About the university
Simon Fraser University opened in 1965 on Burnaby Mountain, just east of Vancouver. It is a public research university with three campuses in Metro Vancouver: Burnaby, Surrey and downtown Vancouver. SFU was Canada's top comprehensive university in the Maclean's rankings in 17 of 18 years, and in 2027 Maclean's named it Canada's No. 1 mid-size university.
SFU is known for computing science, engineering (including mechatronics and sustainable energy engineering), business at the Beedie School of Business and a large co-operative education programme. Its course-based master's degrees in Big Data, Cybersecurity and Visual Computing include paid co-op or internships.
For Indian students, SFU's tuition is lower than at many large Ontario universities. In 2026-27 the international rate is CAD 1,262.88 per unit, about CAD 37,900 for a 30-unit year, with higher rates for upper-level Business, Computing and Engineering courses. SFU also accepts 3-year Indian bachelor's degrees for master's admission if you have First Class from a NAAC A-grade institution or an Institution of National Importance.
Burnaby is part of Metro Vancouver, with SkyTrain links to Surrey and downtown. Metro Vancouver has a mild, rainy climate, but rents are high, so budget carefully.
- Founded
- Opened on 9 September 1965 with 2,500 students; named after explorer Simon Fraser
- Type
- Public research university in British Columbia
- Total students
- 37,000+ enrolled (2023)
- International students
- 8,200+ from more than 130 countries
- Campuses
- Three: Burnaby (main), Surrey and downtown Vancouver
- Faculties
- Ten faculties and more than 60 research institutes and centres
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
312 in the world
Maclean's University Rankings 2027
1st among mid-size universities in Canada
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$39,839
- Duration
- 4 years; co-op available
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no part below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (no part below 4.0), PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$39,839
- Duration
- 4 years; co-op available
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no part below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (no part below 4.0), PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- C$41,568
- Duration
- 16–20 months (four terms of study plus a mandatory paid co-op)
- Intakes
- September (applications open 1 October 2026)
- English
- SFU graduate minimum: IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each), TOEFL iBT 4.5, PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$40,446
- Duration
- 4 years of study; co-op available
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no part below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (no part below 4.0), PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Undergraduate
Business (BBA), Beedie School of Business
- Fee / year
- C$44,764
- Duration
- 4 years; co-op available
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no part below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (no part below 4.0), PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- C$37,886
- Duration
- 4 years
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (no part below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 4.5 (no part below 4.0), PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- C$41,568
- Duration
- Four full-fee terms, with an internship
- Intakes
- September
- English
- SFU graduate minimum: IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each), TOEFL iBT 4.5, PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- C$41,568
- Duration
- Four full-fee terms, with co-op
- Intakes
- September
- English
- SFU graduate minimum: IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each), TOEFL iBT 4.5, PTE 65 or Duolingo 125
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (CAD) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computing Science (BSc or BA) | 4 years; co-op available | C$39,839 | ≈ ₹26.7 lakh |
| Software Systems (BSc) | 4 years; co-op available | C$39,839 | ≈ ₹26.7 lakh |
| Master of Science in Big Data | 16–20 months (four terms of study plus a mandatory paid co-op) | C$41,568 | ≈ ₹27.9 lakh |
| Engineering Science (BASc) | 4 years of study; co-op available | C$40,446 | ≈ ₹27.1 lakh |
| Business (BBA), Beedie School of Business | 4 years; co-op available | C$44,764 | ≈ ₹30 lakh |
| Data Science (BSc) | 4 years | C$37,886 | ≈ ₹25.4 lakh |
| Master of Cybersecurity | Four full-fee terms, with an internship | C$41,568 | ≈ ₹27.9 lakh |
| Master of Visual Computing | Four full-fee terms, with co-op | C$41,568 | ≈ ₹27.9 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Simon Fraser University with similar universities in Canada.
Scholarships
- Undergraduate, entering from high school
Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES)
Value: CAD 20,000 to 140,000
Eligibility: Canadian and international high school applicants with academic and extracurricular excellence, entering any undergraduate programme in the fall term.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- CBSE, CISCE (ISC) or a state board Higher Secondary Certificate (Class 12). Admission is calculated on all Class 12 academic subjects, using interim marks while you are at school.
- You need at least 50% in Class 12 Mathematics.
- Computing Science and Software Systems need Mathematics plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics; Engineering needs Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
- Beedie Business accepts Mathematics or Applied Mathematics and needs a supplemental application.
