Application fee: $50–100.
- What is the acceptance rate at Simon Fraser University?
- Simon Fraser University has an indicative acceptance rate of about 55% (Moderately selective).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at Simon Fraser University?
- Intakes: Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan). Typical deadline: Rolling.
- Is Simon Fraser University hard to get into?
- Simon Fraser University is moderately selective, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 55%. A complete application that clearly meets the requirements has a strong chance.
- Does Simon Fraser University require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Optional. GMAT (for MBA): 550. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at Simon Fraser University?
- PGWP: up to 3 years (Canada). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 24 hrs/week off-campus during term.
- What documents do I need to apply to Simon Fraser University?
- Typically: Transcripts, Statement of Purpose, 2–3 LORs, Resume, IELTS / TOEFL, GRE (if required), Passport, Proof of funds (GIC), Application fee. Check program-specific requirements before applying.