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How to apply for SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences - Master of Science & Doctor of Philosophy
Next application intake opens on:
October 1, 2024
Next application intake closes on:
January 15, 2025
The Faculty of Health Sciences accepts "off-cycle" applications for admission to the MSc and PhD programs on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.
Applicants can be admitted off-cycle in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters.
The Master of Science (MSc) program prepares graduates for research careers in one of the signature areas including big data, developmental trajectories, infectious diseases, mental health and substance use, planetary health, and policy and systems research. The available courses and directed research experiences available will cover health from the level of cells, organisms, systems and communities and populations encompassing and transcending strictly individual or clinical perspectives.
If you are looking for answers about questions regarding tuition, course plan, program length etc.,
The MSc program is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Other influencing factors include available seats, whether your educational and career interests complement the Faculty research strengths and any additional preparation for graduate study at the Master's level in Health Sciences.
Complete baccalaureate degree:
Must be the equivalent of SFU’s 4-year bachelor’s degree in any field, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or a minimum of 3.33 (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework, when you apply. We will also consider graduate coursework. Your degree can be in progress when you apply but all courses must be complete before the MSc program begins. You will also need to submit evidence—usually references from qualified referees—of the your ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.
English language competency:
If English is not your primary language you must complete an English language competency examination. For more information, refer to SFU Graduate Studies English language requirements.
Confirmed supervision:
You’ll need to reach out to prospective supervisors in the Faculty of Health Sciences and confirm their supervision prior to the application deadline. Applicants without a confirmed supervisor won’t be considered.
- See a full list of faculty members.
- See which faculty members are actively recruiting MSc and PhD students.
To start a conversation with a supervisor, you must contact them with:
Resume or CV
Area of research interest
Academic transcripts
In your application, explain how your educational, research and/or career experiences prepared you for your selected area of research and align with your supervisor’s research interests. You are required to describe the general area(s) of research interest, but a full research proposal is not required.
The PhD program is designed to prepare students to conduct advanced research in health sciences. Upon graduation, students will have developed the skills to occupy positions of leadership in academic and policy institutions whose main focus is on improving health, both in Canada and globally.
If you are looking for answers about questions regarding tuition, course plan, program length etc.,
The PhD program is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Other influencing factors include available seats, whether your educational and career interests complement the Faculty research strengths, and any additional preparation for study at the doctoral level in Health Sciences.
Complete master's degree:
To apply you must have either:
The equivalent of SFU’s masters degree, with a minimum CGPA point average of 3.5
A bachelor's degree, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or a minimum of 3.67 (A-) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. We will also consider graduate coursework. Individual graduate programs may set a higher admission grade point average. To be admitted directly from a bachelor's degree you must complete at least 50% of the coursework units required for the relevant department’s master’s program if no coursework is required as part of the doctoral degree.
If transferring from the FHS MSc program: Completed at least 75% of the coursework units required for the master’s program, with a CGPA of at least 3.5. All graduate courses—whether completed at SFU or at an equivalent post-secondary institution—will be considered in the calculation. To be admitted under this category (transferred to PhD) you must have completed all of these requirements and initiated the transfer request after the 2nd term and normally before the 7th term at SFU. As per graduate general regulation (GGR) 1.12.1, the initial enrollment in the doctoral program will be considered as the initial enrollment as a master's student.
Your degree can be in progress when you apply but all courses must be complete before the PhD program begins.
You will also need to submit evidence—usually references from qualified referees—of the your ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.
English language competency:
If English is not your primary language you must complete an English language competency examination. For more information, refer to SFU Graduate Studies English language requirements.
Confirmed supervision:
You’ll need to reach out to prospective supervisors in the Faculty of Health Sciences and confirm their supervision prior to the application deadline. Applicants without a confirmed supervisor won’t be considered.
- See a full list of faculty members.
- See which faculty members are actively recruiting MSc and PhD students.
To start a conversation with a supervisor, you must contact them with:
Resume or CV
Area of research interest
Academic transcripts
In your application, explain how your educational, research and/or career experiences prepared you for your selected area of research and align with your supervisor’s research interests. You are required to describe the general area(s) of research interest, but a full research proposal is not required.
The Faculty of Health Sciences accepts "off-cycle" applications for admission to the MSc and PhD programs on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. Applicants can be admitted off-cycle in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters.
Applicants must find a faculty member in the Faculty of Health Sciences whose research interests are closely aligned with their own research interests to act as the supervisor and provide full funding for the applicant. It's essential that students secure a confirmed supervisor who can provide funding before applying. Full funding for MSc applicants is $18,500 per year for the first 2 years of the program, while PhD applicants receive $28,000 per year for the first 4 years of the program.
