How to Apply

Email requests will be sent by the system inviting referees to submit letters of reference electronically.

One (1) sample only. A substantial literary essay is expected. This paper may be either a graduate or undergraduate paper, drawn from the last two years of any BA program, or a paper written specifically for the purpose of applying to the MA or PhD program.

An applicant’s research background and vision for their graduate studies, in addition to how well their proposed research interests fit with the research interests of the department, are important admission considerations, and this is especially true for doctoral applicants. In the goGrad application platform, please submit one document: a letter of intent; currently the platform requests more than one—a letter of intent and a prospectus—but we only need one, as described below, and please submit it as a “Letter of Intent” in the dropdown menu:

• PhD applicants should include a letter of intent that describes their academic and research background and interests, as well as their proposed doctoral research topic, questions, approach, and intervention. 1-2 pages single-spaced.
  
• MA applicants should include a concise letter of intent that describes their academic and research background and interests, and their intended course of studies. 1 page single-spaced.
  

Added to the C.V. should be a note indicating whether an application for SSHRC (open to Canadian students only) or other external funding has been made.

Please note that all transcripts uploaded by applicants are considered unofficial, so you may submit unofficial digital transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after an offer of admission is made and they should be sent directly to Graduate Studies. Official transcripts showing degree completion are required prior to enrolling at SFU. We recommend submitting your transcripts approximately two months prior to your first term.

For more information, see SFU's Graduate Studies admission requirements.