Simon Fraser University Scholarships 2027 – Are you planning to study in Canada but need financial support to make your undergraduate education more affordable? Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia offers an entrance scholarship programme for outstanding high-school students who demonstrate academic excellence and meaningful involvement in their communities.
Its Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships include an award worth CAD $140,000 for eligible international students, making it a significant opportunity for students preparing to begin university in September 2027. Applications are open, and this guide explains the award value, eligibility requirements, application documents, selection process, and important deadlines.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships (USES) |
| Host institution | Simon Fraser University |
| Host country | Canada |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible applicants | Domestic and international high-school applicants |
| Entry term | Fall 2027 |
| International award value | CAD $140,000 |
| Payment structure | Eight payments of CAD $17,500 |
| Possible additional support | An additional living allowance of CAD $8,000 per term may be offered in limited cases |
| Minimum academic requirement | 90% average or 31 IB points, excluding bonus points |
| Scholarship application deadline | December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Supporting documents deadline | January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Official application page | SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships |
About the SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships
Simon Fraser University is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada. It offers undergraduate programmes across several academic areas and welcomes students from Canada and other countries.
The Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships (USES) recognise high-school students who demonstrate strong academic performance and the potential to contribute to the SFU community through ongoing academic and extracurricular involvement.
For Fall 2027, the scholarship application period runs from October 1 to December 15, 2026. The programme is available to domestic and international high-school applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to students who have performed well academically while remaining active outside the classroom. Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities, rather than relying on examination results alone.
For international applicants, SFU lists the International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship with a value of CAD $140,000, paid in eight instalments of CAD $17,500. In limited cases, an additional living allowance may be offered to exceptionally talented students who demonstrate financial need.
It is important to distinguish this scholarship from the many other awards available at SFU. Some entrance awards are reserved for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, while others have particular programme or eligibility requirements. International applicants should use the official USES page to identify the award applicable to them.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
The main financial benefit for eligible international students is the International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship, which is valued at CAD $140,000.
According to SFU, the award is paid in eight instalments of CAD $17,500. This structure provides financial support across multiple payment periods rather than as a single lump sum.
The university also states that an additional living allowance of CAD $8,000 per term may be offered in limited cases. This extra support is intended for exceptionally talented students who demonstrate financial need. It is not automatically included in every scholarship offer.
Successful recipients also receive benefits connected to their university experience. SFU lists priority access to residence and priority access to course enrolment for the duration of the entrance scholarship.
These benefits can be useful for students moving to Canada for the first time. Access to university accommodation and course registration can make the transition to undergraduate study easier.
However, applicants should plan their finances carefully. Although CAD $140,000 is a substantial award, it should not automatically be described as a guarantee that every expense will be covered. Tuition, accommodation, food, transport, books, health insurance, and other costs depend on the student’s programme, circumstances, and applicable university charges.
Before accepting an award, check the scholarship offer for the payment schedule, conditions for continued eligibility, and the expenses you will still need to cover.
Eligible Programs and Courses
The Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships are available to eligible students admitted for the Fall term to an undergraduate degree at SFU.
SFU offers programmes in a range of academic areas, including:
- Arts and social sciences
- Business
- Communication, art, and technology
- Computing science
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health sciences
- Education
- Science
These areas provide examples of the academic options available at the university. Applicants should not assume that every programme has identical admission requirements or that meeting the scholarship’s minimum academic threshold guarantees admission to a particular degree.
To be considered for the USES competition, applicants must be eligible for admission to their primary programme. Students who do not meet the admission requirements for their selected programme will not be considered for the scholarship competition.
Review the specific programme’s admission requirements before applying. You should also check whether the degree requires supplementary application materials, portfolios, interviews, or other steps beyond the general undergraduate application.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the scholarship’s academic and admission requirements and demonstrate that they can contribute positively to the SFU community.
1. Be applying for Fall 2027 undergraduate admission
The scholarship is for students applying to begin undergraduate study at SFU in the Fall 2027 term. Applicants must apply to SFU and obtain their student number before they can access the scholarship application.
2. Meet the high-school eligibility requirements
Applicants must be graduating from high school in the year they enter SFU or must have graduated in the previous year without enrolling in post-secondary courses.
This requirement is important for students who have already started university elsewhere. The USES is an entrance scholarship for eligible high-school applicants, not a general award for all university students or transfer applicants.
3. Achieve the minimum academic average
Applicants must have a minimum average of 90% or 31 International Baccalaureate (IB) points, excluding bonus points, in the courses required for admission to their primary programme.
This is a minimum threshold, not a guarantee of selection. Because the scholarship recognises outstanding students, applicants should aim to present the strongest academic record possible.