Out-of-cycle applications for admission must be submitted through the Application Portal a minimum of (2) two months prior to the admission date in order to allow for processing in the Faculty of Health Sciences and SFU Graduate Studies. For example, if a student is applying for admission for Fall (September 1st), then the application must be received no later than June 30. For admission in Spring (January 1st), the deadline is October 31, and for Summer (May 1st), the deadline is March 30.
For inquiries regarding admission application procedures, please contact Margaret van Soest, Graduate Program Assistant, at mscphd_assistant@sfu.ca.
Important reminder
Graduate application deadlines at FHS are firm to ensure that all applicants are treated equally and assessed under the same criteria. Applicants must meet admissions requirements and submit all required documents before the deadline to be considered for admission.
It is your responsibility to ensure all uploaded documents are complete and legible, and meet admission requirements. Here’s what you need:
English Language Requirements
English is the language of communication at the University and instruction in most programs. English languate admission requirements are set by SFU Graduate Studies. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Applicants applying to programs conducted entirely in French will be exempt from this requirement.
International applicants 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. Learn More.
Three academic or professional references
Your referees should comment on your academic and/or professional abilities and suitability to a graduate program in Health Sciences. They will submit their references directly through the application system.
Your referees must fill in the online reference forms and submit their reference letters.
A statement of intent
Explain your reasons or intentions for pursuing studies in this program, including a description of your prior experience.
Your statement should be no more than two double-spaced typed pages.
Your CV or resume
Outline your academic achievements and/or awards, publications, relevant work and/or volunteer experience.
Transcripts
You must upload an unofficial transcript (scanned, saved, etc.) showing grades for each post-secondary institution you have attended (including SFU, if applicable), when you are uploading documents to your application. Transcripts must be in PDF format. You cannot upload these documents until your application has been submitted, and your application fee has been paid and processed onto your account.
- We will not accept screenshots or photographs of transcripts taken with a camera, smart phone, or tablet.
- If documents are two-sided, please upload scanned copies of both sides.
- If you have international credentials from a non-English speaking institution, you must upload transcripts in their original language with certified literal English translations AND official degree certificate in the original language with certified literal English translation.
If offered admission, submit one official electronic or physical copy of your transcript for each post-secondary institution you have attended
If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit an official transcript for each post-secondary institution. If you have a degree in progress, your offer of admission letter will confirm if that degree must be awarded before you begin your studies at SFU. If the degree must be completed, do not send your official transcript from that institution until your degree is awarded and appearing on your transcript.
Official transcripts (one per institution):
- must be official documents, sealed by the institution of issue, and sent directly to Simon Fraser University. The mailing address can be found below - OR -
- may alternatively be sent electronically via a secure delivery service, such as Parchment, directly from official institutional email addresses (your institution of study must have such a service in place for this to be possible). SFU's email address for receipt of electronic transcripts is gradap@sfu.ca - OR -
- may also be submitted in an institution-sealed envelope by the applicant, as long as the seal and all official notations/seals/signatures remain untouched and intact on the institution's original envelope. (Do not open the envelope - if you open it, it is no longer official).
Unsealed (open/loose) transcripts will not be accepted as official, even if they are on institutional paper. Transcripts received by email without secure delivery or sent by an applicant will not be accepted as official. Each transcript is subject to review prior to acceptance.
- If you have international credentials from a non-English speaking institution, you must send transcripts in their original language with certified literal English translations AND official degree certificate in the original language with certified literal English translation.
- We will accept notarized copies of original transcripts and degree certificates if you are unable to obtain multiple copies of original transcripts.
Attn: Admissions Graduate Studies |
Evidence of Research Ability (PhD only)
Submitted evidence that the applicant is capable of undertaking substantial original research. Normally, such capability will be judged from letters of reference from qualified referees, and the completion of a master's thesis, projects, published papers, or other scholarly work.
Your statement should be no more than two double-spaced typed pages.
Optional additional documents
You can submit optional supporting documents as indicated in the online application system.
Complete the online application and pay the application fee at least three weeks prior to the application deadline to avoid delays and ensure your references have time to submit their reports. You can upload supporting documentation once you have completed the first part of your application. Your referees can also submit their references for you here, too.
1. Start your online application
All SFU programs use the same application page, so consult the FHS procedures and requirements, as well as SFU’s overall requirements.
2. Pay your non-refundable application fee
We cannot access your online application until you submit your non-refundable application fee. For Canadian transcripts, the fee is $110 CAD. For applications with any international transcripts, the fee is $150 CAN. Payment is accepted by credit card only (MasterCard or Visa).
3. Submit your supporting documents online (see above)
It is your responsibility to submit all supporting documents on the online system, ensuring they are complete and legible. The documents are outlined in the section above on this page—read instructions carefully.
4. Submit electronic copies OR mail hard copies of your official transcripts (after offer of admission)
If you receive an offer of admission, you need to submit official transcripts for any institutions you’ve attended. If you have international credentials from a non-English speaking institution, you must send transcripts in their original language with certified literal English translations AND official degree certificate in the original language with certified literal English translation.
