| Translate this page! |
SFU has a highly diverse community, with both faculty and graduate students from around the world. International students comprise 20–25% of the graduate student population as a whole and 40–60% in science and technology areas. The largest numbers of our graduate students come to SFU from China, Iran, the United States, India and Germany, but we have students from over 100 countries.
In most programs at Simon Fraser University, international students pay the same fees as domestic students for graduate programs (Masters, Doctoral, Graduate Diploma). See fee chart for details.
Admission Guide
The following information is intended as a guideline only and is to be used as a reference for admission purposes only. When referencing this guide please note the following:
* English Language Proficiency Certification required–Simon Fraser University Graduate Programs accept the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE (Pearson Test of English) English Language Proficiency Tests. (On the Pearson Test of English, you must achieve a minimum score of 62 overall and minimum 55 in any area.)
| Country of Academic Institution attended | Minimum Equivalent Qualifications (for admission to Masters program) | Minimum Overall Academic Standing |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan * | At least 4 years of study, Bachelor's Degree or Licence | 80/100 |
| Albania * | Diplome Universitare, 4–year degree (5–years in Engineering, Technology, Dentistry; 6–years in Medicine) usually accompanied by the award of a “Titull” (title) | 8 (Good) on a 10–point scale, or 4 (Good) on a 5–point scale |
| Algeria * | Licence (4 year), Diplome | 14/20 |
| Argentina * | Licenciado/Licenciatura, Professional Title, Professorate, titulo | 7.5–8 on a 10–point scale |
| Austria * | Magister, Diplom–Ingenieur; Diplom or Staatsexamen | Gut (Good) or 2 on a reverse scale of 5 |
| Bangladesh * |
Honors BSc (4 yr), B.Eng.,B.Sc.(Eng.), B.Tech., B.Arch., B.Pharm, M.B.B.S. or a Master's degree in a non–engineering field. Applicants must arrange for the submission of detailed mark sheets and degree certificates. Students who have graduated (within two years from the application date) from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and the Bangladesh Agricultural University are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
First Class/First Division standing in all degrees |
| Barbados | Honors Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) | II (I); Second Class Honors, Upper Division |
| Belgium * | Licence/Licencie/Licentiaat; Ingenieur; Architecte, Professional title requiring at least four years of study | 14/20 (B) or 80%, Good Distinction. |
| Bolivia * | Licenciatura (Licenciado), Ingeniero, Professional Title requiring four years of study | 80% or 6 (Muy Bueno) on a 7–point scale |
| Bosnia–Herzegovina * | Diploma Visoko Obrazovanja | 7.5 (5–10 scale) or 4 (1–5 scale) |
| Brazil * | Bacharel, Licenciado/Licenciatura, titulo or professional title (e.g. Engenheiro) | 7.5 (1–10 scale) or 4 (1–5 scale) |
| Bulgaria * |
Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie Students who have graduated (within two years from the application date) from the American University in Bulgaria are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
4.5/6, very good |
| Cameroon * | Licence, Maitrise | 14/20 |
| Chile * | Licenciatura, Licendiado, Ingeniero, Profesor de Estado Egresado Medico, titulo or professional title awarded after four years of study | 5.5 (1–7 scale) |
|
China, People's Republic of * |
A four–year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Applicants must arrange for the submission of official transcripts, from all institutions attended, showing all courses and marks in Chinese and certified English (literal) translations. Official proof of degree conferred is required in the form of a graduation diploma AND degree certificate with English translations. To be official, original language documents and English translations must arrive together in official envelopes which have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. | 80–85% |
