Admissions and FAQs
Applications are now open for the Graduate Program at SFU Linguistics. Successful applicants will begin the program in Fall 2025.
Prospective MA and PhD students are invited to apply. The application deadline is January 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. See the section on How to Apply below.
Refer to the SFU Graduate Studies webpage for general instructions on the online application process. An application fee of $110 CAN (applicants with Canadian transcripts) or $150 CAN (applicants with international transcripts) is required. Applicants will not be able to proceed to the document uploading or referee entry process until the application fee is paid and processed. Note: international payments can take up to 3 business days to process.
Applicants with credentials from institutions in countries where the primary language is not English must also submit English Language Proficiency Test scores meeting the university requirements. This test must include a writing component. Note that official test results must be sent directly to the Graduate Studies office from the original source. Instructions for how to submit the test scores is found on the Graduate Studies website here. Processing of submitted test results can take up to 3-4 weeks. Test scores are valid for two years from test date. See more about submitting English language proficiency test scores in the Application Process document.
For information on applying to the Indigenous Languages graduate program, please scroll to the bottom of this page or see this link.
How To Apply
Download the Application Process document for detailed information about the required supporting documents.
Application Checklist
Admission to the Graduate Program is based on the following criteria:
1. Availability of supervisor
Admission to our MA and PhD program is dependent on suitable faculty availability and ability to supervise incoming graduate students. Applicants are not expected to have secured a suitable supervisor prior to application; however, the online application provides applicants the opportunity to indicate up to 3 faculty members with whom they share research interests. Faculty identified through this process will be asked to review the application for suitability and determine availability for supervision.
2. Linguistic prerequisites
Linguistic courses required prior to applying for either MA or PhD program:
- Introduction to Linguistics
- Phonetics
- Phonology
- Syntax
- Morphology
- Semantics
Additional linguistic courses and background required for PhD applicants:
- Grad course in phonology | PhD applicants
- Grad course in syntax | PhD applicants
- An MA in linguistics
- A developed area of specialization as demonstrated by a thesis, project, or extended course work.
For admission to the MA and PhD programs, students must be able to demonstrate an adequate background in linguistics. Applicants having little or no academic preparation in linguistics will not be admitted to the program. In most cases, we require applicants to have completed significant course work covering core areas in linguistics, as covered in the bullet lists above. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to admit students who do not meet the above requirements. We understand that courses like the above may not be available at all universities. In this case, the admissions committee may stipulate a number of courses that must be taken by the student beyond the basic requirements for the degree. Students admitted under such circumstances should expect to take an additional year or two to complete their programs. For the university admissions guidelines, please visit Applying to Grad Studies, prepared by the Graduate Studies office.
3. GPA
4. Strength of references
- We require at least three (3) references, submitted electronically through the online application system.
- Referees should include a combination of academic and professional references.
- Referees are to indicate the applicant's ability to undertake advanced study in Linguistics.
Guidelines for References (send to referees):
- A frank appraisal of the ability of the applicant to undertake a rigorous program of graduate study.
- Comment on the applicant’s scholarly competence and academic ability to undertake advanced studies in Linguistics.
- Personal qualities that relevant to the applicant’s ability to engage in graduate work.
- Length of time and the context of the relationship to the applicant.
Important Note:
When providing us the email addresses of referees, the only acceptable type is the official email address provided by the academic institution. Unofficial email accounts such as Gmail and Yahoo are not accepted for referees.
5. Quality of writing sample
This should preferably be a thesis, project, or paper written for a Linguistics course. Applicants should not submit co-authored papers.
The writing sample must illustrate an applicant’s ability to:
- Express ideas in clear and appropriate language
- Sustain an argument and develop a logical conclusion.
6. Quality and appropriateness of statement of research interests
Applicants must upload to the online application system a brief statement (one to two pages), stating their background, motivation, research interests and career goals. The proposal does not have to be specific, but it does have to show a general direction for research, which can be refined later on.
7. Availability of funding
FAQ: Applying to Graduate Studies at SFU Linguistics
How do I know if you've received my application?
