Admission

Applications will open in May 2025 for Fall 2025 (domestic students) and for Spring 2026 (domestic and international students).

Admission Requirements

Entry to the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science requires completion of a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in Environmental Science or a related discipline (e.g., Biology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Oceanography, Physical Geography, Physics, Statistics, etc.) and:

A minimum cgpa of 3.0 (B)
Commitment from a faculty member willing to supervise your research
Evidence of your ability to carry out advanced studies

Ready to Apply? Follow this Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

Contact prospective faculty members directly to discuss their research interests, potential openings within their group and to confirm their willingness to supervise your program. You should also discuss whether they are able to provide financial support.

What are you interested in studying for your research topic? What are your broad research interests? Have you taken a look at our faculty page and research page? Once applications are open, applicants will be required to confirm that they have secured a supervisor prior to applying. Reach out to faculty members whose research interests align with yours and introduce yourself. Do a little background research on the faculty member whose work you find interesting (they each have their own research websites) and read a few of their published papers. This will help you when you introduce yourself. Here are some tips on the intro email:

Brief Introduction (1 to 2 sentences) – who you are, what degree(s) you hold and from what university, your current work or education status, etc.
Clearly State the Reason for Your Email (1 sentence) – let them know you are interested in applying to work with them, what degree you are seeking, and potentially what term you are looking to start (e.g. Fall 2025 or Spring 2026).
Explain Your Interests (2 to 3 sentences) – be specific! This might include how you became familiar with their research, what aspects of their work you're specifically interested in (this is where reading their papers comes in!), what your motivations or goals are for continuing your education, and why/how you think their research group can help you achieve those goals
Describe Any Additional Relevant Information or Experience (1 to 2 sentences) – this might include any relevant research, work, or life experience, technical skills, etc. that you have and believe would contribute to your success
Clearly Stated Inquiry or Request (1 sentence) – be sure to clearly state the primary question and/or request intended with your email.

In your emails to potential supervisors, please also include as attachments your CV/resume (be sure to highlight any current or previous research experience, any publications or conference presentations, and any relevant coursework or technical skills), as well as unofficial transcripts from your current or most recent program.

Step 2

After confirming a supervisor, you can apply online, indicating the term you intend to begin your studies. An application fee of $110 CAD (students with Canadian transcripts) or $150 CAD (for applicants with international transcripts) is required. Submit the payment at least 5-7 days prior to the final deadline to allow for processing time.

Payments must be made by credit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Step 3

Uploading all supporting documents required for your application:

Electronic copies of your transcript(s)
An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
Letters of reference from three referees who are familiar and competent to judge your academic potential. You will need to provide contact information for three referees in the online system. E-mail requests will be sent by the system inviting referees to submit the letters of reference electronically.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Additional details on the English Language requirements for graduate study and the tests scores required are provided here. For TOEFL, SFU's Institution Code is 0999, a department code is not required.

Once an official offer from SFU is sent to you, we require:

Official copies of all academic transcripts in envelopes sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. International applicants must provide both the original language transcripts and degree certificate, and certified English translations. This may take time so arrange for this early. Please note that official transcripts will not be sent back or returned to the applicant. These should be sent to:

Graduate Program Assistant
Room 8900 - Technology and Science Complex 2 (TASC2)
School of Environmental Science
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC Canada V5A 1S6

Questions?

Contact Rajdeep Dhadwal, Graduate Program Assistant at sesgrad@sfu.ca for any questions related to EVSC graduate programming.

School of Environmental Science

Masters Program Admission