Explore by topic about important information concerning admission tailored for prospective students.
Do I need to confirm a supervisor as part of the application process?
Yes, applicants to the MSc and PhD graduate programs require a faculty member in the Faculty of Health Sciences whose research interests are closely aligned with their own research interests to act as a supervisor as part of the application. Applications that do not have a confirmed supervisor by the application deadline will not be considered.
Are there any funding opportunities available for MSc & PhD students?
Yes, in addition to the prospective supervisor providing minimum funding for the applicant, there is information on the scholarships and awards available on our website.
When can I expect to receive the admission decision?
The admission committee will begin reviewing applications once the intake is closed in January, and admission results will likely be sent out to applicants before May. We encourage you to regularly check your email and the Status Portal for any notifications.
Is it possible to request admission deferrals once admitted?
To request a deferral, send your request by email with your reasons to the Manager, Graduate Programs. Decisions about MSc and PhD deferrals are made on an individual basis by the Director of the MSc PhD Graduate Studies Committee in their capacity of Chair of the MSc PhD Admissions Committee after discussion with the Manager of Graduate Programs. It may take up to two weeks for a response to your request. Deferrals are granted sparingly with about 2-3 deferrals given each year. The Manager of Graduate Programs communicates deferral decisions to students by email.
The following are grounds for a deferral being considered:
1) Visa delays: when students have made complete and timely applications for Visas and these have been delayed either in their home countries or in Canada.
2) Personal circumstances: when students have to contend with serious health issues or other serious family matters.
3) Jobs: when students get short-term positions that hold exceptional promise for their future careers.
Is it possible to schedule a meeting with the program office for guidance or to determine my eligibility for the program?
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer individual document review or one-on-one advising for prospective students. We highly recommend that you review the admission pages provided on this page for detailed information.
Do I need to fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirement?
According to SFU Graduate Studies, applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate a command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Visit this page to search countries for which an English Language Proficiency Test is not required.
International applicants 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.
What types of references (academic or professional) should I use to fulfill the reference requirement?
Applicants are required to apply with a combination of both academic or professional references.
Is it necessary to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the admission requirements?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement of the admission requirements.
Is a credential evaluation report (WES or ICES) required for the MSc and PhD graduate programs?
A credential evaluation report is not required for the MSc and PhD programs.
I am currently enrolled in an MSc/PhD program at another institution, am I eligible to transfer to the SFU MSc/PhD program?
The MSc and PhD programs do not accept transfer applicants.
What is the tuition fee for the program, and when is it due?
The tuition fee for the program is found HERE. The tuition fee and ancillary fees are due the second week of the term.
How do we pay for tuition?
SFU provides 6 ways to pay for tuition and has detailed information for payments on their website. Find more information HERE.
Are MSc & PhD students eligible to apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions?
Yes, MSc and PhD students are eligible to apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions. TA opportunities are posted every semester on our website.
How do I find out about scholarship and funding opportunities?
Please look on our website to see scholarship and funding information for both prospective and current students.
What kind of services can I expect from the library?
The SFU Library is dedicated to providing access to collections, services and facilities in support of the teaching, learning and research goals of the SFU community.
Graduate students also receive additional support from from the library with dedicated space and programs to support you throughout your degree. More information can be found on the library website.
What kind of study space does the library have?
Study spaces across SFU campuses:
Study Spaces - Student Services - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)
Study Spaces - Vancouver Campus - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)
Graduate individual study rooms are available at the Bennett library on the SFU Burnaby campus.
SFU Graduate Studies office for international graduate students is the most comprehensive resource for international applicants and students.
The International Services for Students office provides support and services for all students seeking information regarding a variety of international learning opportunities.
International student advisors can help you with the following:
Study permit and temporary resident (entry) visas
On-campus employment regulations
Social insurance numbers (SIN)
Co-op, post-graduation, and off-campus work permits
Visitor visas and work permits for spouses/common-law partners
Health insurance and the Canadian medical system
US visitor visas
Personal, cultural and academic transition
Any other non-academic questions or concerns
You can visit the office in person, call 778-782-4232, or send an email to intl_advising@sfu.ca. The pre-arrival guide and welcome guides may also help you prepare for your studies at SFU.
Explore the important information and resources tailored for students from international pathways provided by SFU's Interntaional Services for Students
Questions?
Before getting in touch, please carefully review the admission requirements and application information. We’ll do our best to get back to you quickly, but responses may be delayed up to two weeks during peak periods.
Note: We do not confirm the receipt of electronic or hard-copy application documents. You must monitor your application checklist on a regular basis. We will not accept late documentation.
Please contact Margaret van Soest, the Graduate Program Assistant of MSc & PhD program at fhs_programs@sfu.ca or 1-778-782-8450 for more information.
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