Graduate Admissions FAQS
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for our next intake (Fall 2026) is December 1, 2025.
Do you accept applications for January admission?
No, students are admitted in the fall semester only.
Should I contact my prospective supervisor before I apply?
If you are applying for a PhD or for the thesis-based MA, then yes, you are required to reach out to a faculty member before applying to see if they would be willing to supervise your work should your application be succesful. You should only apply if there is at least one faculty member who is interested in working with you.
If you are applying for the course-based MA, then no, you are not required to find a prospective supervisor before applying. If your application is succesful, the graduate chair will provide you with academic advice and direction.
Whom should I contact for a graduate studies application and information package?
Application material can be found at this location: http://www.sfu.ca/history/gradapplication.htm
Where do I send my completed application?
The application is an online form where documents are uploaded. You can find instructions for transcript submission over here.
NB: We cannot be responsible for materials sent to any other department in the university.
Who should I ask to be my references for the History graduate program?
Applicants usually provide three academic referees who can speak to their strengths as a student and researcher. Referees do not all need to be from SFU or the History Department鈥攑rofessors from other departments are fine if they know your work well. A prospective supervisor can also serve as one of your referees. The key is choosing referees who can give meaningful insight into your academic ability and potential for graduate study.
Does the Department require forms for referees?
No.
How many copies of transcripts are required?
One official copy; this only needs to be submitted if/after an offer of admission has been made.
Can my transcripts arrive before my application?
Yes, but we will not consider applications until all documents are received.
Should my writing sample be a clean copy, or can I submit a copy with the instructor's comments on it?
Either is acceptable, but be sure to choose a writing sample that best displays your skills as an historian.
What should my "proposed program of study" contain?
This portion of the application is used for two purposes: to decide whether the research project can be supervised with available department resources, and to indicate the applicant's skills in locating and defining a research problem.
How do I apply for fellowships or other funding?
All applications received before 15 January automatically receive consideration for internal fellowships and other funding.
When are admissions decisions made?
Approximately mid-December to January
How long does it take to complete the MA Program?
The MA is designed as a two-year program.
What is the difference between the thesis-based and course-based MAs?
The thesis option requires you to take a total of five courses and write a thesis that is between 15,000 and 21,000 words. The course-based option requires you to take eight courses and write an essay or project. Please consult the calendar for more details.
Do you permit part-time study?
No, but you might find that our full-time program allows for flexible timings.
What sort of funding can I expect if my application is succesful?
PhD students are typically offered a four-year funding package that is at least $28,000 per year and can be higher.
MA students are generally offered one-year funding packages ranging from $7,000 to $21,000, but exceptional students can secure more funding.
A funding package may contain one or more of the following elements: scholarships, TAships, and RAships. We do not offer tutition stipends. Once admitted, you can apply for additinal funding opportunities above and beyond what is outlined in your admission offer.
Do I need to know a second language to apply to the History graduate program?
MA Program: No. There is no second language requirement for admission to the Master鈥檚 program in History.
PhD Program: Yes, but it varies. All PhD students must complete at least one language exam, with additional requirements depending on their research area. Supervisors determine what languages are necessary for each student鈥檚 program of study.