Students following different national curricula should check how SFU assesses their qualifications and which courses are required for their intended degree.
4. Demonstrate academic and extracurricular excellence
Applicants must demonstrate excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities. Relevant experiences may include volunteering, community service, employment, athletics, arts, student leadership, or other personal achievements.
The application asks students to reflect on up to five activities and achievements. Applicants should focus on meaningful contributions, responsibilities, and lessons learned rather than simply providing a long list of activities.
5. Meet the admission requirements for the selected degree
Applicants must be eligible for admission to their primary programme. The university will not consider applicants for the USES competition if they do not meet the admission requirements for that programme.
Meeting the scholarship’s 90% average or IB threshold does not replace the academic and other requirements of the degree itself.
6. Submit two references
Applicants must arrange two complete references. The reference providers should have direct knowledge of the information included in the application, such as the applicant’s academic work, extracurricular involvement, or personal achievements.
Both references must be submitted by January 31, 2027. Applicants should contact their referees well in advance and confirm that they can complete the forms before the deadline.
Required Documents
The exact supporting documents may vary according to an applicant’s educational background and intended degree. However, SFU’s scholarship instructions identify several key application components.
Academic and admission documents
- Academic records and information about secondary-school qualifications.
- Required information and documents for the SFU undergraduate admission application.
- Any additional documents listed in the applicant’s SFU Student Centre.
- Relevant predicted or interim grades where required for the applicant’s curriculum.
Scholarship application materials
- Information about extracurricular activities and personal achievements.
- A short essay of approximately 500 words.
- Contact details for two referees.
- Completed reference forms.
- Any additional information requested in the scholarship application.
The essay asks applicants to explain how their personal experiences have shaped their outlook on life and how this connects with their future at SFU. Applicants should answer the prompt directly and use genuine examples from their lives.
Supporting documents
Applicants must ensure that all items listed on their SFU Student Centre to-do list are completed by January 31, 2027, for scholarship consideration. This includes required admission items as well as the two references.
The university may require different academic records depending on the country and curriculum in which an applicant studied. Review the instructions issued for your application rather than assuming that the documents required from one applicant will be identical to those required from another.
How to Apply for the SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship
The application process has two main parts: applying for admission to SFU and completing the separate scholarship application. Follow the steps below to avoid missing the deadline.
Step 1: Choose your undergraduate programme
Explore SFU’s undergraduate degrees and select a primary programme that matches your academic interests and future plans.
Check the programme’s admission requirements, required courses, and any supplementary application steps. You must be eligible for admission to your selected programme to be considered for the USES.
Step 2: Apply for admission to SFU
Submit your undergraduate admission application through EducationPlannerBC, the application portal used for undergraduate admission to universities in British Columbia.
The Fall 2027 admission application opened on October 1, 2026. Once SFU processes your application, you will receive the information needed to access your student account.
You need your SFU student number to access the scholarship application, so apply for admission early enough to complete the next steps before the scholarship deadline.
Step 3: Access the USES application
After receiving your SFU student number, visit the official Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships page and follow the instructions to access the scholarship application.
The scholarship application is separate from the general admission application. Applying to SFU alone does not automatically submit an application for the USES.
Step 4: Complete the extracurricular activities section
List and reflect on up to five extracurricular activities or personal achievements. These can include volunteering, paid work, athletics, arts, leadership, or other experiences.
Choose examples that demonstrate your contribution, commitment, initiative, or personal development. Explain what you did and what you learned instead of merely listing positions or memberships.
Step 5: Write the scholarship essay
Prepare the short essay describing how your personal experiences have shaped your outlook on life and how this connects to your future at SFU.
Use specific examples to explain your perspective, goals, and reasons for wanting to join the university community. Keep your response focused on the question and ensure that it reflects your actual experiences.
SFU recommends drafting and saving your written responses in a word processor while working on the application. This helps you retain a copy of your work and check spelling before submitting.
Step 6: Arrange two references
Provide contact information for two referees who know your academic work, extracurricular activities, or personal achievements.
Contact them before submitting the application so they understand the scholarship requirements and the deadline. Follow up politely to ensure that their forms are completed on time.
Step 7: Submit your scholarship application by December 15, 2026
The deadline for the Fall 2027 USES application is December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Do not confuse this date with SFU’s general undergraduate admission deadline, which is January 31, 2027. The scholarship application closes earlier.
Step 8: Complete all supporting requirements by January 31, 2027
Submit both references and all outstanding admission documents listed in your SFU Student Centre by January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Check your student account regularly to identify missing items. An incomplete scholarship application may not be considered, even if the initial application was submitted before December 15.