| Colombia * | Licenciado, Licenciatura, Ingeniero, titulo (professional title) awarded after four years of study | 4 on a 5-point scale |
| Costa Rica * | Bachiller, Bachillerato Universitario, Licenciado, Titutlo | 80/100, 8/10, Very Good |
| Croatia * | Diploma Visoko Obrazovanja. See Yugoslavia for older credentials. |
7.5 (1–10 scale); 4 (1–5 scale) |
| Cuba * | Licenciado, Titulo | 80/100, 4/5 |
| Czech Republic * | Diplom, Kandidat ved, Inzenyr (Engineering), Professional title | Velmi Dobre |
| Denmark * | Candidatus Philosophiae, Civilingenior | 9/13 or Very Good |
| Ecuador * | Licenciado, Ingeniero | 8/10, 80/100 (6 or 60 = passing grade) |
| Egypt * |
Bachelor's degree Students who have graduated (within two years from the application date) from the American University in Cairo, are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
Very Good, 80% |
| Ethiopia | 3.5/4 or 85%, Qualifying program may be required | 3.5/4 or 85%, Qualifying program may be required |
| Finland * | Kandidaatti/Kandidat, Maisteri/Magister (5 years of study) | 3.5/5 or 2/3; cum laude approbatur 12/20 |
| France * | Licence, Maitrise, Diplomes des Grandes Ecoles, Diplome d’Ingenieur. | Assez Bien |
| Germany * | Diplom; Magister Artium; Staatsexamen/Staatsprufung from a University or University–level institution requiring at least 8 semesters with an overall "GUT" standing. Applicants should arrange for the submission of all examination records, Seminarscheine, and diplom certificates. (Vordiplom and Diplom from Fachhochschule not acceptable.) | Gut, 2/5 |
| Ghana | Bachelor's degree (3 years Honours with major) | Second Class Upper Division or II Div. I |
| Greece * | Pytchion; Diploma | 7.0/10.0 (5 is minimum passing grade) |
| Guatemala * | Licenciado/Licenciatura or Titutlo (4–6 years) | 80% |
| Guinea * | Licence, Diplome d’Ingenieur (requiring four years of study) | 8/10 |
| Guyana | Completion of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees required | 3.3/4; Pass with Distinction |
| Haiti * | Licence/Professional Title/Diplome d’Etudes Superieures | 80% |
| Honduras * | Licenciado, Titulo, if awarded after four or more years of study | 85/100, muy bueno |
| Hong Kong * |
Honors Bachelor’s, Pass degree not acceptable. U of HK, HKU of Sci & Tech – 3 yrs with major acceptable Students who have graduated (within two years from the application date) from the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
II Upper or Second Class Upper Division |
| Hungary * | Egyetemi Oklevel (Diploma) or Professional title requiring at least four and a half years of study | 4/5 or Good |
| Iceland * | Cand. Juris; Cand Med., Cand Mag., Verkfraedingur (Engineering) | 7.5/10 |
| India * |
M.A., M.B.B.S., M.Comm., M.Sc., or a Master's degree in a non–engineering field or Honors B.Eng., B.Sc.(Eng.), B.Tech., B.A.Sc., B.Arch. B.Pharm (Bachelor’s from key institutions). Applicants must arrange for the submission of detailed mark sheets and degree certificates. Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from the following universities, are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement: Anna University, Annamalai University, Banaras University, Bangalore University, Birla Institute of Technology (Ranchi), Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras), Indian School of Mines, Indian Statistical Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Mangalore University, Panjab University, Punjab Agricultural University, University of Calcutta, University of Delhi, University of Hyderabad, University of Kashmir, University of Kerala, University of Mumbai, University of Roorkee |
First Class or First Division in all degrees |
| Indonesia * | Sarjana Insinyur (si), Dokter Medikal, Sarjana Kedokteran Gigi (until 1993 Dokter Gigi) | Second Class Hon, Upper Division or 2.5/4 or 6/10 (1–10 scale) |
