Simon Fraser University

Canada’s engaged university, where innovation meets community.

📍 Burnaby, Canada 🇨🇦

🏆 #1 in Canada · QS World #308 · THE World #301 · ARWU #301

Quick Facts about Simon Fraser University

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 37,000
  • International: 21%
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Language: English, French, Arabic, German, Italian, Persian, Punjabi, Chinese, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Indigenous languages
  • Intakes: January, May, September

About Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada, with its main campus located in Burnaby. Established in 1965, SFU is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education and research, attracting over 37,000 students and boasting a network of 200,000 alumni. The university operates on a year-round, three-semester schedule, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Academics

SFU offers a diverse range of programs across ten faculties, including Applied Science, Arts and Social Sciences, the Beedie School of Business, Communication, Art and Technology, Education, Environment, Health Sciences, and Science. The university emphasizes a practical learning approach, with many programs incorporating co-operative education opportunities that provide students with valuable industry experience. SFU is recognized for its multidisciplinary strengths and research-intensive environment, housing 67 research centers and institutes. Notable programs include those in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, which offers 30 departments and programs, and the Department of English, known for its award-winning faculty and diverse course offerings.

International Students

SFU provides comprehensive support services for international students through the Global Student Centre (GSC) and International Services for Students (ISS). These services include non-academic advising on immigration, work eligibility, medical insurance, and intercultural transition. All programs at SFU are taught in English, and the university offers various resources to help international students integrate, such as orientation series and group advising sessions. While specific diversity statistics for international students are not readily available, SFU's global appeal is evident with a significant number of international students, including over 1,000 from India. Student organizations like the International Studies Student Association (ISSA) and International Student Advocates (ISG) foster a sense of community and promote the interests of international students.

Campus & Location

The main Burnaby campus is perched atop Burnaby Mountain, offering picturesque views of the Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains. The campus features distinctive brutalist architecture and is surrounded by the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, providing numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. SFU's Burnaby campus is easily accessible by public transit, with several bus routes connecting it to SkyTrain stations and other parts of Metro Vancouver. Nearby attractions include Burnaby Mountain Park, Burnaby Village Museum, and Deer Lake. The campus itself offers various amenities, including the W.A.C. Bennett Library, a food bank, and a recreation center.

Career Outcomes

SFU is committed to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and has a nationally recognized innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The university offers various incubators, accelerators, and programs like the Charles Chang Institute for Entrepreneurship and SFU VentureLabs, which support students and alumni in developing and launching startups. SFU's strong co-op program provides students with practical experience and industry connections, enhancing their employability. While specific employment rates are not provided, the university's focus on experiential learning and its robust entrepreneurial ecosystem contribute to graduates' career success. Career services are available to assist students with job searching, skill development, and networking.

Information for International Students at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada welcomes international students, with 21% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 21% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English, French, Arabic, German, Italian, Persian, Punjabi, Chinese, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Indigenous languages

Admissions Requirements for Simon Fraser University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Simon Fraser University:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 88
  • Duolingo minimum: 125
  • GPA minimum: 2
  • Application fee: $130
  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: January 31, 2026

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Scholarships & Tuition at Simon Fraser University

✅ Simon Fraser University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Simon Fraser University

  • National Ranking: #1 in Canada
  • QS World University Ranking: #308
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #301
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #301
  • Ranking tier: Research University
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Simon Fraser University

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses

Key Highlights

  • Consistently ranked top comprehensive university
  • Three campuses in Metro Vancouver
  • Canada’s only NCAA member institution
  • Pioneer in interdisciplinary research programs
  • Strong global co-op education network
  • Renowned Brutalist architecture on Burnaby Mountain

Accreditation

  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • AACSB
  • EQUIS
  • Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board
  • Canadian Psychological Association

Notable Alumni

  • Terry Fox
  • Margaret Trudeau
  • Gordon Campbell
  • Ujjal Dosanjh
  • Christy Clark

Frequently Asked Questions about Simon Fraser University

What is Simon Fraser University?

Simon Fraser University is a public university located in Burnaby, Canada. It has approximately 37,000 students, with 21% being international students.

What are the admission requirements for Simon Fraser University?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 88. Duolingo minimum: 125. GPA minimum: 2. Application fee: $130. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: January 31, 2026.

What language are courses taught in at Simon Fraser University?

Courses at Simon Fraser University are taught in English and French and Arabic and German and Italian and Persian and Punjabi and Chinese and Greek and Japanese and Spanish and Portuguese and Indigenous languages. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

What is Simon Fraser University ranked?

#1 in Canada · QS World #308 · THE World #301 · ARWU #301.

Does Simon Fraser University offer scholarships?

Yes, Simon Fraser University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Simon Fraser University provide visa support?

Yes, Simon Fraser University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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