Ready to Apply?
Ready to get started? Here's what to do.
STEP 1: Plan and Prepare
Applications for Fall 2025 will open October 2024.
When you start your application, you will need to enter your personal information, and your academic history.
Applications are due January 15. This includes all document uploads and reference letters.
Students are normally admitted to the program only if they have found a potential Supervisor. You are strongly encouraged to contact individual faculty members who have research interests similar to your own to see if there is a possibility of gaining admission. Find out whether they are interested in supervising your project and are currently taking new students. Discuss your research interests and potential funding opportunities. You might also consider if there is a fit between the professor's approach and research area, and your academic goals. SFU Graduate Studies has more information about supervisory relationships here. In order to facilitate communication between you and potential supervisors, here is a list of faculty members.
*Only Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors can be graduate student supervisors.
You must indicate your preferred supervisor(s) in your application.
Applications open October 1, and are due January 15 for entrance the following September.
(October 2024 applications, January 2025 due date, September 2025 program start)
Step 2: Pay the non-refundable application fee
Application requires a fee of $110 CDN (applicants with Canadian transcripts) or $150 CDN (applicants with international transcripts), paid by credit card (Master Card or Visa). The application fee can take 3-5 days to process.
Note: Referees should contact the Archaeology Graduate Program Assistant at archgrad@sfu.ca if they have any questions about the online reference process.
Step 3: Upload all supporting documents
The document deadline is January 15. Please upload your supporting documents (described below) as soon as your payment is processed.
References
Enter your three (3) references names, work email addresses, and other information. More information about requesting references is here.
Transcript/s
Upload scans of your transcripts, or PDF downloads from each post secondary institution that you have attended. These are considered unofficial transcripts. International applicants must provide both original language transcripts and degree certificate, and certified English translations. For more information on requirements for International applicants, select your country on the Graduate Studies website.
If you receive an offer of admission you will be required to supply official copies of academic transcripts before you can enroll in the program.
Statement of Research Interests
Please be concise. We recommend no more than one page.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Provides a summary of your research interests, and lists of your research experience, publications, academic awards and achievements and research skills.
Proof of English Proficiency
Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must provide English language test results. The results should be submitted electronically from the testing company directly to SFU.
Please visit the SFU Graduate Studies website for more details on language requirements.
Optional Uploads
List of Publications
If applicable.
Writing Sample
For example, the abstract and first few pages of a thesis, or a paper you did well on.
Learn more about the application process on SFU's Graduate Studies webpage.
Need assistance with the application process? Contact the Graduate Program Assistant at archgrad@sfu.ca
International Applicants
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
International students considering graduate studies at Simon Fraser University should check with the Canadian Embassy or Consulate [www.cic.gc.ca] for information on current immigration requirements.
If you are accepted to the Archaeology graduate program, you will receive a formal letter of admission from the Registrar's Office, specifying the annual stipend from research funds and teaching assistantships.
SFU INTERNATIONAL SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
SFU International Services for Students (ISS) provides initial and on-going support services and programs for international students on campus. Visit the ISS website for details.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts will only be required if you are extended an offer of admission. They must be official documents sealed by the institution of issue and sent directly to Simon Fraser University. You may also submit sealed official transcripts that you received from your institution, as long as the seal and all official notation remains untouched and intact on the institution's original envelope. Transcripts must be in English or French, or an official translation must be supplied.
Transcripts may be sent electronically via a secure delivery service, such as Parchment, directly from official institutional email addresses (your institution of study must have such a service in place for this to be possible). SFU's email address for receipt of electronic transcripts is gradap@sfu.ca.
Please send any paper transcripts directly to Graduate Studies at:
Maggie Benston Student Services Centre 1100
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 1S6