Frequently Asked Questions

We do not have any part-time programs. However, our MEng program can be taken part-time by taking less than 6 course units a term. If you are an international student, please ensure you check all your study permit/visa requirements before studying part-time.

The MASc, on the other hand, is a full-time program in which primary emphasis is on the thesis, rather than course work. It is more exploratory than the MEng, and hence the areas of study cover a greater range.

For students starting their program Fall 2016 or later:

The maximum amount of time to finish the MEng program is 9 terms from the date of first enrollment in the program.

The maximum amount of time to finish the MASc program is 9 terms from the date of first enrollment in the program.

The maximum amount of time to finish the PhD program is 18 terms from the date of first enrollment in the program.

Details can be found in the SFU Calendar.

The strength of our research programs lie mainly in these areas:

1. Biomedical Engineering
   
2. Communications
3. Microelectronics
4. Systems and Robotics
   

Please have a look at our Research page for our programs of research.

Specific tuition charges can be found here. Please note that the fees are subject to change each term.

The typical costs of being a graduate student at SFU can comprise many things (from tuition, rent, books, etc.).  A detailed breakdown of estimated costs is available here.

However, the Dean of Graduate Studies suggests that you budget approximately $25,000 per year in costs in order to be a graduate student at SFU.

Applicants should review our Dean of Graduate Studies website for more information about Entrance Scholarships.  Some are by nomination only and others can be applied for by current students or applicants, but the majority are competition-based and the School can only nominate 1-2 students.  It is highly encouraged to Applicants that THEY NOT budget for the successful receipt of these scholarships.

For Canadian Students an important one to apply is the NSERC scholarship. Information about the NSERC scholarship with program details and deadlines can be found at: http://www.nserc.ca/.

International Students who are not Canadian citizens and who require financial assistance to attend SFU must seek such assistance in their country of origin before arrival in Canada.

Many of the outside awards offered to students at SFU (for instance, NSERC) are restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

You should discuss funding with a potential senior supervisor before commencing your application so you have a realistic idea of your potential support and costs. Please also refer to the Graduate Student Funding Policy here.

No, in order to apply for the MASc or MEng, you must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Science or a related area.

In order to apply for the Ph.D., you must have a Master's degree (or nearing completion) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, computer science or a related field.

Yes. The main thing is that your references are good and are coming from a credible source. Although we would prefer at least one academic reference, references from well known companies or any source that shed light on your personality are encouraged.

The GRE is not required.

International applicants whose primary language is not English will not be required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where English is the primary language. to check your country, please visit here, under International Admission Requirements.

For more information please see:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): www.toefl.org
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): www.gre.org
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): www.ielts.org

Applications are only considered for the semester to which they apply, and will not be carried over.  If your application is unsuccessful and you wish to reapply, you will have to commence a new application and repay the application fee.

No.

SEE currently offers Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree options. Admission requirements for SFU’s graduate programs can be found here: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/grad-regulation.html#1.3

Additional admission requirements for the SEE graduate programs can found using the links below:

• Master of Applied Science (MASc) program: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/programs/sustainable-energy-engineering/master-of-applied-science
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/programs/sustainable-energy-engineering/doctor-of-philosophy

Degrees obtained outside of an engineering specific field may be considered for admission. Your previous degrees should provide sufficient background to be successful in taking and completing all required coursework (including specific engineering / technical courses as identified in the SEE program description), and to contribute effectively to your supervisor’s research program. Prospective supervisors will assess this when reviewing applications. A list of SEE graduate supervisors can be found here.

The program aims to offer a unique ecosystem for advanced research in sustainable energy engineering. Through training in formal coursework and hands-on research, SEE graduates will be capable of working with integrity to invent, improve, design and deploy sustainable clean energy technologies addressing the clean energy needs for now and the future. Candidates will develop a strong aptitude for research and exceptional quantitative, analytical, and design skills in areas such as sustainable harvesting, conversion, storage, distribution, utilization, transition, and management of energy and environmental resources.

Yes, applicants must have identified a Senior Supervisor who has agreed to consider your application in order to be reviewed for admission to the program. Your application will not be considered until you have identified a potential Senior Supervisor. A list of SEE graduate supervisors can be found here.

We try to process applications as they come in. Depending on when your application is submitted, applications may take longer than usual. After applications close, it may take a few weeks for applications to be reviewed.

International applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure adequate time to obtain study permits and make travel arrangements. In some countries, it can take months to obtain a study permit, especially if a medical exam is required. Please contact International Services for Students with your questions regarding study permits. They also provide important information regarding immigration documents, health insurance, finding housing, and planning your arrival. Additional information for international applicants can be found here: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/applying/requirements.

As with other programs at SFU, funding will be established upon mutual agreement between the student and supervisor.  Details regarding funding levels would be communicated by the supervisor as part of the offer of admission.  If detailed information is required sooner than this, it may be advisable to consider applying for a different program or a subsequent intake of the SEE program.

For your questions specific to the online application system, please contact SFU's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/about/contact.

You can also watch this video to help you navigate the system: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kns-9n3papI.