Frequently Asked Questions

Physics MSc Students typically begin in September. Beginning the MSc program off-cycle in Spring (January) or Summer (May) terms is only possible with departmental permission and with strong support of a prospective supervisor.  

Physics PhD Students may begin in September, January, or May. 

Our applications typically open at the beginning of October. We strongly suggest students apply by January 15 if they wish to be considered for major entrance awards.

Otherwise, our applications proceed on a rolling admissions basis until May 31st. We suggest applying earlier into the cycle as research groups may reach capacity before the applications are closed. 

A: Our department has no control over the student visa process, which is the jurisdiction of the Canadian federal government. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the closest Canadian Consulate/Embassy to inquire about waiting times and required documentation for student visa applications. More information on work and study permits for international students is available from the Dean of Graduate Studies website.

Information on equivalent academic requirements for international students is available here.

Yes. If a student's application package as a whole is sufficiently strong, the department may consider recommending conditional admission or admission as a qualifying student. Detailed information about these options is available here.

No. BSc degree-holders apply to the MSc program, but may apply for transfer to the PhD program without completing an MSc degree.

Yes, applicants holding degrees in other disciplines must have a very strong background in Physics. In particular, the Admissions Committee will want to see strong performance in upper level undergraduate Physics courses including Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, and Electromagnetic Theory.

It is not necessary to find a supervisor prior to applying. Students preparing applications are encouraged to read faculty research profiles, identify potential supervisors, and make contact with them as early as possible.

Students confirm their senior supervisors by the end of their first term in the graduate program.

Yes, we will accept reference letters from scholars in other relevantly related fields such as chemistry, engineering and mathematics.

Applicants working in industry may use industry referees as well as academic referees. Referees should be people who can speak to how well you will perform in graduate courses as well as research.

A: If English is not your first language, the University requires proof of English proficiency, see SFU's English Language Requirements for University minimum requirements. If you have completed a degree in a country where English is the primary language (see list of Countries from which an English language proficiency test is not required here) you are not required to write an English language proficiency test.

SFU Physics does not require GRE results. Applicants who have written the test may include results in their application packages if they wish.

Yes, applicants may send copies for use in the department's initial application review stage. However, if an offer of admission is made, official documents must be submitted to SFU by the time of enrollment. 

A: We are unable to waive application fees.

A: No. All graduate students pay the same tuition fees.

A: Yes. More information on graduate fees and costs of living is available here

Yes. To transfer to the PhD program, MSc students must have completed at least 75% of their MSc course work, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5; all requirements mentioned above must be completed within the student's first 6 semesters at SFU. Support from the student's senior supervisor, thesis supervisory committee and Graduate Program Chair are required before a PhD transfer request will be considered.

A: The target for completing the MSc program is two years. Students are required to successfully complete 15 units of graduate coursework as detailed here.

A: The target for completing the PhD program is 4 years after the MSc. Students are required to successfully complete 21 units of graduate coursework (during MSc and PhD) as detailed here.

A: No, our department does not require students to write a qualifying exam. Our students' success will be gauged on the basis of their coursework and the quality of their theses.