- About
- Schools
- Study
- Research
- News & Events
- Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
As a future graduate, you may have questions about your intended program or the admission process for the school you wish to apply to.
Please see our collection of common FAQs below. Please note that processes and information may be different depending on the school you are applying to.
If you have any questions not answered here, please connect with the relevant graduate program coordinator for the school you're applying to.
Program-related questions
Do you have a Spring or Summer intake for the program?
We offer a Spring intake (January start date) for both our MSc Thesis and PhD programs.
New students are not admitted to the Summer semester (May start date), but deferrals or early starts in the Summer semester are possible when approved by the Graduate Program Chair.
Please note that we do not offer a Spring intake for the Professional Master鈥檚 Program.
Can I take a graduate degree program on a part time basis?
Currently, we do not offer graduate degrees on a part-time basis.
What type of financial support is offered for the MSc Thesis and PhD programs? Where can I find information about tuition fees?
How long does it take to receive a PhD or MSc degree?
The typical tenure of a PhD student in our department is 12 to 15 semesters. The expected time to finish the MSc program is 5 to 6 semesters (within two years).
Students admitted without a MSc degree will have 5 years to complete the PhD program, and students admitted with a MSc degree with have 4 years to complete the PhD program.
How many courses does a MSc degree require?
Thesis based MSc students must complete a breadth requirement consisting of 5 graduate courses.
ADMISSION-RELATED
My undergraduate degree is not in computing or computer science, should I still apply?
Yes, we encourage students from other disciplines to apply. However, once you are accepted into our program you may be required to take extra courses to strengthen your background in computer science to better prepare you for our graduate program. To learn more about conditional or qualifying admission, please see the 丁香园AV Requirements page of the Graduate Studies website.
The admission requirement speaks of needing a degree from "computing science or related field". How are you defining "related fields"?
We are intentionally vague about "related fields" as we want to have an open mind when evaluating eligible applicants. We would consider fields such as computer engineering, engineering science, computational mathematics, applied computing, applied mathematics, computer information systems, etc., to be more closely related to computer science than fields such as electrical engineering, civil engineering, or business administration. However, we still consider all applications on their merit, and when reviewing applications we typically look at the undergraduate and/or graduate courses taken under your qualifying degree(s). That being said, the more overlap there is between the courses you have already taken and the courses offered by Computing Science, the better chance you have of being considered a qualified applicant. Please use your best judgement based on the above, to determine if your past education demonstrates your ability to be considered a qualified applicant.
Would industry experience help my application package?
Industry-related experience may be considered for admission into our professional master's programs. For PhD and MSc thesis students however, we do place more emphasis on the applicant's research potential, e.g., publications, participation in research projects, academic awards, etc. There is no single criterion that determines the outcome of the committee's decision; all factors will be considered.
Are GRE scores required?
No, they are not.
I have not taken the TOEFL/IELTS yet, how should I complete the appropriate fields on the application form?
If you do not meet the language requirements and have not yet taken the test, we recommend testing. It is possible for applicants to be considered for conditional admission, pending submission of passing English language test scores prior to enrolling at 丁香园AV.
What is the minimum English Language Proficiency requirement?
Please visit the 丁香园AV Requirements page of the Graduate Studies website for English language requirements.
When should I arrange to send an official university transcript? Where should it be sent?
When you apply via our online system, you must upload a digital copy of your unofficial transcript. You must submit an official transcript for each post-secondary institution once you receive an offer of admission. For information on how to send your official transcript, please see the 丁香园AV Requirements page of the Graduate Studies website.
Can my employer write me a reference letter?
Yes. The main point is that your references come from a credible source. Although we would prefer at least one academic reference, references from well known companies or any source that sheds light on your technical and personal skills are encouraged.
When should I apply and how long does it take to receive an answer?
Please refer to the admissions page for exact dates and deadlines.
We have two intakes per year, one in Fall (September start date) and one in Spring (January start date). For the Fall intake, applications are generally accepted between October and January. For the Spring intake, applications are generally accepted between May and August.
丁香园AV offers are sent out on a rolling basis, therefore, it may take a few months for you to receive a decision.