If you have already submitted your application and wish to inquire into the status, you may do so online. Log in to the online application system with your user ID and password and select 'View Application Status' from the Application Services page. Through the online application system, you can also update your personal information and/or review any outstanding documents that you are requested to submit with your application (e.g. test scores, transcripts, fees). The information displayed is updated daily, but a delay in displaying the current status of an item is likely at busy times.
When will I be notified of your decision on my application?
You will receive a letter from us approximately in mid-March. You may also check the status of your application online by logging in to the online application system.
Does the department offer a TESOL degree?
We offer an undergraduate TESL Linguistics Certificate. However, we do not offer additional teacher education (e.g., a supervised practicum) at the graduate level. Many of our graduate students conduct research on topics in applied linguistics, in areas such as second language acquisition, computer-assisted language learning, and language planning. This research leads to a thesis rather than a curriculum document. In addition, all of our graduate students must complete graduate level coursework in phonology and syntax.
Do you accept applications for Summer or Spring semester?
No, we admit students for Fall semester only.
Do you permit part-time study?
No.
For students whose primary language is not English, what is the language proficiency score requirement?
The minimum university requirement is 7.0 on the International English LanguageTest System (IELTS - the academic NOT the general test) with a minimum of 6.5 in any section.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be used as an equivalent test provided a score of 93 or better is achieved with a minimum of 20 in each section (TOEFL-internet based exam), or TOEFL 580 and the Test of Written English (TWE) 5.0 (paper-based). Any equivalent test must include a writing component and all test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test. The CAEL requires a score of an over 70 with a minimum of 60 in each section. The Pearson Academic (PTE) requires an overall score of 65 with a minimum of 60 in all sections. The Cambridge English Qualifications requires a C1 Advanced minimum score of 193 and a C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200. The Duolingo English Test (DET) requires a 130 overall score with a minimum of 120 in each section.
What if I am missing some of the application materials?
Unfortunately, we cannot consider your application until all documents have been received. Please make sure that you start the application process early enough so that all supporting documents can arrive on time.
Who should I contact for a graduate program application and information package?
All of the information about the graduate program is on our graduate program web site. We do not send a hard-copy graduate program application form or information package. Application must be made by filling in the online application form. Any additional forms you need for application are also available on our graduate program admissions web site.
How do I apply for fellowships or other funding?
You will be automatically considered for the Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship, Graduate Fellowships, and the Graduate Dean's Entrance Scholarship (PhD students only) unless you indicate you already have a scholarship in your online application. No additional application forms are necessary.
Do I need to secure a supervisor prior to applying?
It is not required for application and admission to our programs to secure a supervisor prior to application. As you proceed through the online application, you will have the opportunity to indicate up to three faculty members with whom you share research interests and may be interested in working should you be accepted to the program. The admission committee reviews all applications and directs applications to specific faculty members for further review and consideration, but no previous communication with a potential supervisor is expected or necessary.
Would you check my transcript in advance and tell me if I am qualified to apply?
The requirements related to linguistic background are specified on the Department of Linguistics Admissions page. You should be able to determine whether you have the required background in linguistics by reviewing carefully the information on this page. All applicants must determine their eligibility for admission to Simon Fraser University graduate studies; international applicants should review carefully the minimum equivalent academic requirements according to the country of origin of their credentials.
Master of Arts in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics (INLL MA)
The Master of Arts in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics (INLL MA) is a two-year program focused entirely on training individuals who will go on to support the reclamation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages. Through this MA students receive training for careers as language researchers, post-secondary educators, and material developers, gaining expertise in communicative skills, language documentation, and analysis of a particular Indigenous language. Read more about the program and admission requirements here.
Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics (INLL GC)
The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics (INLL GC) offers training to students for careers as language researchers, post-secondary educators, and material developers. Students gain expertise in communicative skills, language documentation and analysis of a particular Indigenous language. Some cohorts will be entirely devoted to a single language (e.g. Hul'q'umi'num'), while others will be mixed-language cohorts focusing on work by individual students or groups of students on a particular language, but supplemented by material applicable to all the languages of the cohort (e.g. Xaad Kil, Secwepemctsin, and Tahltan). Learn about the program and admission requirements here.