budget 2026-27
Budget 2026-27
Simon Fraser University is committed to financial accountability and transparency. Guided by our four priorities outlined in What’s Next: The SFU Strategy, we are working towards our vision to be a leading research university advancing an inclusive and sustainable future.
To help make informed financial decisions, and in alignment with our requirements in Policy B10.05, the university creates a yearly budget that guides academic program delivery and administration of the university.
Budget process
The budget process at SFU is a collaborative effort led by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic and in consultation with the Office of the Vice-President, Finance and Administration. Informed by the institutional strategy, the budget guides SFU’s academic program delivery, research initiatives and administration.
Every year, the Budget Office engages senior leadership from all academic and non-academic units, including Deans and unit heads to assess financial health and strategic needs. Under SFU's decentralized model, faculties and administrative units manage their own budgets, promoting effective resource distribution and financial sustainability.
SFU also holds an annual budget information session for faculty and staff and engages with student societies through online consultations and surveys. Feedback gathered is used by the Budget Office to draft a financial plan that outlines income, expenses, and fund allocations, which is then presented to the Board for approval.
Starting in the 2024–25 fiscal year, the university added departmental quarterly forecasting and multi-year projections to improve planning. End-of-year financial performance is analyzed against the budget to enhance future plans, ensuring SFU's continued financial health and optimal resource use.
Budget Cycle
| Fiscal year-end & outlook updated (Mar –Jun): | Financial results from the previous year are reported and financial projections for the next year are updated. |
| Options considered (Jul – Aug): | Given the financial outlook and the need to balance the budget, different options for managing financial constraints are considered—such as key priorities, trade-offs, value for money and the long-term resiliency of SFU. |
| Campus discussions (Sep – Oct): | Budget meetings are held with various groups across the university. |
| Budget development (Nov – Jan): | Detailed budgets are developed for 365 departments across the university, reviewed and approved by those with fiscal responsibility for those areas, including Chairs, Directors, Deans and VPs. |
| Review & approval (Jan – Mar): | The budgets are collected, reviewed and sent to SFU’s Board of Governors for approval. |