History
Born in 1965, SFU has become Canada's leading comprehensive university with vibrant campuses in British Columbia's largest municipalities — Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey — and deep roots in partner communities throughout the province and around the world.
Education
We offer a wide variety of program options for you to build your own undergraduate degree - majors, minors, and certificates can be combined to create an experience unique to you. Master's and doctoral degrees are available in all eight of our faculties.
If it’s flexibility you’re after, try distance education or nights and weekends classes. For workplace skills and a global perspective, check out our Co-op and Study Abroad programs. Enrich your studies through non-academic programs that include leadership and mentorship opportunities, and sports and recreation activities.
Research
SFU researchers work across the arts, humanities and sciences to advance knowledge in key areas set out in the Strategic Research Plan. We engage students and communities to help solve research problems and deliver results that matter.
Career
Simon Fraser University is among Canada's leading comprehensive universities and consistently ranks as one of the top employers in the country.
Student services
The International Services for Students (ISS) office provides support and services for all students seeking information regarding a variety of international learning opportunities. Specific services and supports include:
Housing services
Wondering where to live at SFU? We have options to suit students, families, staff, faculty and visitors.
Living in residences at SFU allows you to explore endless opportunities, create new experiences and lifelong friendships, and pursue passions. Our vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community welcomes students from all over the world. Immerse yourself in the university life and academic experience. Explore and find the campus that's right for you!
Library services
SFU’s libraries are vibrant educational hubs that support learning, research and community engagement.
ICT services
SFU offers all the technology support and solutions you need to teach, work and learn in the 21st century.
The university offers state-of-the-art technology and telecommunications services as well as video and web conferencing.
Medical services
- Allergy Injections
- Travel Health
- Wound care
- Cold/Flu/Illness care
- Urgent and emergency care
- Physical exams (work required)
- Prescriptions and medication management
- Minor procedures
- Birth Control education and prescribing
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment
- Vaccinations
- Pregnancy testing
- Health education
Campus life
Campus Safety & Security Services is committed to engaging our community to make SFU a safe and secure environment to live, learn, and work. Campus Safety & Security Services is dedicated to providing the best public safety and resource protection services to our University community.
Sports facilities
- Drop-in Sports Drop-in Sports offers flexibility and unstructured play
- Intramural Leagues Play organized sport leagues on campus
- Sport Clubs Student organized sport clubs with a variety of competition levels
Student clubs
The Simon Fraser Student Society is a student-led organization that represents and advocates for the interests of the 26,000+ undergraduate students at SFU. As an undergraduate student, YOU are a member of the SFSS and benefit from all the services and opportunities we offer.
Accreditation
The NWCCU is one of six independent regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate the quality and institutional effectiveness of post-secondary institutions. Simon Fraser is being accredited by a U.S. agency because Canada doesnt have a comparable institutional accreditation body.
Simon Fraser University Overview
Simon Fraser University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 4.2% Canada
Top 8.1% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
301
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 251 | 301 | 301 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
308
By TopUniversities
Climbed 11 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 318 | 319 | 308 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
401
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Dropped 100 places compared to 2024
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 301 | 301 | 401 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
No 2026 Ranking
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 408 | - | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Simon Fraser University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Canada Country
Burnaby City
#2 Branch Campus
Canada Country
Vancouver City
#3 Branch Campus
Canada Country
Abbotsford City
Simon Fraser University Student Reviews & Awards
4.1
Based on 96 reviews
- 5 Star 32 Reviews
- 4 Star 45 Reviews
- 3 Star 18 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 1 Review
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.1
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
- Student Diversity 4.2
- Career Development 4.2
My Experience Studying Computer Science
My study experience so far has been both transformative and enlightening. It has challenged me intellectually, strengthened my personal discipline, and opened my mind to new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Studying Computer Science has given me the technical foundation and analytical mindset needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. From learning fundamental programming languages to exploring complex algorithms and systems design, each step has deepened my passion for technology and innovation. One of the things I appreciated most about my academic journey is the exposure to hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving. I particularly enjoyed assignments that involved team collaboration, building functional applications, and simulating real-life scenarios using technology. These opportunities helped me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and also improved my communication and teamwork skills. I also found immense value in the supportive learning environment created by my lecturers and peers—an environment that fostered curiosity, mutual respect, and intellectual growth. However, there are areas where I believe improvements could be made. In some cases, access to up-to-date software and modern laboratory facilities was limited, which affected the depth and pace of practical learning. Additionally, course content sometimes leaned heavily on theoretical knowledge, with fewer opportunities for industry-based exposure or internships. I believe incorporating more practical training, guest lectures from industry experts, and collaborative partnerships with tech companies would enrich the learning experience and better prepare students for the demands of the workforce. Overall, my study experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has not only strengthened my academic foundation but also clarified my future aspirations in the field of technology. I’ve gained more than just knowledge—I’ve developed resilience, creativity, and a sense of purpose. This journey has affirmed my commitment to continuous learning and to using technology as a tool for social good. I am grateful for everything I’ve learned so far and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Friendly UdS
I love Universite de Sherbrooke. Other students are very friendly and inclusive, and many social activities are organized. It is easy to find others who share passions such as sports, gardening or knitting.
SFU commuter work focus
Simon Fraser University is an institution where you get work done. Don't expect a social life on campus because most students are commuters as they come to campus for lectures or studying, then go home. The facilities are getting better since the campus is going through renovations, but the student services such as "health and counselling" and "student services" can be a hit or miss.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?