| Iran * | Honors Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. An official academic transcript from each post–secondary institution that you have attended must be submitted with your application. For this purpose, a transcript is considered official only if it is received in a university envelope which is sealed by the office issuing the transcript. Along with the final transcript, a separate official certificate showing the awarding of the degree(s) is required from the university or the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. Earlier transcripts may be issued by other Ministries of Education in Iran. A certified English translation (signed and stamped/sealed) must also be included for both documents. For final admission purposes, transcripts stamped “unofficial” are not acceptable. The awarding of the degree is required on a separate official document. | 15–17/20; 3.5/4; 80% |
| Iraq * | Honors Bachelor's Degree | Minimum overall grade of 85% in non–science fields and a minimum overall grade of 80% in science fields. |
| Ireland | Honors Bachelor’s degree (and Special Bachelor’s degree). Official statements from the University Registrar indicating program of study, courses taken and grades achieved are required. An attested copy of the degree certificate showing class and division of degree awarded must also be submitted. | II(i); Second Class Honors, Upper Div |
| Israel * | Honors Bachelor's Degree | 80% “Good” |
| Italy * | Diploma di Laurea | 25/30 courses; 90/110 thesis |
| Jamaica | Honors Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
II (I); Second Class Honors, Upper Division |
| Japan * | 4 year Bachelor’s degree (Gakushi Shogo) | B+ or 77% |
| Jordan * | Bachelor's | 80% |
| Kazakhstan * | Diplom ob Okanchanii Vysshego Uchebnogo Zaredeniia (Diploma Specialist | 4/5 or Good |
| Kenya | Bachelor's degree | 2nd Upper or Upper 2nd Class or 2(i) |
| Korea (South) * | Bachelor's degree | 80% |
| Kuwait * | 4 year Bachelor’s degree Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from Kuwait University are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
7/9 or 80/100 or 3/4 |
| Lebanon * | Bachelor’s and Licence Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
80% or 16/20 |
| Libya * | Bachelor’s degree + work experience | 3.0–3.3/4 or Very Good or 80% |
| Lithuania * | Bakalaurus requiring four years of study | 4 on a 5–point scale |
| Macedonia * | Diploma Visoko Obrazovanja | 7.5 (5–10 scale); 4 (1–5 scale) |
| Malaysia * | Bachelor’s degree awarded with Honors | II (i); Second Class Honors, First Division standing |
| Mexico * | Titulo from a Licenciado/Licenciatura program | 8 (1–10 scale), Bien standing |
| Morocco * | Licence, Diplome d’Ingenieur, Maitraise (all requiring four years of study) | 14–15/20; Bien |
| Mozambique * | Licenciatura with very high marks | 15/20 |
| Namibia | Master’s degree | Superior academic standing |
| Nepal * | Completion of both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees | 1st Class/Division I |
| Netherlands * | Doctoraal/Doctorandus (Drs.), Ingenieur (Ir.), Meester (Mr.) | 7/10 |
| New Zealand | Honors Bachelor's degree (4 years) | Second Class Honors Upper Division |
| Nicaragua * | Licenciado/Licencitura, Titulo | 80% |
| Nigeria | Honors Bachelor's degree | 2nd Class, Upper Division |
| Norway | Candidatus Magisterii or Sivilingenior | Overall standing of Laudabilis (2.5 on reversed scale, 1.0 = highest mark) |
| Oman * | Bachelor's degree requiring four years of study | Superior academic standing |
| Pakistan * |
Completion of both Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in all disciplines except students graduated with a B Pharm., MBBS, B Tech, B Eng. or B Arch. Applicants must arrange for the submission of detailed mark sheets and degree certificates. Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from the following universities are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement: Aga Khan University, Hamdard University, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, NED University of Engineering and Technology, NWFP Agricultural University, NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Quaid–I–Azam University, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, University of Karachi |
All degrees must be awarded with an overall First Class or First Division standing |
| Panama * | Licenciado/Titulo | 85% |
| Peru * | Licenciatura/Titulo | 16/20, 8/10 |
| Philippines * |