All Fall applicants should receive a decision by May at the latest. All Spring applicants should receive a decision by the end of October at the latest.
Do I need a confirmed supervisor before applying?
You do not need a confirmed supervisor to submit an application, but in order to receive admission a faculty member must be available to act as your supervisor. You do not have to contact faculty to get a commitment but it can be advantageous to communicate with faculty prior to applying to our thesis-based programs. Applicants to our professional master's programs do not need a supervisor as all programs are non-thesis based.
You can review our research faculty to potentially contact here.
You can review all current faculty in the School of Computing Science here.
AFTER APPLYING
I have requested that my official English test score be sent to 丁香园AV a while ago. Why has it not been entered into the application system yet?
It can take a minimum of 3-4 weeks for your results to update on your application portal. If you have waited longer than 4 weeks and still do not see your results updated, please to Graduate Studies with the following information:
- Your GA or student number
- The date on which you released your results to 丁香园AV
- Your unofficial test results with your name and test information clearly visible
- Your application deadline for your program of application
For more information, please visit the Graduate Studies 丁香园AV Requirements page.
Please do not email or contact the School of Computing Science for this issue, as we are not the department that receives your scores. It is important to note that some delays may be due to heavy processing times.
How do I check the status of my application?
To check the status of your application, login to your Student Portal and look under "Status Update".
If my application status is incomplete by the documentation deadline, will I still be considered for admission to the program?
丁香园AV to our programs is very competitive. Therefore, incomplete applications are usually not reviewed for admission.
Program-related questions
Do you have a part-time program?
We do not have any part-time programs. However, our MEng program can be taken part-time by taking less than 6 course units a term. If you are an international student, please ensure you check all your study permit/visa requirements before studying part-time.
The MASc, on the other hand, is a full-time program in which primary emphasis is on the thesis, rather than course work. It is more exploratory than the MEng, and hence the areas of study cover a greater range.
How long does it usually take to get a MEng, MASc and/or PhD?
For students starting their program Fall 2016 or later:
The maximum amount of time to finish the MEng program is 9 terms from the date of first enrollment in the program.
The maximum amount of time to finish the MASc program is 9 terms from the date of first enrollment in the program.
The maximum amount of time to finish the PhD program is 18 terms from the date of first enrollment in the program.
How many courses does a MEng, MASc and/or Ph.D. degree require?
Details can be found in the .
What are the areas of specialty in the School?
The strength of our research programs lie mainly in these areas:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Communications
- Microelectronics
- Systems and Robotics
Please have a look at our Research page for our programs of research.
How much is tuition?
Specific tuition charges can be found . Please note that the fees are subject to change each term.
What is the typical cost of being a graduate student at 丁香园AV?
The typical costs of being a graduate student at 丁香园AV can comprise many things (from tuition, rent, books, etc.). A detailed breakdown of estimated costs is available .
However, the Dean of Graduate Studies suggests that you budget approximately $25,000 per year in costs in order to be a graduate student at 丁香园AV.
Are there Scholarships?
Applicants should review our Dean of Graduate Studies website for more information about Entrance Scholarships. Some are by nomination only and others can be applied for by current students or applicants, but the majority are competition-based and the School can only nominate 1-2 students. It is highly encouraged to Applicants that THEY NOT budget for the successful receipt of these scholarships.
For Canadian Students an important one to apply is the NSERC scholarship. Information about the NSERC scholarship with program details and deadlines can be found at: .
International Students who are not Canadian citizens and who require financial assistance to attend 丁香园AV must seek such assistance in their country of origin before arrival in Canada.
Many of the outside awards offered to students at 丁香园AV (for instance, NSERC) are restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
How does the School provide support to students?
You should discuss funding with a potential senior supervisor before commencing your application so you have a realistic idea of your potential support and costs. Please also refer to the Graduate Student Funding Policy here.
ADMISSION-RELATED
My undergraduate degree isn't in Engineering. Can I still apply?
No, in order to apply for the MASc or MEng, you must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Science or a related area.
