How to Apply to Computing Science at Simon Fraser University: Direct Entry From High School to the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Historical Admission Ranges, Internal Transfer Thresholds, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At Simon Fraser University (SFU), in Metro Vancouver, Computing Science is offered by the School of Computing Science in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, leading to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA); it can also be taken as a minor. Unlike UBC, SFU admits high school students directly to Computing Science. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on SFU’s official information, for students at Canadian high schools (especially BC and Vancouver students), students at high schools in China, and transfer students.

1. Three entry routes

• The calendar lists three routes into Computing Science: direct admission from high school, direct transfer from another post-secondary institution, and internal transfer within SFU.
• Admission is competitive, and a separate admission average is set for each route each term depending on space.
• How to apply: apply through EducationPlannerBC; in section 4 choose Faculty of Applied Sciences and BSC Computing Science.
• Zhejiang dual degree: SFU runs a Computing Science dual degree with Zhejiang University. Applicants from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan without Canadian citizenship must apply through Zhejiang University.

2. Program and academic standing

• Upper division: at least 45 upper-division units, including 30 in CMPT courses and 12 units of 400-level CMPT courses.
• Six optional concentrations: Artificial Intelligence, Visual and Interactive Computing, Computing Systems, Information Systems, Programming Languages and Software, and Theoretical Computing Science; four courses in an area earn the concentration.
• Continuation: students below a 2.40 CGPA are placed on probation with limited course access; 200-level and higher CMPT courses require a 2.40 CGPA, and prerequisites need C- or better.
• Co-op: SFU runs three terms a year, and the tuition table lists a co-op fee of CAD 932.08 per work term.

3. Students at Canadian high schools

• BC students:
  • graduation with at least five approved academic Grade 12 courses, and at least 70% in Language Arts 11 or English 12;
  • English Studies 12 (or English First Peoples 12);
  • at least one of Pre-Calculus 12 or Calculus 12;
  • at least one of Anatomy and Physiology 12, Chemistry 12 or Physics 12;
  • no specific Grade 11 courses; equivalent AP or IB courses may be used.
• Admission ranges: over the past three years, Computing Science admitted Canadian and student-visa applicants alike in the high 80s to low 90s. IB Diploma students need at least 26 points to be considered for any program, and competitive minimums are higher.
• Two reviews: early admission uses Grade 11 and any available Grade 12 marks, with decisions usually from November to January, so apply well before the end of January; standard admission uses all Grade 11 and 12 marks, with decisions usually from February to April. SFU receives grades through the BC Ministry’s Student Transcript Service (STS) and re-reviews as new grades arrive.

4. Students at high schools in China

• Documents: Senior Middle School Graduation Diploma; a transcript with all completed courses and final grades for the first semester of Senior Year 3. Admission is calculated on Senior Year 3 academic subjects.
• Subjects: Computing Science requires Senior Year 3 Math and one of Senior Year 3 Biology, Chemistry or Physics; SFU’s quantitative requirement is at least 70% in Senior Year 2 or 3 Mathematics (60% pass scale).
• Gaokao: required; offers are conditional on receiving results in July, and required results depend on the program. IB and A-level students do not need the Gaokao.
• Pathway: students who fall short can start at Fraser International College (FIC) and transfer to SFU.

5. English requirements

• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band;
• TOEFL iBT 4.5 on the new scale (4.0 in each section), or 88 (20 in each section) for tests before 21 January 2026, from a single sitting;
• Duolingo 125; PTE Academic 65; CAEL 70.

6. Timeline

• 1 October 2026: EducationPlannerBC opens, along with the USES scholarship application.
• 15 December 2026: USES deadline.
• 31 January 2027: application deadline; STS form deadline for BC students.
• 28 February 2027: document deadline for high school applicants.
• 1 May 2027: acceptance deadline for most students.

7. Tuition and scholarships

• Per-unit tuition (SFU Calendar, Spring 2027, international students entering 2024/25 or later): CAD 1,262.88 per unit for regular courses, and CAD 1,327.97 per unit for 200-, 300- and 400-level Computing Science courses. Canadian students pay CAD 220.61 and CAD 231.64. SFU notes that international tuition for continuing students may rise by up to 6% a year.
• USES: open to Canadian and international students with an admission average of at least 90% (or IB 31, excluding bonus points); up to CAD 140,000 for international students; deadline 15 December 2026.

8. Transfer students

• From another post-secondary institution:
  • at least 24 transferable units attempted, with up to 60 transferable; with more than 23 units, admission is based on post-secondary GPA (highest attempt of repeated courses);
  • with fewer than 24 units and at least a 2.00 GPA, you are assessed on high school grades and apply by the high school deadlines;
  • Ranges: over the past three years, Computing Science transfer admits ranged from B to A for Canadians and B+ to A for student-visa applicants;
  • Fall 2027: apply 1 March to 15 April, documents by 15 May; January entry is 1 July to 15 September, and May entry 1 December to 15 January.
• Internal transfer within SFU: selection uses a Computing Related GPA (CRGPA) and CGPA. The CRGPA covers set CMPT and MACM courses (such as CMPT 120/125/225 and MACM 101); you need at least one MACM and two CMPT courses from the list, with at least two taken at SFU. Minimums are a 2.67 CRGPA and 2.40 CGPA, and competitive averages are never below these.

Checklist

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students):

• Apply on EducationPlannerBC by 31 January 2027, choosing Applied Sciences and BSC Computing Science
• English Studies 12, Pre-Calculus 12 or Calculus 12, a grade 12 science, and enough approved Grade 12 courses to make five
• Aim for the high 80s or above; apply for USES by 15 December if your average is 90% or higher

Students at high schools in China:

• Apply by 31 January and submit documents by 28 February
• Senior Year 3 math and a science; offers depend on July Gaokao results
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each), TOEFL 4.5 (new scale) or Duolingo 125

Transfer students:

• Complete 24 transferable units, aiming for B or higher (B+ for student-visa applicants)
• For fall, apply 1 March to 15 April and submit documents by 15 May

Sources: Simon Fraser University, Computing Science overview; Computing Science BC requirements; How to apply; Historical admission grade ranges; China requirements; English language requirement; College/university transfer; Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship; Calendar: Computing Science major; Calendar: undergraduate tuition. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check SFU for the latest details.