- Fraser International College offers a pathway if you do not meet direct-entry requirements.
Postgraduate
- A 4-year bachelor's degree with First Class (8 on a 10-point scale) for master's admission.
- A 3-year degree is accepted for master's programmes if you have First Class from a NAAC A-grade (or better) institution or an Institution of National Importance such as an IIT.
- SFU's minimum GPA is 3.0/4.33 (B), or 3.33/4.33 on your last 60 units; programmes may set more.
- The MSc in Big Data needs a computing or related degree with programming, maths, data structures and algorithms.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 12 transcript with interim marks (undergraduate)
- Degree transcripts and certificates (postgraduate)
- English test score unless exempt
- Supplemental application for Beedie Business (undergraduate)
- Statement of purpose, CV and references (graduate)
- Proof of funds for the study permit
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0 (undergraduate and SFU graduate minimum). |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 overall with no part below 4.0 for tests from 21 January 2026; 88 with 20 in each part (undergraduate) or 90 (graduate) for earlier tests. |
| PTE Academic | 65 overall with at least 60 in every part. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall (graduate: at least 105 in each section). |
| English-medium school | SFU accepts four years at a recognised English-medium international school with 70% in senior English; confirm with SFU whether your Indian school qualifies. |
Accommodation and living costs
SFU's residences are on the Burnaby campus, where more than 2,100 undergraduates live. SFU's 2026-27 cost estimate uses a single room in North Towers with a meal plan. Fall 2027 rates will be published by 1 December 2026. You pay a $50 application fee and a $700 confirmation payment that counts towards your first term's fees.
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Single room in North Towers with meal planSFU 2026-27 estimate for international undergraduates | C$15,014per academic year | ≈ ₹10.1 lakh |
| Textbooks, technology and suppliesSFU 2026-27 estimate | C$2,400per academic year | ≈ ₹1.6 lakh |
| Medical insuranceSFU 2026-27 estimate | C$945per year | ≈ ₹63,315 |
| Residence confirmation paymentNon-refundable; credited to your first term's residence fees | C$700one-off | ≈ ₹46,900 |
Campus and location
SFU's main campus sits on top of Burnaby Mountain, with campuses in Surrey and downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver campus is spread over nine downtown sites.
- A 182,000 sq ft recreation complex and a 113,000 sq ft Student Union Building at Burnaby.
- More than 130 exchange partner institutions.
- Hundreds of student clubs.
- The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine welcomed its first class of 48 students in 2026.
Careers and graduate outcomes
SFU's co-op programme lets undergraduates alternate study with paid work terms, and its professional master's degrees in computing include co-op or internships. Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit; see our Canada guide for the current rules.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|
Studying in Canada
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Canada. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much does SFU cost for an Indian student?
In 2026-27 international undergraduate tuition is CAD 1,262.88 per unit, about CAD 37,900 for 30 units. Upper-level Business, Computing Science and Engineering courses cost more (up to CAD 1,492.13 per unit). SFU estimates about CAD 57,300 a year in total for an Arts or Science student living in residence.
Does SFU accept a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree for a master's?
Yes, if you have First Class from an institution with NAAC grade A or better, or from an Institution of National Importance such as an IIT. Otherwise you need a 4-year degree.
Can I skip IELTS with my Class 12 English marks?
SFU does not list Class 12 English marks as a waiver on its own. It accepts four years at a recognised English-medium international school with 70% in senior English, so check with SFU admissions whether your school counts.
What scholarships can I get at SFU?
The Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship is worth CAD 20,000 to 140,000 and is open to international high school applicants. SFU also offers other entrance awards for fall entry.
Which campus will I study at?
SFU teaches at Burnaby, Surrey and downtown Vancouver, and some programmes are based mainly at one campus. Check your programme page before choosing housing, as residences are at Burnaby.
Sources
- SFU Calendar Fall 2026: undergraduate tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Calendar Fall 2026: graduate tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Undergraduate Admission: fees and scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Undergraduate Admission: India (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Undergraduate Admission: English language requirement (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Graduate Studies: India requirements (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Graduate Studies: admission requirements (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Applied Sciences: Master of Science in Big Data (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Residence and Housing: Fall fees (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Undergraduate Admission: student experience (opens in a new tab)
- SFU News: SFU ranked top mid-size university in Canada (Maclean's 2027) (opens in a new tab)
- SFU Convocation: history of SFU (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.sfu.ca (opens in a new tab)
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