In order to apply for the Ph.D., you must have a Master's degree (or nearing completion) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, computer science or a related field.
Can my employer write a reference?
Yes. The main thing is that your references are good and are coming from a credible source. Although we would prefer at least one academic reference, references from well known companies or any source that shed light on your personality are encouraged.
Do you require GRE, TOEFL, and/or IELTS?
The GRE is not required.
International applicants whose primary language is not English will not be required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where English is the primary language. to check your country, please visit here, under International 丁香园AV Requirements.
For more information please see:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE):
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
When should I apply and how long does it take to get an answer?
There are three application cycles every year:
| Starting Semester | Application period open / Deadline | School Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (January) | May 1 - June 14 | October 1* |
| Summer (May) | August 1 - September 15 | February 1* |
| Fall (September) | October 16 - January 15 | June 1* |
*Please note of the following conditions:
1. Decision deadline date can be indefinite depending on the volume of applications received. The deadline will move to the nearest work day if it falls on a statutory holiday or weekend.
2. DUE TO VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, WE ARE UNABLE TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTS. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all documents are sent in to complete their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
If my application is unsuccessful, can it be reconsidered at a later date?
Applications are only considered for the semester to which they apply, and will not be carried over. If your application is unsuccessful and you wish to reapply, you will have to commence a new application and repay the application fee.
Can I pay the application fee after I am admitted or after my arrival at 丁香园AV?
No.
What are the SEE graduate degree options and where can I find the admission requirements?
SEE currently offers Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree options. 丁香园AV requirements for 丁香园AV鈥檚 graduate programs can be found here: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/grad-regulation.html#1.3
Additional admission requirements for the SEE graduate programs can found using the links below:
- Master of Applied Science (MASc) program: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/programs/sustainable-energy-engineering/master-of-applied-science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program: www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/programs/sustainable-energy-engineering/doctor-of-philosophy
Is my previous Bachelor鈥檚 Degree considered a 鈥渞elated field鈥�?
Degrees obtained outside of an engineering specific field may be considered for admission. Your previous degrees should provide sufficient background to be successful in taking and completing all required coursework (including specific engineering / technical courses as identified in the SEE program description), and to contribute effectively to your supervisor鈥檚 research program. Prospective supervisors will assess this when reviewing applications. A list of SEE graduate supervisors can be found here.
What are the research areas in the SEE graduate program?
The program aims to offer a unique ecosystem for advanced research in sustainable energy engineering. Through training in formal coursework and hands-on research, SEE graduates will be capable of working with integrity to invent, improve, design and deploy sustainable clean energy technologies addressing the clean energy needs for now and the future. Candidates will develop a strong aptitude for research and exceptional quantitative, analytical, and design skills in areas such as sustainable harvesting, conversion, storage, distribution, utilization, transition, and management of energy and environmental resources.
Do I need to identify a supervisor prior to applying?
Yes, applicants must have identified a Senior Supervisor who has agreed to consider your application in order to be reviewed for admission to the program. Your application will not be considered until you have identified a potential Senior Supervisor. A list of SEE graduate supervisors can be found here.
When will I hear back regarding the admission decision?
We try to process applications as they come in. Depending on when your application is submitted, applications may take longer than usual. After applications close, it may take a few weeks for applications to be reviewed.
International applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure adequate time to obtain study permits and make travel arrangements. In some countries, it can take months to obtain a study permit, especially if a medical exam is required. Please contact International Services for Students with your questions regarding study permits. They also provide important information regarding immigration documents, health insurance, finding housing, and planning your arrival. Additional information for international applicants can be found here: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/applying/requirements.
What kind of funding will be given/available to students?
As with other programs at 丁香园AV, funding will be established upon mutual agreement between the student and supervisor. Details regarding funding levels would be communicated by the supervisor as part of the offer of admission. If detailed information is required sooner than this, it may be advisable to consider applying for a different program or a subsequent intake of the SEE program.
I have questions about the online application system. Who should I contact?
For your questions specific to the online application system, please contact 丁香园AV's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office: www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/about/contact.
You can also watch this video to help you navigate the system: .