A scholarship worth CAD $140,000 can make a significant difference to an international student’s university plans. Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia offers the International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship to outstanding high-school applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to contribute to their university community.
Applications for SFU’s Fall 2027 Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships (USES) opened on October 1, 2026. Eligible international students can compete for CAD $140,000, paid in eight instalments of CAD $17,500. In limited cases, SFU may also offer an additional living allowance of CAD $8,000 per term to exceptionally talented students who demonstrate financial need.
However, strong grades alone will not guarantee an award. Applicants must meet SFU’s academic and admission requirements, demonstrate extracurricular excellence, write a 500-word essay, and provide two suitable references.
The scholarship application deadline is December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Supporting documents and the required admission checklist must be complete by January 31, 2027.
This guide covers the scholarship’s value, eligibility, application process, deadlines, and funding conditions.
What Is the SFU International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship?
The International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship forms part of SFU’s Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships programme. It recognises high-school applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to enrich the university community through their achievements and extracurricular contributions.
The scholarship targets eligible students entering an undergraduate degree directly from high school. It is not a general scholarship for all international students, including those who have already started university elsewhere.
The international award is valued at CAD $140,000, distributed over eight instalments. A limited number of exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need may also qualify for an additional living allowance. This extra support is not guaranteed.
How Much Is the SFU Scholarship Worth?
| Funding component | Details |
|---|---|
| International scholarship value | CAD $140,000 |
| Payment structure | 8 instalments of CAD $17,500 |
| Possible additional living allowance | CAD $8,000 per term |
| Additional allowance eligibility | Limited cases; exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need |
SFU pays the scholarship in instalments rather than as one lump sum. Recipients must meet the applicable academic and enrolment requirements to receive each payment.
Because the university sets different conditions for the first, second, and subsequent payments, applicants should understand these requirements before relying on the full award to finance their degree.
Who Can Apply for the SFU Scholarship 2027?
SFU’s Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships are open to eligible domestic and international high-school applicants. To qualify for the international award, you must meet the following requirements.
1. You must be applying for Fall 2027 entry
Applicants must seek admission to an eligible SFU undergraduate degree beginning in Fall 2027.
You also need an SFU student number to access the scholarship application. Start your admission application early enough to obtain this number and complete the separate scholarship application before the deadline.
2. You must meet the high-school graduation requirement
Applicants must meet one of these conditions:
- Graduate from high school in the year they enter SFU; or
- Graduate in the previous year without enrolling in any post-secondary courses.
This rule is particularly important for students who have already started university elsewhere. If you completed post-secondary coursework after high school, do not assume you qualify under this entrance scholarship route. Contact SFU if your educational history is unclear.
3. You must meet the academic threshold
SFU requires a minimum average of 90% or 31 International Baccalaureate (IB) points, excluding bonus points, in the courses required for admission to your primary programme.
Meeting this threshold does not guarantee an award. You must also qualify for admission to your chosen programme; applicants who do not meet its admission requirements will not be considered.
International students should check SFU’s country-specific admission requirements to understand how their qualifications and grades are assessed.
4. You must demonstrate academic and extracurricular excellence
SFU considers academic performance alongside extracurricular activities and achievements.
The application asks you to describe and reflect on up to five activities or achievements, including volunteering, employment, athletics, arts, or other personal accomplishments.
Choose experiences that show what you contributed, what you learned, and how you could contribute to the SFU community. Explain your role and impact rather than simply listing activities.
5. You must provide two references
You need two referees who can comment on your academic ability, extracurricular involvement, or personal achievements.
- Academic reference: A high-school counsellor, teacher, or administrator who knows your academic ability.
- Community involvement and achievements reference: Someone in a supervisory role who can comment on at least one activity or achievement you listed.
Your community reference cannot be a peer or family member.
SFU contacts both referees directly by email after you submit your application. They complete online reference forms rather than submitting separate documents. Ask their permission before listing them and allow enough time for them to respond by January 31, 2027.
6. You must complete the required admission documents
All items on your SFU admission Student Centre To-Do List must show as complete by January 31, 2027, for scholarship consideration.
These include the required admission documents and scholarship references. Submitting your scholarship application by December 15 does not remove the later deadline for supporting materials.
Check your Student Centre regularly to confirm that SFU has received and processed the required items.
SFU Scholarship Deadline for Fall 2027
Applicants must meet two main deadlines.
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Scholarship application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Scholarship application deadline | December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Supporting documents and references | January 31, 2027 |
| Application review | February–March 2027 |
| Expected scholarship announcements | Mid-March–May 2027 |
The December deadline applies to the scholarship application, while the January deadline covers references and required admission documents.
Contact your referees early, prepare your essay in advance, and check your admission checklist before the deadlines. SFU expects to announce scholarship recipients between mid-March and May 2027.
How to Apply for the SFU International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship
The process involves applying for admission and completing a separate scholarship application. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose your undergraduate programme
Identify the SFU programme you want to study and review its admission requirements. Confirm that your qualifications meet both the scholarship threshold and the requirements for your chosen programme.
Step 2: Apply for admission to SFU
Submit your undergraduate admission application for Fall 2027. You need your SFU student number to access the scholarship application.