Step 9: Monitor your application
SFU states that USES applications are reviewed and evaluated between February and March 2027. Successful applicants are expected to be notified between mid-March and May 2027.
Monitor your email and SFU student account for updates or requests for further information.
Application Deadline and Current Status
The SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships application for Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026, and is currently open as of October 9, 2026.
The key dates are:
| Milestone | Deadline or period |
|---|---|
| Fall 2027 undergraduate admission opens | October 1, 2026 |
| USES scholarship application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| USES scholarship application deadline | December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Supporting documents and references deadline | January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Scholarship review and evaluation | February–March 2027 |
| Expected scholarship notifications | Mid-March–May 2027 |
| General Fall 2027 high-school admission deadline | January 31, 2027 |
The most important distinction is that the scholarship application deadline is earlier than the general undergraduate admission deadline. Students who want to compete for the USES should not wait until January to begin their scholarship application.
For the latest information, use the official SFU scholarship page and the university’s Fall 2027 admission deadlines.
Selection Process and Application Tips
SFU evaluates applicants based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and their potential to contribute to the university community. Applicants must also satisfy the relevant admission and documentation requirements.
The minimum academic threshold establishes eligibility for consideration, but it does not guarantee a scholarship. Applicants should present a complete application that clearly explains their achievements and personal experiences.
Choose activities that demonstrate real contribution. Use your strongest examples of volunteering, employment, leadership, creative work, athletics, or community involvement. Explain your role and the difference your participation made.
Make your essay personal and specific. Avoid generic statements about wanting to study in Canada. Instead, explain how your experiences have shaped your outlook and how those experiences connect with your goals at SFU.
Contact referees early. Your application requires two references, and both must be complete by January 31, 2027. Give your referees sufficient time to provide thoughtful responses and follow up before the deadline.
Check the admission requirements for your chosen programme. A high average alone is not enough if you do not meet the entry requirements for your intended degree. Review the required courses and any additional admission steps.
Keep copies of your application materials. Save your essay and other written responses before submitting. Keep a record of your activities, awards, academic documents, and reference arrangements.
Plan your finances realistically. Although the international scholarship is worth CAD $140,000, you should check the payment conditions and estimate your total study and living costs. Do not assume that the additional living allowance is guaranteed.
Submit well before the deadline. Technical issues, missing references, or delayed documents can prevent an otherwise strong application from being considered. Start early and check your SFU account regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship open for 2027?
Yes. Applications for Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026. The scholarship application deadline is December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
How much is the SFU scholarship for international students?
SFU lists the International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship at CAD $140,000, paid in eight instalments of CAD $17,500. An additional living allowance of CAD $8,000 per term may be available in limited cases for exceptionally talented students who demonstrate financial need.
Can Nigerian students apply for the SFU scholarship?
Nigerian students may apply if they meet the international applicant requirements, satisfy the academic and degree admission criteria, and complete the scholarship application and supporting documents by the relevant deadlines. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection.
What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants must have a minimum average of 90% or 31 IB points, excluding bonus points, in the courses required for admission to their primary programme. They must also meet the degree’s admission requirements and demonstrate excellence in extracurricular activities.
Do I need to apply to SFU before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. You must apply to SFU first and receive your student number to access the scholarship application. Applying for admission does not automatically submit the separate USES application.
What is the scholarship application deadline?
The USES application deadline is December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. References and outstanding admission documents must be submitted by January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Is the SFU scholarship fully funded?
The international award is worth CAD $140,000, which is substantial financial support. However, applicants should review the award conditions and compare the funding with their expected tuition and living costs before describing it as fully funded. The additional living allowance is available only in limited cases.
When will SFU announce the scholarship results?
SFU states that applications will be reviewed and evaluated between February and March 2027, with successful applicants expected to be notified between mid-March and May 2027.
Conclusion
The Simon Fraser University Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for high-achieving students planning to begin undergraduate study in Canada in Fall 2027. The International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship is worth CAD $140,000, with the possibility of additional living support for a limited number of eligible students.
Applicants should focus on meeting the academic requirements, choosing an eligible undergraduate programme, demonstrating meaningful extracurricular involvement, and preparing a strong personal essay. They must also arrange two references and complete all required admission documents.
The key deadline is December 15, 2026, for the scholarship application, followed by January 31, 2027, for supporting documents and references. Start early, follow the official instructions, and check your SFU account regularly to ensure that your application is complete.
References
- sfu.ca – Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships (USES)
- sfu.ca – Fall 2027 Term | Undergraduate Admission
- sfu.ca – Applied for Fall 2027 | Undergraduate Admission
