A research-intensive, community-engaged university on Burnaby Mountain known for co-operative education, innovation and a strong commitment to public engagement.
Simon Fraser University is a public university in British Columbia with three campuses across Metro Vancouver. Founded in 1965, it has grown into one of the country's leading comprehensive universities, combining research strength with a focus on teaching and community engagement.
SFU is widely known for its co-operative education programme, one of the largest in Canada, which lets students alternate study terms with paid work placements. It runs on a three-term system, making it easier to graduate sooner or spread out a course load.
The university is organized into several faculties and schools, including applied sciences, arts and social sciences, business, education, environment, health sciences and science. Students apply through EducationPlannerBC.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in British Columbia apply for student aid through StudentAid BC; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
SFU offers its own entrance awards, bursaries and in-course scholarships for students with financial need or strong academic records.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Simon Fraser University’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Simon Fraser University.
Applications to Simon Fraser University go through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia’s application service.
Applicants typically need British Columbia secondary school graduation or equivalent, with required courses depending on the program. Competitive programs may require higher averages or additional materials.
Apply online through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia's application service, selecting SFU and your program of interest, and submit by the deadline.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Simon Fraser University and EducationPlannerBC.
The main campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain in Burnaby, surrounded by conservation forest and offering views across the region. Its distinctive concrete architecture, designed by Arthur Erickson, is a recognized landmark, and the campus is a short transit ride from downtown Vancouver.
SFU has an active campus community with hundreds of clubs, student societies and events across its campuses. Many students take part in co-op, volunteer and research opportunities alongside their studies.
SFU's varsity teams compete under the Clan name.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.