🇨🇦 Simon Fraser University — Tuition, Scholarships & Visa Pathway for International Students
Real tuition figures, real scholarship categories, and the honest visa pathway after graduation — not marketing copy.
Quick Facts
| Location | Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | QS World Ranking: #312 (2027 rankings), a slight dip from #308 the prior year — known for sustainability research and hands-on academic programs. |
| International Students | A significant international population out of roughly 30,000 total students, spread across its 130+ academic programs and 8 faculties. |
| English Requirement | Typically IELTS 6.5+ overall, varies by program. |
Tuition for International Students (2026)
Most undergraduate programs run roughly CAD $37,000-45,000/year based on a standard 30-unit course load, with specific programs like Data Science (~$39,000) and Business (~$45,000) sitting on the higher end. International tuition is subject to annual review and can rise up to 6% per year. SFU's co-op and internship partnerships with major employers (HSBC, BMO, KPMG) are a notable draw beyond tuition cost alone.
Scholarships
International Student entrance scholarships are available for qualifying applicants, generally assessed automatically on admission.
What Actually Distinguishes SFU
SFU has ranked #1 in Canada's "comprehensive university" category (Maclean's magazine) for 17 of the last 18 years — a genuinely sustained, checkable track record rather than a one-off result. Its Co-operative Education program, running for over 40 years, was the first of its kind in Western Canada and now partners with over 16,500 employers globally, including placements in Silicon Valley, Germany, Japan, and Hong Kong for specific programs like Computing Science. SFU also runs on a trimester system (Fall, Spring, Summer) rather than the standard two-semester calendar most Canadian universities use, letting motivated students accelerate their degree by studying through the summer term rather than taking it off.
Visa & Post-Study Work Pathway
SFU graduates are eligible for the PGWP, with strong co-op placement outcomes feeding directly into Express Entry-eligible Canadian work experience.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simon Fraser University good for international students?
Simon Fraser University is a well-regarded Canadian university. QS World Ranking: #312 (2027 rankings), a slight dip from #308 the prior year — known for sustainability research and hands-on academic programs. That specific strength (known for sustainability research and hands-on academic programs) often matters more for choosing a programme than the overall ranking — weigh it alongside tuition, scholarships and post-study work rights before applying.
What tuition does Simon Fraser University charge international students?
International tuition runs roughly CAD $37,000-45,000/year for most undergraduate programs, varying by program - Data Science and Business tend to sit at the higher end. SFU's co-op and internship partnerships with major employers (HSBC, BMO, KPMG) are a notable draw beyond tuition cost alone.
What IELTS score do I need for Simon Fraser University?
Typically IELTS 6.5+ overall, varies by program.
Can I work in Canada after graduating from Simon Fraser University?
SFU graduates are eligible for the PGWP, with strong co-op placement outcomes feeding directly into Express Entry-eligible Canadian work experience.
See the full Canada university landscape and visa pathway.
🇨🇦 Canada University Tiers Guide 🔗 Official Simon Fraser University WebsiteMethodology
Tuition, ranking and scholarship figures are compiled from official admissions/scholarship pages and the QS World University Rankings 2026, cross-checked in July 2026. Figures are ranges and change annually — always confirm exact costs on the university's official site before applying or paying any fees.
Limitations
- Tuition varies significantly by specific programme/faculty — the ranges shown are indicative, not a quote for any specific course.
- Scholarship values and eligibility criteria change annually and by nationality — always verify current terms directly with the university.
- This page does not constitute admissions or immigration advice.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute admissions or immigration advice. Page last reviewed July 5, 2026.
VisaCalc is not affiliated with Simon Fraser University and does not represent the university. All figures are independently compiled for informational purposes. Always confirm tuition, scholarships and admission requirements directly on the official Simon Fraser University website before applying or paying any fees.