Faculty of Graduate Studies

Completing + Graduation

Degree Completion

Whether you're doing a masters' or a doctoral degree, there are steps you need to take in order to complete your degree. Find information regarding requirements for your thesis and oral examinations.

Scroll down this page for further information not specifically related to thesis and defence procedures.

Doctoral Degree

Learn about thesis requirements →
Learn about defence requirements →

Master's Degree

Learn about thesis requirements →
Learn about defence requirements →

Graduation Checklist

You're nearing degree completion and ready to graduate. Use this checklist to see what your next steps are on the road to convocation.

Convocation

Convocation takes place in June and October. If you completed in the Fall or Spring term, you will be invited to the June ceremony, while students who completed in the Summer term are invited to the October ceremony. In rare cases, you may ask to be in the following convocation (i.e. if you are unable to attend June you may email and request to be included in October).

Approximately 3 weeks before convocation, you can confirm your attendance:

  1. Log into goSFU
  2. On the top-right corner of your screen (Nav Bar), select the compass icon, click Self Service > Graduation/Convocation > Confirm Convoc Attendance
  3. Click the ceremony code for your designated ceremony (A through I for June ceremonies and A through D for October ceremonies)
    1. See also: Full Convocation Schedule
  4. Confirm the details listed on this page, specifically your credential
    1. If there is an error please contact gradstdy@sfu.ca
  5. Read the permission to release photographs and select your choice
  6. Click Confirm Attendance
  7. A new screen will open confirming your attendance. 
    1. NOTE: You may confirm that you have successfully completed this process by checking that the "Confirm Attendance" link is now greyed out. 

Early completion refund

In some cases students are eligible for a reduced tuition rate in their final term if their capstone is completed within the first month of the term.

If you meet all of the following criteria you will receive 75% refund on the tuition portion of your student fees (there will be no refund on the ancillary fees):

  1. You are in a research program
  2. You are enrolled only in your thesis, project or capstone course
  3. You have completed your program requirements during the first calendar month of the term (including submission to the library) 
    AND
  4. Your tuition is assessed at the continuing fee 

The following groups are not eligible for the 75% refund:

  • Master's students in per-unit programs who are enrolled in the first term of their capstone
  • Master's students in research programs who enrolled for fewer than seven terms (excluding all on leave terms)
  • Doctoral students who enrolled for fewer than nine terms (excluding all on leave terms)

You do not need to apply for the early completion refund. If you do not pay your tuition fees per the "outstanding fees" schedule applicable to the term, you will be liable for interest even though you expect a refund later in the term. Please pay your fees on time and if you are eligible for the refund, it will be processed by Graduate Studies and transferred to your SFU account, once the Graduate Studies receives confirmation from the Library of the submission date and Degree Recommendation. This refund normally takes place by the 6th week of the term. When you see that your student account has been credited, you may claim the refund by following these instructions.

Faculty of Graduate Studies
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