• Universities

Simon Fraser University (SFU) was founded in 1965 with a distinct west-coast spirit. While maintaining a spirit that challenges conventions, celebrates new ideas and embraces unconventional partnerships, we have grown into one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. SFU now hosts more than 37,000 students, in eight faculties, spanning a broad range of fundamental, interdisciplinary and applied research topics and is consistently ranked as Canada’s top comprehensive university (MacLean’s Rankings).As Canada’s engaged university, SFU works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. Our commitment to engagement informs how we mobilize knowledge and further our contributions to local communities, across Canada and around the world. By creating and mobilizing knowledge, nurturing partnerships, and harnessing the power of research, engagement at SFU is an instrument for change. ENGAGING STUDENTSWe educate changemakers, visionaries and passionate problem-solvers. SFU cultivates supportive learning environments, combining the best traditions of academic and teaching excellence. Our academic mission incorporates intellectual growth, individual exploration, interdisciplinary education and experiential learning. We have one of Canada’s strongest co-op education programs, which has placed students in local and international internships at organizations like Tesla and Facebook.SFU students can access academic and research opportunities through 3,100+ international research partnerships in 128 countries.We stimulate an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in students in all faculties, then foster their ideas and inventions through mentorship and practical experience.ENGAGING RESEARCHWe deliver academic and research excellence. Building on a solid foundation of fundamental research, we are committed to disseminating knowledge and harnessing new ideas and innovations for the benefit of society.SFU’s 2016-2020 Strategic Research Plan positions the university to continue to grow its capacity in research and knowledge mobilization across diverse sectors. It also identifies strengths at SFU that have led to the establishment of four research clusters: Big Data; Health Technology and Health Solutions; New Materials and Technology for Sustainability; and Community-based Research.SFU ranks among Canada’s top 15 research universities and enjoys the fastest growing research income, having surpassed $100-million in 2013 and reached $167.3-million in 2020.SFU students can access academic and research opportunities through 3,100+ international research partnerships in 128 countries.ENGAGING COMMUNITIESCommunity engagement is a core component of everything we do. SFU builds and nurtures community connections at home and abroad as an integral part of its academic and research mission.In Canada, we are striving to increase awareness of Indigenous history, culture and knowledge—both within the university and in the greater community.Our faculty, researchers and students collaborate with government, business and community partners worldwide to incubate and accelerate transformative discoveries for positive social and economic impact.ENGAGING THE WORLDOur alumni, donors and community partners embrace the world and bring the promise of SFU to life. Together we make a difference, advancing engagement, learning and research for societal good. The pursuit of knowledge, understanding and engagement to address global challenges is core to SFU’s vision. Faculty and students conduct research and learn alongside colleagues from around the world. We have one of the highest percentages of international students of any university in Canada.Our global partnerships for research, studying abroad, academic collaborations and development activities ensure our students and faculty are active global citizens. Our Study Abroad programs range from dual degree programs to exchanges, work abroad opportunities and field schools with important considerations in mind due to the current global pandemic. SFU offers international experiences at home and abroad.SFU has an international footprint of partnerships with 2947 institutions worldwide, in 128 countries.