Simon Fraser University

What Simon Fraser University Is

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university established in 1965, located in Burnaby, British Columbia, part of the Greater Vancouver metropolitan area. It is ranked 298th globally by QS in 2025 and consistently appears in the top 15 among Canadian universities. SFU operates three campuses — its main campus on Burnaby Mountain, a downtown Vancouver campus (primarily for graduate and professional programs), and a campus in Surrey.

SFU’s most distinctive feature is its co-operative education (co-op) program, one of the largest in Canada. Co-op is mandatory in several programs, including Computing Science and Engineering Science, and optional in most others. Co-op students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms with Canadian employers, gaining professional experience and income while studying. For international students, co-op work terms are covered under the study permit — no separate work visa is required during studies.

SFU is less globally famous than the University of British Columbia (located roughly 25 km away in Vancouver), but offers a more affordable alternative in the same metro area, with strong programs in computing science, business, and applied sciences. SFU graduates are eligible for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows up to three years of open work in Canada after completing a program of two or more years.

Who It’s For

SFU suits Indian students who want:

• A Canadian degree with built-in work experience: The co-op program means you graduate with 12–16 months of professional Canadian work experience, which significantly improves job placement after graduation.
• Computing science or engineering without UBC-level entry requirements: SFU’s Computing Science program is well-regarded and more accessible than UBC’s, with lower admission averages. The co-op component adds practical value.
• A more affordable Metro Vancouver option: International tuition at SFU is approximately CAD 32,000–37,000/yr, compared to CAD 44,000–55,000/yr at UBC for equivalent programs.
• A pathway to permanent residency: Completing a program at SFU followed by PGWP work experience positions graduates well for Canadian permanent residency applications through Express Entry or the BC Provincial Nominee Program.

SFU is less suitable for students seeking a globally elite research university brand name — it is a solid, practical institution rather than a prestige destination.

Programs Popular with Indian Students

• BSc Computer Science (Co-op): SFU’s strongest draw for Indian students. The program includes mandatory co-op terms with employers across Metro Vancouver’s tech sector (Amazon, SAP, EA, and local startups). Five-year program with co-op; four years without.

• BBA (Beedie School of Business): AACSB-accredited. Concentrations in finance, accounting, management information systems, and international business. Co-op available. Beedie has a growing reputation in Canada’s western business community.

• BA Economics: Solid program with applied focus. Can be combined with a minor in statistics or computing science for data-oriented roles.

• BSc Environmental Science: Interdisciplinary program covering ecology, chemistry, geography, and resource management. Relevant for students interested in Canada’s growing environmental sector.

• BASc Mechatronic Systems Engineering: SFU’s engineering faculty is smaller than UBC’s but offers a focused mechatronics program accredited by Engineers Canada. Co-op is mandatory.

• MSc Computing Science: Two-year research-based master’s with thesis. Competitive admission; strong applicants may receive research assistantships that offset tuition.

• MBA (Beedie): 16-month full-time MBA. Smaller cohort size than major US or Canadian MBA programs, but strong local employer connections in Vancouver.

Campus and Location

SFU’s main campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain, designed by Arthur Erickson in a brutalist architectural style. The campus is compact and enclosed — a contrast to the sprawling UBC campus. The mountain location means views are excellent but transit access requires the frequent SFU bus service from local SkyTrain stations. The downtown Vancouver campus, located in the Harbour Centre, houses graduate business and some arts programs. The Surrey campus focuses on mechatronics and interactive technology.

Metro Vancouver is one of Canada’s most expensive cities for housing. International students should budget CAD 12,000–16,000/yr for shared accommodation near campus or along transit routes. Burnaby is generally more affordable than downtown Vancouver, and many Indian students live in the Surrey/Burnaby corridor, where Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and community centres are plentiful. The Greater Vancouver area has one of the largest Indian-origin communities in Canada.

Vancouver’s climate is mild by Canadian standards — wet winters but rarely below freezing — unlike the harsh winters common in Ontario or Alberta.

Costs and Financial Aid

• Undergraduate international tuition: Approximately CAD 32,000–37,000/yr depending on faculty and credit load (2024–25). Computing Science and Engineering Science are at the higher end.
• Graduate international tuition: Approximately CAD 19,000–22,000/yr for research-based master’s programs; MBA tuition is approximately CAD 47,000 total for the 16-month program.
• Living costs: Budget CAD 12,000–16,000/yr for housing, food, and transit in Metro Vancouver.
• Co-op earnings: Co-op students typically earn CAD 3,000–5,000/month during work terms, which can substantially offset tuition costs over the duration of the program.
• Scholarships: SFU offers entrance scholarships for international students based on academic merit (typically requiring 90%+ admission average). The SFU Open Scholarship provides automatic awards of CAD 1,500–3,500 per term for students maintaining high GPAs. Graduate students may receive research or teaching assistantships.

Things to Verify Before Applying

• Co-op availability: Confirm that your intended program offers co-op and understand whether it is mandatory or optional. Co-op adds an extra year but is often worth it for employment outcomes.
• Admission averages: SFU publishes estimated admission averages for each program. For Computing Science, expect a competitive average of approximately 85–90% (Indian equivalent varies — check SFU’s country-specific credential evaluation).
• English proficiency: SFU requires IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 88 (no section below 20). Some programs require higher scores.
• Study permit and PGWP: Ensure you understand the Canadian study permit process and PGWP eligibility. Programs of two or more years qualify for a PGWP of up to three years.
• Housing applications: SFU on-campus housing is limited. Apply early; many students find off-campus accommodation in Burnaby or along transit routes.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• University of British Columbia — SFU’s higher-ranked neighbour in Metro Vancouver
• University of Waterloo — Canada’s other major co-op university
• University of Alberta — a more affordable Canadian option
• BSc Computer Science — comparing CS programs across institutions
• BBA — undergraduate business degree options
• MBA — graduate business programs

Sources Used

• SFU International Student Admissions
• SFU Tuition and Fees
• SFU Co-operative Education
• SFU School of Computing Science