Simon Fraser University
Founded 1965 | Burnaby, BC
In addition to the original Burnaby campus—known for its stunning mountain views and Arthur Erickson–designed buildings—Simon Fraser University has well-established campuses in Vancouver’s downtown core and in the suburb of Surrey. All three campuses have created strong ties with their local communities. One example is UniverCity, a model sustainable community with a population of more than 5,000 residents on Burnaby Mountain.
Students have access to a new Student Union Building, and athletic teams benefit from a $22-million outdoor sports stadium and updated athlete locker rooms, completed in 2021. SFU is the only Canadian school with sports teams competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). A three-semester system provides flexibility, and the university has extensive co-op offerings; 8,800 students are placed with companies such as Tesla and Google. The university’s sponsored research income has grown by 38 per cent in the past decade.
“Inspiring students, talented faculty and world-class educational programs distinguish SFU as a leading community-engaged research university,” says president Joy Johnson. “Our priorities are to build on these strengths to enhance the student experience, advance reconciliation and promote equity, diversity and inclusion across SFU.”
Campus Buzz
A new two-building residence intended for first-year students features swings, Ping-Pong tables, a sensory garden and breathtaking views from Burnaby Mountain.
Standout Programs
• Data Science: This program has been designed specifically to meet the skill sets commonly required in business and industry. In addition to covering mathematics, computer science and statistics, the program offers courses in business to help students build strengths in communication, business know-how and teamwork.
• AgriTech Engineering: Students majoring in mechatronic systems engineering who want to focus on agricultural technology can take this concentration, which offers specialized courses in precision agriculture, bioprocess and biosystems engineering, as well as hands-on experience through co-op work terms.
• Business Administration: Students can tailor their studies through nine concentrations. Applied learning opportunities include a student-run asset management fund and international case competitions.
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$7,469
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 80% | Science: 84% | Commerce: 78% | Engineering: 84%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 13,204 | Part-time: 12,485
Graduates: Full-time: 3,930 | Part-time: 764
International Students: First-year: 13% | Graduate: 41%
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 2,370 (1,500 reserved for first-year students)
Residence Costs: Single room: $6,704 | Single room with meals: $13,060 to $15,180 | Apartment-style: $7,240 to $11,200
Cool Courses
• Plagues, Pollutants and Poverty: The Origins and Evolution of Public Health: Explore changing concepts and interventions in public health, as well as the impact of plagues on human populations.
• Climate Crisis: Understanding a World on Fire: Students examine the global climate crisis and what can be done about it; they consider tools, technologies, forecasting, proposals and political organization.