91ÅÝܽ

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All Applicants

These admission requirements are extracted from the more complete regulations approved by senate. Regulations interpretation rests with the senate committee on undergraduate studies. The University reserves the right to reject or accept any applicant.

All percentages are based on a pass mark of 50%. For schools and colleges operating on a pass mark other than 50%, the percentage required for admission is adjusted. Applicants for off-campus and distance education programs must follow the same application procedures and meet the same requirements as regular on-campus students. Specific details on these programs are available in brochures published each term (see Continuing Studies).

English Language and Literacy Requirements

All applicants to 91ÅÝܽ must demonstrate competence and literacy in the English language both prior to admission and as part of their undergraduate degree program. There is a minimum threshold that is required to be considered for admission and a minimum threshold that is required to register in SFU Writing Intensive (W) courses.

English Language and Literacy Admission Requirement

English is the language of instruction at 91ÅÝܽ. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to demonstrate competence and literacy in the English language prior to admission. Competence is expected in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Applicants to undergraduate programs must demonstrate English language competence and literacy in one of several ways as listed below.

  • obtain a minimum grade of 60% in English 12 or English Literature 12 completed at a Canadian high school; or
  • obtain a minimum grade of 60% in an equivalent to English 12 or English Literature 12 course completed at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English; or
  • obtain a minimum C- grade in an English (ENGL) course or in a certified W course for which 91ÅÝܽ would grant transfer credit. To receive transfer credit, the course must be completed at a post-secondary institution in which the language of instruction and examination is English; or
  • obtain a satisfactory score on one of the following English Language Proficiency tests* (IELTS is preferred):
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 on the Academic Modules; or
    • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test) with an overall score of 88 or better with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four components (listening, speaking, writing, reading); or
    • TOEFL CBT (Test of English as a Foreign language computer based test) with a minimum score of 230 including a minimum essay score of 4.5; or
    • TOEFL CBT with a minimum score of 250; or
    • successful completion of the Simon Fraser University English Bridge Program (please see below)

*applicants who have written the IELTS or the TOEFL but whose score does not meet the minimum acceptable score as listed above may be eligible for the English Bridge Program.

Writing Intensive Course Degree Requirement

All students must successfully complete at least two Writing Intensive (W) courses to graduate with a bachelor's degree. To register directly in a W course, students must have achieved one of the following.

  • a minimum grade of 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or the equivalent); or
  • a minimum grade of C- in a post-secondary English or certified W course for which 91ÅÝܽ grants transfer credit; or
  • a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the Academic Modules.

Applicants who present an English 12 or English Literature grade of 60%-74% and who do not have eligible post-secondary transfer credit as listed above; and students who present an IELTS score of 6.0; and students who only present a TOEFL score, must complete one of the following before they may register in a W course.

  • the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) with a minimum score of four on the essay section and 50% on all other parts; or
  • Foundations of Academic Literacy (FAL X99-4) with a minimum C grade. This course must be completed within the first three enrolled terms at 91ÅÝܽ (normally 45 units).

For more information, please refer to 91ÅÝܽ's writing requirements at

Quantitative and Analytical Skills Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate quantitative and analytical skills competence both prior to admission and as part of their undergraduate program. There is a minimum threshold that is required to be considered for admission, and there is a minimum threshold required to register in Quantitative (Q) courses.

Quantitative Admission Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate competence in quantitative and analytical skills in one of several ways as listed below.

  • obtain a minimum grade of 60% or higher in Principles of Math 11, Principles of Math 12, or Applications of Math 12 (or their equivalents); or
  • obtain a minimum grade of C- in a three-unit math course or certified Q course for which 91ÅÝܽ grants transfer credit.

Quantitative and Analytical Course Degree Requirement

All students must successfully complete at least two Quantitative and Analytical (Q) courses to graduate with a bachelor's degree. To register in a Q course, students must have achieved one of the following.

  • a minimum grade of 70% in Principles of Math 11, Principles of Math 12, or Applications of Math 12 (or their equivalents); or
  • a minimum grade of C- in a post-secondary math or certified Q course for which 91ÅÝܽ would grant transfer credit.