All disciplines – completion of both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees required for admission Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from Benguet State University, Central Mindanao University, Iligan Institute of Technology of the Mindanao State University, and Xavier University are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
First Class standing or 85% or 1.5 (on a reversed scale of 5.0) in both degrees |
| Poland * | Magister | Dobry (Good) or 4/6 |
| Portugal * | Licenciado/Licenciatura | 15/20 |
| Romania * | Diploma de Licentat, Diploma de Inginer, Diploma de Rhitect, Diploma de Doctor | 7.5 (1–10 scale) |
| Rwanda | Licence/Diplome d’Ingenieur | 80% |
| Saudi Arabia * | Bachelor's | Very good, 80% |
| Serbia * | Diploma Visoko Obrazovanja | 7.5/10, 4/5 |
| Sierra Leone | Honors Bachelor's | Upper Second Class Honors |
| Singapore * |
4 year Honors Bachelor’s Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from the Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
II (Div. I); Second Class Honors, First Division standing |
| Slovakia * | Old system: Diplom, Absolvent Vysoke Skoly, Inzenyr New system: Magister |
Velmi Dobre |
| South Africa | Honors Bachelor's degree (4 year) | II (i); Second Class Honors, Upper Division standing |
| Spain * | Licenciado/Licenciatura, Ingeniero, Titulo (5–6 years) | 8/10 |
| Sri Lanka * | Special Bachelor’s Degree (4 yr. Honors) | First class honors |
| Sudan * | Bachelor’s Honors | Upper second class |
| Sweden * | Filosofie Kandidatexamen (Fil. Kand./FK) | High Pass with Distinction |
| Switzerland * | Lizentiat/Licence, Diploma/Diplome, Staatsdiplom (from a federal institute of technology) Diplome d’Ingenieur, Doktorat awarded as a first degree | 5/6 ; 7/10; gut/bien/bene |
| Syria * | Licence, Bachelor’s (all requiring 5 years of study) | 70/100; Very Good |
| Taiwan * | Bachelor’s degree requiring four years of study, from all recognized universities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education | 80/100 |
| Tanzania | Bachelor's | Upper Second Class, 3.5/5 |
| Thailand * |
Bachelor’s Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from the Asian Institute of Technology and Assumption University are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement |
3.3/4 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Honors Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) | II (I); Second Class Honors, Upper Division |
| Tunisia * | Licence, Diplome d’Ingenieur, Maitrise, requiring four years of study | 14/20, Bien |
| Turkey * |
Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplomasi or equivalent Students who have graduated (within two years of the application date) from the following universities are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement: Bilkent University, Bogazici University, Middle East Technical University |
4 (Good) on the five–point grading scale 7–8 (Good) on the 10 point grading scale |
| Uganda | Bachelor's | 2nd Class Upper Div. Honors |
| United Kingdom | Honors Bachelor's degree (usually 3 year programs) (and Special Bachelor's degree from Ireland). At some universities, Certificate of Advanced Study may be equivalent to a master’s degree. Official statements from the University Registrar indicating program of study, courses taken and grades achieved are required. An attested copy of the degree certificate showing class and division of degree awarded must also be submitted. | Second Class Honors, Upper division; II (i); |
| United States | 4 year Bachelor’s with major | 3.0/4.0 |
| Uruguay * | Licenciado, Titulo | 4.5/6, 8/12 |
| Venezuela * | Licenciatura or Professional title (5–6 year programs) | 7/9, 16/20 |
| Vietnam * | Bang Cu nhan (Bachelor’s Degree), Bang Tot nghiep Dai hoc, Bang Tot nghiep Dai hoc with a professional title–all requiring four or more years of regular full–time study from a recognized institution | 7/10 |
| West Indies | Honors Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) |
II (i); Second Class Honors, Upper Division |
| Yugoslavia (and the republics of the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia–Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia) * | Diploma Visoko Obrazovanja | 7.5/10, 4/5 |
| Zambia | Bachelor's | Meritorious |
| Zimbabwe | Bachelor's | 2nd Class Hons. Upper Division |