Application Process Step-by-Step

This online application system is for use by applicants applying to Graduate Diplomas, Master's and Doctoral programs. (Students applying for Bachelor's degrees should go to http://www.sfu.ca/prospectiveundergrads/)

 

1. Using the online application systemApply Now

  • In order to use the online application system, you will need to pay an application fee of $75 CAN by credit card (MasterCard or Visa)
  • If you are unable to pay the application fee by credit card, see How to Pay Your Fees for alternative payment methods.
  • If you are applying as a non-degree or exchange student, or would like to reinstate your previous program of study, please contact the department to which you intend to apply.

 

2. Plan and prepare

  • Check the university admission requirements
  • Check the website of the department of your choice of study for the application deadline, supporting documents and any requirements that must be fulfilled prior to submitting an application. Please note: Transcripts must be mailed to the department directly. At this time, we are unable to accept EDI transcripts from BC colleges.
  • Supporting documents to support admission applications will be retained for three terms following the term to which application is made. Then, application forms, transcripts and other materials related to applications will be destroyed. Irreplaceable documents will be returned to the applicant if requested at the time of application. All other documents become the property of the University.
  • If you are applying as an international student, check the admission guide for international applicants
  • A key part of your graduate experience is your relationship with your supervisor. To find potential supervisors for your graduate degree, visit the department's website and look at its faculty listings, or use the experimental search database at www.sfu.ca/research-interests/
  • Admission to SFU's graduate programs is highly competitive and admission is dependent upon the availability of faculty supervisors and departmental resources. If you find that the research you wish to pursue is conducted in several departments, you may wish to apply to multiple programs/departments. (For example, faculty members whose research involves the internet may be found in Business, Communication, Computing, Criminology, Education, Geography and Health Sciences.) Please note: You must pay a separate application fee for each application.

 

3. What you will need to apply online

  • Credit card (MasterCard or Visa) to pay the $75 application fee
  • Test scores (if required by department)
  • List of 3 referees who can comment on your academic and/or professional skills and prior experience

 

4. If you encounter problems, check your computer settings

Windows Users:

  • Internet Explorer with the following browser settings:

    Turn off Pop-up Blocker
    Internet Explorer -> Tools -> Pop-up Blocker -> Turn off Pop-up Blocker.

     

  • Mozilla Firefox with the default browser settings.

 

Mac Users:

  • Safari with the following browser settings:

    Set browser cookies to "Always"
    Safari menu -> Preferences -> Security -> Accept Cookies -> Always

    Turn off Pop-up Blocker
    Safari menu -> unselect Block Pop-up Windows

 

5. Once you've applied: Status of your application

  • Check the status of your application at any time by accessing our application system.
  • You will also be notified in writing by the Registrar of Graduate Studies if you have been accepted into a program and the conditions of your acceptance.
  • Please accept or decline the offer as soon as possible by informing us in the online application system and/or contacting the department in person.
  • Note: Official letters of acceptance are only valid for the academic year indicated in the letter. If you are unable to accept in the term offered, the department reserves the right to reconsider your acceptance.