Applicants who present a high school math grade of 60%-69% and who do not have eligible post-secondary transfer credit as listed above must complete one of the following before they may register in a Q course.

  • the Quantitative placement test with a minimum grade of 20 out of 30. The test must be written within the first term at 91ÅÝܽ: or
  • Foundations of Analytical and Quantitative Reasoning (FAN X99-4) with a minimum C grade. This course must be completed within the first three enrolled terms at the University (normally 45 units).

English Bridge Program

This ten week intensive English program is offered by the Language Training Institute in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, on the main Burnaby campus. Emphasizing the English language skills needed in the academic setting, the program is for students who are otherwise fully admissible but who do not completely meet the English language requirements.

Applicants who have satisfied the academic requirements for admission and who present the following test scores are eligible to participate in the English Bridge Program.

  • IELTS (academic module) overall 5.5 with no individual score below 5; or
  • TOEFL: 540; CBT: 207; iBT: 76

Applicants will receive conditional University admission. Upon successful completion of the English Bridge Program with an IELTS score of 6.0, students will be granted automatic admission to an undergraduate program the following term. For more information, contact SFU International at 778.782.7131 Tel; ebp@sfu.ca;

Diverse Qualifications Admission Policy

Each term, many more admission applications are received than can be accepted. Academic performance is the main criterion for admission and is used exclusively in 90% of cases. However, it is recognized that some candidates have other attributes and achievements that should be considered in determining admission. The University seeks to admit not only applicants who are academically very well qualified but also those who meet minimum admission standards and have

  • demonstrated commitment and/or excellence in other endeavours; or
  • succeeded in their studies in spite of difficult circumstances.

The University may select up to 10% of new students, taking into account these diverse qualifications. To be considered under this policy, complete a personal information profile (see “Personal Information Profile” below) and submit it with one letter of reference.

Applicants admitted via Diverse Qualifications are offered admission to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or SFU Surrey’s TechOne Program.

This policy applies only to those who meet the minimum academic admission requirements, the English language and literacy requirements, and the analytical and quantitative skills requirement (see above) except where otherwise noted.

Personal Information Profile

To complete the personal information profile, visit . The profile must be submitted before the application deadline.

Students with Disabilities

Academically qualified students who have a physical, mental health, sensory or specific learning disability are encouraged to attend 91ÅÝܽ. The University will ensure that applicants are not denied admission as a result of their disability and that, where appropriate, accommodation will be made with respect to admission criteria. Students seeking exemption from an admission requirement on the basis of a disability should contact the Admissions Office at 778.782.5513 between the hours of 10 am and 11 am, Monday to Friday, and additionally on Tuesday from 3 pm to 4 pm, Pacific time. For all other disability-related issues, contact the directly at 778.782.3112.

Programs for Working Adults

Integrated Studies Program

Integrated Studies Programs for mid-career adults are cohort-based, employer-sponsored undergraduate degree completion opportunities leading to the bachelor of general studies degree. A flexible admission policy allows recognition of non-traditional learning experiences and a set curriculum enables degree completion within a pre-established time frame (usually three years) while candidates continue to work full time.

Mature applicants with a minimum of 10 years of work experience, and employer support to complete an undergraduate degree, are encouraged to visit www.sfu.ca/integratedstudies. For information, see “Integrated Studies Program”.

SFU NOW: Nights or Weekends

SFU NOW: Nights or Weekends provides flexibly-scheduled 91ÅÝܽ degree courses for working adults who would like to complete an undergraduate degree, or enrol in individual courses for personal or professional interest. SFU NOW is designed for adults who work full-time, have several years of work experience, and who cannot access university classes during the day. Classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends at the Vancouver campus. A range of classes is available, and students may complete one or more to fit busy lives and schedules. All SFU NOW classes are regular 91ÅÝܽ credit courses. Regular tuition and ancillary rates apply.

To enrol in SFU NOW courses, students will need to be admitted to 91ÅÝܽ either by meeting the university’s regular admission requirements and following regular admissions procedures, or by applying as a mature student (see “Mature Student Entry”).

Visit for further information and for details about admissions and enrolment.


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