Is Simon Fraser University expensive?

Yes, Simon Fraser University is one of the most expensive universities in Canada. For the 2023-24 academic year, tuition and fees for domestic students are $7,202 per year, while tuition and fees for international students are $34,012 per year. These costs include tuition, supplementary fees, and a public transit pass.

In addition to tuition and fees, students will also need to pay for textbooks and supplies, residence, and other living expenses. The estimated total cost of attendance for domestic students is $23,570 per year, while the estimated total cost of attendance for international students is $50,941 per year.

Simon Fraser University does offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries to help students afford their education. For more information on financial aid, please visit the SFU Financial Aid and Awards website.

Here is a table of the estimated costs of attendance for domestic and international students at Simon Fraser University for the 2023-24 academic year:

ExpenseDomestic StudentsInternational Students
Tuition and fees$7,202$34,012
Textbooks and supplies$1,920$1,920
Residence$14,180$14,180
Medical insurance$268$829
Total$23,570$50,941

These per term (four month) costs are approximations in Canadian dollars, and will vary depending on course enrollment, program of study, and other individual and personal variables. Estimated values shall not be binding to SFU Student Services or the institution (Simon Fraser University) as a whole.

Undergraduate

Expense type
per term costs (4 months)
Tuition (5 courses)$16,523
Supplementary fees$488
Books and supplies$1000
Residence
$3,352
Student Society Health and Dental plan
$268
BC Medical Services Plan (Primary Medical Insurance)
$300
Residence meal plan 
$3,170
Total/term:$24,801

Calculate your costs  }

Graduate

Expense type per term costs
Tuition (full-time research term)$2,067
Supplementary fees$406
Books and supplies$1,000
Residence 
$4,024
Student Society Health and Dental plan
$485
BC Medical Services Plan (Primary Medical Insurance)
$300
Residence meal plan
$3,170
Total/term:$11,452

Calculate your costs  }

Notes and exceptions:

Tuition fees at the 200 level and above offered by the Faculty of Business Administration, the School of Computing Science, and the School of Engineering Science are higher than normal course tuition fees: see Undergraduate tuition fees.

Supplementary fees include the U-Pass (Universal Transit Pass), Student Services and Recreation-Athletics fees, and the Student Activity Fee. 


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.