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Liberal Arts and 55+ program

SFU’s Liberal Arts and 55+ Program has been offering intellectually rich non-credit courses to older adult learners since the 1970s. Offered year-round, our courses cover topics ranging from art and literature to history, science, philosophy and more.

Classes are open to learners of all ages, with a tuition discount for those 55+.

Please note that upon guidance from the , we now charge GST on Liberal Arts and 55+ courses.

Fall 2025 courses

Watch for our September and October courses to be announced at the end of July. Registration will open the week of August 18. 

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Tuition assistance

Thanks to generous donors, we offer tuition assistance to eligible students 55+ with demonstrated financial need, allowing them to pay a reduced rate per course (maximum five courses a year). Please contact us about eligibility requirements.

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Online Learning

You will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online learning system used for all courses to access class resources. Zoom Meetings is used for courses that include live videoconferencing with instructors.

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Donate

Your gift to the Liberal Arts and 55+ Program will help maintain the outstanding quality and accessibility of our courses and events. Your contribution will also assist students 55+ for whom cost represents a significant barrier to lifelong learning.

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Events

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If you’re 55+, you’re eligible to enroll in the Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate. This optional program will allow you to:

  • Deepen your learning by writing a reflective essay at the end each course
  • Earn a certificate that confers SFU alumnus status along with its benefits
  • Take any Liberal Arts and 55+ courses you wish
  • Complete the program at your own pace

New to online learning or need help writing an essay? Register for a free online class.

Program details

Format

Part-time

Location

Vancouver, online

Program completion

No time limit
Complete 128 contact hours (usually 10–12 courses)

Course duration

4–6 weeks (2 contact hours/week)

Courses

Choose 10-12 courses offered by Liberal Arts and 55+ program

Schedule

Courses offered in all 3 SFU terms:
–A
Ѳ–Jܲ
–D

Essay requirements

Complete a 1,000- to 1,500-word essay at end of each course

Tuition

Pay individual course fee + $20 essay marking fee/course

Tuition assistance

Email csla@sfu.ca for details on available financial support

How to enroll

When you register for any course, check the box for “Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate essay marking fee” on the checkout screen before paying for the course. 

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