About Graduate Studies at SFU

About Graduate Studies at SFU

SFU Graduate Studies is an international community of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and changemakers who advance knowledge locally and globally.

By valuing diverse perspectives, close mentorship, experiential learning, and research across disciplines, we empower students to explore, test limits, take risks, and put their ideas into action. 

As a result, we bring new perspectives to our fields and are capable of leading real change within our communities as engaged researchers, educators, practitioners, and citizens.

Featured Award Recipient

  • Garin is an English master student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Three keywords: Internet, Culture, Preservation (SSHRC-CGSM)

What we do in Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at SFU provides supports to graduate students, supervisors and academic units. We oversee the lifecycle of graduate students from initial inquiries to application, admission, and convocation. Key functions of Graduate Studies include the following: 

  • admissions and recruitment support for applicants and programs; 
  • oversight and development of scholarships, awards, and Graduate General Regulations; 
  • academic supports for students and supervisors; 
  • maintaining student records; 
  • curricular supports including new program development;  
  • professional development and student experience support; and  
  • interdisciplinary graduate programming. 

Graduate Studies Vision

To be the hub of support for inclusive excellence and equity in graduate education and research.

Graduate Studies Mission

We support and connect the SFU graduate community. Using an equitable approach to enhancing the graduate student journey, we honour each person's unique gifts as they pursue and share new skills and knowledge.

Graduate Studies Values

  • Resourceful: We are a proactive and supportive unit. By using creative solutions, we adapt to the ever-changing graduate landscape.  
  • Community-Minded: We identify and bridge the diversity of our graduate community toward shared goals.   
  • Collaborative: We engage with partners to find common ground and develop balanced outcomes.  
  • Transparent: We are open and honest in the work we do, building trust and accountability to create a positive work environment.  
  • Respectful: Embracing a people-first approach, we work hard to support everyone with dignity and understanding. 

Research Excellence

Research Excellence at SFU

60+

Research institutes & centres

Research Excellence at SFU

#1 in Industrial Application

among Canadian universities and #20 in the world:
2023 World's Universities with Real Impact (WURI)

Research Excellence at SFU

$141 M

in research funding in 2022

Research Excellence at SFU

2,700

average journal articles published by SFU researchers per year, with over 40% appearing in the world's top 10% journals
(Scopus)

University Rankings

Dean of Graduate Studies Awards for Excellence

Every year, outstanding faculty and staff members are recognized for their excellence in three areas: leadership, supervision and service. Nominations must be received by March 15.

Graduate Student Exit Surveys

Over the years, Graduate Studies has conducted an online survey to investigate how alumni felt about their SFU graduate student experience. In all the years the survey has been conducted, the level of satisfaction has maintained above 85%.

Satisfaction

Why SFU?

85% of respondents are satisfied with their overall graduate experience at SFU.

– 2022 Graduate Student Exit Survey

Recommendation

Why SFU?

83% of respondents would recommend SFU to someone considering their program.

– 2022 Graduate Student Exit Survey

Interested in Applying?

Review our programs, admission requirements and the application process.

Learn More