Simon Fraser University — Admissions FAQ
A BC university with a strong co-op culture and one of the more accessible paths into computing and business on the west coast.
General Admissions
What average do I need to get into Simon Fraser University?
It depends on the program — Computer Science and Business are SFU's more competitive programs, typically requiring averages in the high-80s to low-90s, while many other direct-entry programs admit at more accessible ranges. SFU is generally considered one of the more accessible strong research universities on the west coast for many programs.
Does SFU require an essay or supplementary application?
For most direct-entry programs, no — SFU's admission process is largely grades-based for the general application, though some competitive or professional programs may have specific supplementary components, so check your specific program page.
When is the SFU application deadline?
SFU's application deadlines vary by term and program, with the main deadline for the fall intake generally falling earlier in the year than the Ontario OUAC deadline — check SFU's official current-year admissions calendar for the specific deadline relevant to your intake term and program.
What scholarships does SFU offer to incoming students?
SFU offers automatic entrance scholarships based on your admission average, generally starting in the mid-80s to low-90s range and increasing at higher thresholds, along with additional named and competitive scholarships that may require separate applications.
What is SFU known for academically?
SFU is known for its strong co-op program (one of the largest and oldest in Canada), solid Computer Science and Business programs, and its distinctive Burnaby Mountain campus, along with satellite campuses in downtown Vancouver and Surrey.
Is SFU a good, more accessible alternative to UBC?
Many students do treat SFU as a strong, somewhat more accessible option relative to UBC for programs like Computer Science and Business, given generally lower admitted average ranges, while still offering a well-regarded co-op program and solid career outcomes — though "more accessible" varies by specific program and shouldn't be assumed universally.
Computer Science
What average do I need to get into SFU Computer Science?
SFU Computer Science is competitive, with admitted averages generally in the high-80s to low-90s, though this is often somewhat more accessible than the equivalent programs at UBC or Waterloo — exact thresholds shift year to year with applicant volume.
Does SFU Computer Science require an essay or supplementary application?
For most applicants, no — SFU's Computer Science admission is largely grades-based for the general application, though check current requirements since specific competitive intakes can vary.
Does SFU Computer Science have co-op opportunities?
Yes — SFU has one of the largest and longest-running co-op programs in Canada, and Computer Science students frequently use it to complete multiple paid work terms, giving them substantial relevant work experience before graduating.
Is SFU a good school for Computer Science given its location near Vancouver?
Yes, SFU's proximity to Vancouver's growing tech sector is a real advantage for co-op placements and post-graduation employment, and the program has a solid reputation, particularly for students prioritizing practical work experience through co-op alongside their coursework.
What are career outcomes like for SFU Computer Science graduates?
SFU CS graduates go into a range of software and tech roles, with co-op participants generally graduating with substantial industry experience, and the program's strong local ties to Vancouver's tech sector support solid post-graduation placement.
Business & Commerce
What average do I need to get into SFU Beedie Business School?
SFU's Beedie School of Business is competitive, with admitted averages generally in the high-80s to low-90s, using a largely grades-focused admission process for most applicants.
Does SFU Business require an essay or supplementary application?
For most direct-entry admission, no — Beedie's general admission process is largely grades-based, though check current-year requirements since specific programs can vary.
Does SFU Business have co-op or internship opportunities?
Yes, Beedie offers strong co-op options given SFU's overall co-op infrastructure, allowing business students to complete paid work terms alongside their degree, in addition to career services support for self-arranged internships.
What are career outcomes like for SFU Beedie Business graduates?
Beedie graduates go into a range of finance, consulting, and corporate roles, with strong regional ties to Vancouver's business community, and the school's substantial co-op program is frequently cited as a key strength for building work experience before graduation.
Is SFU Beedie a good, more accessible alternative to UBC Sauder?
Many students do consider Beedie a strong, generally more accessible option relative to Sauder given its typically lower admitted average range, while still offering a well-regarded co-op program and solid recruiting connections into Vancouver's business community — it's a legitimate alternative, not simply a fallback option.
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Try the CalculatorAdmissions decisions aren't fully predictable. The information on this page reflects typical patterns from past admissions cycles and publicly available data — not a guarantee of how any university will decide in a given year. Requirements, cutoffs, and priorities can change from cycle to cycle, so always confirm current details on the university's official admissions page.