Special Arrangements

Exceptionally able students may also pursue graduate studies outside or between existing graduate programs by enrolling under Special Arrangements. These programs are administered by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

If you are interested in applying under Special Arrangements, click the following links to download an application package. If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies (phone:778-782-3042).

 

Prospective Applicant

Before you can be considered for admission by Special Arrangements, it is necessary that you locate potential faculty members whose research interests match your own and who are willing to serve on your supervisory committee.  This is a student-initiated process that requires your presence on campus to contact faculty members who conduct research in your areas of interest, to determine with them the sequence of your course requirements, and to provide them with information about yourself.  Applicants for admission by Special Arrangements, therefore, must be able to visit Simon Fraser University to make the necessary arrangements.

Special Arrangements will be made only when:

  1. (a) a student is applying to pursue a doctoral degree;
    (b) the applicant is exceptionally able, normally evidenced by a CGPA at the Master’s level
    minimally 3.67; demonstrated scholarly achievements in the form of first authored papers or
    conference presentations of research at National or International meetings; completion of a
    thesis; and awards signifying academic excellence
    (c) the applicant’s proposed course of studies cannot be pursued in any existing program.
    (d) there is little need for additional expenditure of University funds
    (e) expected financial support for the student has been identified.
  2. The Special Arrangements made for each individual student must be approved by the Senate
    Graduate Studies Committee, and be periodically reviewed by the Senate Graduate Studies
    Committee. (SGSC has delegated their duties to the Special Arrangements Steering Committee.)
  3. The Special Arrangements made for an individual student do not set a precedent for other
    graduate students with similar interests.

 

Acceptance into the Special Arrangements program carries no commitment of financial support on the part of the Dean of Graduate Studies or Simon Fraser University.  However, Special Arrangements students are eligible to apply for a limited number of Graduate Fellowships through the Dean's office and may also apply to any suitable department for a Teaching Assistantship (usually to the department in which a student's senior supervisor holds an academic appointment).

Please note that the deadline for receipt of completed applications with all required documentation is December 1 of each year, for admission in the following academic year.  To prepare a strong application, it is necessary for prospective Special Arrangements students to initiate the application process well in advance of this date. Thank you for your interest in Simon Fraser University.

Dean of Graduate Studies
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia  V5A 1S6
Canada Telephone:  778-782-3042
Facsimile:  778-782-3080
E-mail: gradstudies@sfu.ca