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SFU-ZJU Graduate Dual-Degree Program (PhD)

Overview

Launched in September 2010 the Graduate Dual-Degree Program (GDDP) is a unique program in Canada, and the first of this kind, jointly developed by Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), China. The program builds on the highly successful and award-winning SFU-ZJU undergraduate dual-degree program (DDP) and allows students to experience graduate studies in both China and Canada. By studying at two internationally recognized universities, students have an opportunity to work with world-class researchers and industry partners from both countries, benefit from diverse scientific research approaches, and gain a major career advantage in the global market.

Students in the GDDP program will acquire two graduate degrees.

Graduates will receive a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Simon Fraser University, and a second Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Zhejiang University. Students will study and conduct research at both universities.

The language of instruction at Simon Fraser University is English, while at Zhejiang University, it is either English and/or Chinese.

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Program at-a-glance

Students entering with a master of science degree (MSc) in computing science, or equivalent, are expected to complete the program requirements in four years. Students entering with a bachelor of science degree (BSc) are expected to complete the program requirements in six years.

DEPTH REQUIREMENT

Simon Fraser University's School of Computing Science requires students to complete all of the following depth requirements:

  • present a depth seminar and examination
  • write a thesis proposal and present a seminar and defend the material
  • submit a written thesis proposal and defend that thesis based on independent original work

All requirements may be completed at either university. Additional requirements concerning the thesis are found at the graduate and postdoctoral studies website. For more information about the thesis defence, see 1.9 and 1.10 of Simon Fraser University's graduate general regulations.

BREADTH REQUIREMENT

At most two special topics courses at Simon Fraser University may be used to meet the breadth requirement, except with permission from the graduate program director at Simon Fraser University. For more information about breadth requirements, please visit the GDDP website.

Program Requirements

SFU students with an MSc in computing science or an equivalent must complete at least six units at each university from the courses listed in groups I, II, and III. Please see requirements for the students without the MSc in computing science or an equivalent in Other Information.

This program consists of course work, depth requirements, and a thesis.

To view detailed course requirements, please click the button below.

Course Requirements    

Admission Requirements

Students must be admitted to one university, and then apply and be admitted to the other university.

To qualify for admission, students must satisfy the usual admission requirements as specified by each university. At SFU, the admission requirements are stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. The university the student is first admitted to will be referred to as the student's 'home' university.

Once admitted to the home university, the student may then apply for admission to the graduate dual degree program, normally within 18 months of admission to their home university graduate program. The program application requires the support and involvement of the student's supervisor at the home university. The graduate program committee at the home university decides whether to recommend the student for admission to the GDDP. A recommended individual's application will then be forwarded to the other 'partner' university. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of that partner university.

SFU minimum university admission requirements 

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the graduate general regulations (residence, course work, academic progress, supervision, research competence requirement, completion time, and degree completion), as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.

Supervisory Committee

Each student will be supervised by a supervisory committee consisting of a supervisor from either university and at least one faculty member from the other university. Each student is required to have an annual progress evaluation by the supervisory committee. Meetings of the supervisory committee are normally once per year and may involve the use of new media.

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Residency Requirement

Students are expected to conduct research at both Simon Fraser University and Zhejiang University, and to reside at each university for at least one year.

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Tutition Fees

Students who are resident at Simon Fraser University pay per term tuition fees. Students who are resident at Zhejiang University pay per year tuition fees.

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Financial Support & Funding

Read more about various funding opportunities for graduate students as set out on the Graduate Studies website, or review department specific opportunities

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Further Program Information

Discover more details about this program on our 'current students' pages

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Other program options