Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University, founded in 1965, is known for its distinctive modernist campus atop Burnaby Mountain, alongside smaller campuses in downtown Vancouver and Surrey. It has built a strong reputation for research and for close ties with the technology and business sectors of the Vancouver region.

Why students choose SFU

• Distinctive Arthur Erickson-designed campus architecture on Burnaby Mountain.
• Strong co-operative education programmes linking study with paid work experience.
• Well-regarded programmes in computing science, business, and communications.
• Additional downtown Vancouver campus for programmes closer to the city centre.
• Active research culture with close links to the wider Vancouver innovation economy.

Campus and location

The main Burnaby campus overlooks the Vancouver region from its mountaintop setting, while the downtown Vancouver campus places students directly in the city centre for business and professional programmes.

What students say

Students often describe SFU as relatively affordable compared with other major Canadian cities, which is a recurring point of appeal for international students weighing up cost of living. A commonly mentioned strength is the diversity of the student body, with students from a wide range of backgrounds studying alongside each other. Some reviews note that international students typically live off campus, often sharing rented accommodation, which is worth factoring into budget planning.

Official website: https://www.sfu.ca

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