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Simon Fraser University

Ranked & featured
Burnaby, Canada
301–350th in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for Simon Fraser University

institution

We are a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future.  

Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research-intensive universities, Simon Fraser University (SFU) is world leader in research, innovation, knowledge development and sustainability. 

At SFU, we forge lasting partnerships that enhance the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the communities we serve. 

We equip our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world. 

And with more than 180,000 alumni around the world, our work and impact can be seen in all corners of the globe. 

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 

Guided by our shared vision—to be a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future—we are committed to meeting the changing needs of both the world around us and the people and communities we serve. 

Together, the SFU community is taking action towards four priorities: 

  • Uphold truth and reconciliation 
  • Make a difference for British Columbia 
  • Engage in global challenges 
  • Transform the SFU experience 

 OUR CAMPUSES AND COMMUNITIES 

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated. 

With vibrant campuses in British Columbia, Canada’s three largest cities—Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver—SFU is not just shaping minds, we are also shaping communities. 

WHY CHOOSE SFU 

At SFU, we are dedicated to producing innovative research that benefits society, students that are prepared to meet the growing demands of today’s workforce and a vibrant community that champions justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION WITH IMPACT 

As one of Canada’s fastest growing research institutions, we are dedicated to mobilizing knowledge to drive innovations that positively impact our communities. Our sponsored research income has grown by 37.5 per cent over the past 10 years, reaching $141.1 million in 2022. 

Our academic culture benefits from the depth of our research excellence and strong partner networks. Research at SFU spans eight faculties, covering a broad range of fundamental, interdisciplinary and applied research topics, as outlined in SFU’s 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan. On average, SFU researchers publish 2,600 journal articles per year, over 40 per cent of which appear in the world's top 10 per cent journals. 

The 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings place SFU first in the world for its commitment to sustainable cities and communities and third in Canada for its dedication to climate action.

COMMUNITY OF CHANGE-MAKERS 

Our faculty, students and staff are helping to shape a better future for B.C. and Canada through innovative partnerships, initiatives and research. 

Our community aims to build solutions to improve public health, flight climate change, promote democracy and create new economic opportunities. 

EDUCATION THAT SETS OUR STUDENTS APART 

Our students graduate with the skills they need to fulfill their potential—both as professionals and as contributing members of their communities.   

We have a culture that supports the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation, as well as a breadth of diverse and industry-relevant programs. 

Our eight faculties offer students endless opportunities to undertake academic discovery, develop holistic skillsets and pursue unique career paths. 

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE 

We believe professional experience enriches our students’ education and prepares them for the future. Our co-op education program—one of Canada’s largest—allows our students to build hands-on experience throughout their educational journey. 

We also offer a broad selection of local and international field schools and exchanges, undergraduate student research awards, volunteer stewardship activities and leadership training. 

We foster an entrepreneurial spirit and offer an interdisciplinary ecosystem that supports every stage of the innovation journey, from community and industry partnerships, to ideation, mentorship and ventures that scale. 

SFU is recognized as Canada’s top university for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and industrial application (2023 World’s Universities with Real Impact rankings).

 

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Rankings

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Impact Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Simon Fraser University

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
54 F : 46 M (1)
globe fill
International student percentage
31% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
30.5 (1)
student
Student total
27262 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at Simon Fraser University

See below for a range of subjects taught at Simon Fraser University

Social Sciences126–150th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Psychology101–125th

  • Psychology

Physical Sciences301–400th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

Life Sciences251–300th

  • Sport Science
  • Biological Sciences

Engineering251–300th

  • General Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Education101–125th

  • Education

Computer Science101–125th

  • Computer Science

Arts and Humanities176–200th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design

Business and Economics251–300th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance
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Downloads

Download in-depth information about Simon Fraser University

pdf

SFU Facts & Figures

pdf

Strategic Vision

pdf

Strategic Research Plan 2016-2022

pdf

SFU Innovates Brochure