Some applicants to the Beedie School of Business may use a completed USES application in place of the programme’s supplemental admission application, subject to SFU’s specific rules. Check the official scholarship page if this applies to you.
Step 3: Complete the scholarship application
Use your SFU student number to access the Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships application through the university’s Financial Aid and Awards website.
The scholarship application is separate from the admission application, except where SFU specifies a special procedure for certain applicants.
Visit the official SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships page.
Step 4: Describe your activities and achievements
List and reflect on up to five extracurricular activities or achievements, such as volunteering, employment, sports, arts, or personal accomplishments.
Select experiences that demonstrate initiative, commitment, leadership, contribution, or personal growth. Explain your involvement and what each experience reveals about you.
Step 5: Write the 500-word essay
SFU asks applicants to explain how their personal experiences have shaped their outlook on life and how that outlook connects to their future at SFU.
Use specific experiences rather than generic statements about being hardworking or ambitious. Explain what you learned, how your perspective developed, and how you hope to contribute to the university community.
Keep your essay within the 500-word limit and proofread it before submission.
Step 6: Provide your two referees’ details
Enter the contact information for your academic referee and community involvement and achievements referee.
Ask both people for permission before listing them. Explain the scholarship requirements and let them know that SFU will contact them directly by email.
Choose referees who can provide specific, credible comments about your academic ability or extracurricular contributions.
Step 7: Complete the optional financial information, if relevant
The application includes an optional section where you can describe your financial circumstances. SFU may consider this information when assessing eligibility for the additional living allowance.
Provide accurate information if you complete this section. However, doing so does not guarantee the additional allowance.
Step 8: Submit your application and monitor your status
Submit the scholarship application by December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
After submission, monitor your email and SFU Student Centre. Ensure that your referees complete their forms and all required admission documents show as complete by January 31, 2027.
What Conditions Apply to Scholarship Payments?
The CAD $140,000 award is paid in eight instalments. Recipients must continue to meet SFU’s academic and enrolment requirements.
Under the published regulations:
- First payment: Final grades must show a minimum average of 90% or 31 IB points in the courses required for admission to your primary programme. You must also enrol in at least 12 SFU standard graded units.
- Second payment: You must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 after your first term and enrol in at least 12 standard graded units.
- Third payment and later instalments: You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and enrol in at least 12 standard graded units per term.
SFU’s regulations also explain how deferred payments, reduced course loads, and academic performance below the required thresholds are handled. Review the official USES scholarship regulations before accepting an award.
Recipients also receive priority access to residence and course enrolment for the duration of their entrance scholarship, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Can International Students from Nigeria Apply?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply if they meet SFU’s international-applicant requirements and satisfy the scholarship’s graduation, academic, admission, and extracurricular criteria.
However, nationality alone does not establish eligibility. Applicants must meet the high-school graduation rules, qualify for their chosen programme, and submit the scholarship application and required supporting documents by the deadlines.
Nigerian students who enrolled in post-secondary courses after graduating from high school should pay particular attention to the graduation-year requirement. If your educational history is unclear, contact SFU rather than assuming you qualify.
Is the SFU Scholarship Fully Funded?
SFU lists the International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship at CAD $140,000, paid in eight instalments. An additional living allowance of CAD $8,000 per term may be available in limited cases.
However, applicants should not assume that the award will cover every educational and living expense. Actual costs depend on tuition, fees, accommodation, and personal expenses. The additional allowance is not guaranteed, and recipients must maintain the required academic standing and course load.
Compare your expected costs with the funding confirmed in your offer before deciding whether the award will cover your studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the SFU International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship?
SFU lists the scholarship at CAD $140,000, paid in eight instalments of CAD $17,500.
What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants need 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 qualify for admission to that programme.
When is the deadline for Fall 2027?
The scholarship application deadline is December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Supporting documents and references are due January 31, 2027.
Do I need to apply for SFU admission first?
Yes. You need an SFU student number to access the scholarship application. Certain Beedie School of Business applicants may follow a special procedure, so check SFU’s instructions if relevant.
How many references do I need?
You need two references: one academic reference and one from someone in a supervisory role who can comment on your extracurricular activities or achievements. The community reference cannot be a peer or family member.
Is the additional living allowance guaranteed?
No. SFU may offer an additional CAD $8,000 per term in limited cases to exceptionally talented students who demonstrate financial need.
Can students who have already started university apply?
The scholarship targets eligible high-school applicants entering SFU. Applicants who graduated from high school in the previous year must not have enrolled in post-secondary courses. Students who have already started university elsewhere should check the eligibility rules carefully before applying.
When will SFU announce the results?
SFU expects to announce scholarship recipients between mid-March and May 2027.
Final Advice for Applicants
The SFU International Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship gives eligible international high-school applicants an opportunity to compete for CAD $140,000 in undergraduate funding. However, the award is competitive, and applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and meaningful extracurricular involvement.
Confirm that you meet the graduation and admission requirements, prepare a thoughtful 500-word essay, and choose two suitable referees. Submit your scholarship application by December 15, 2026, and complete all required supporting documents by January 31, 2027.
Finally, review the scholarship regulations carefully. Because the award is paid in instalments, you must continue to meet the applicable academic and enrolment conditions to receive subsequent payments.
