Frequently Asked Question
GMAT
If you choose to apply without a GMAT score, it will put you at a significant disadvantage over the competition. Admission to the PhD Program is highly competitive. A minimum score of 600 is required for admission.
Yes, you may send us the UNOFFICIAL score report first for reference. However the OFFICIAL score report must be submitted later. Please use code 6G8-N3-56 when you report your GMAT score to us. The GMAT testing centre will send your GMAT score report directly to us.
You may take a GRE instead of a GMAT. Your GRE score will also expire 5 years from the test date. Please use code 0999 to report your GRE score to us.
GPA Conversion
Please go to www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/facstaff/grading/GPAConversion.html for GPA conversion.
Please go to www.sfu.ca/gradstudents/common_pages/international.html for admission guide for international students.
English Language Requirements: TOEFL/IELTS
Please the Graduate General Regulations (1.3.12 English Language Competence).
1.3.12 English Language Competence:
English is the language of instruction and communication in the University.
Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English or whose previous education has been conducted in another language must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Applicants normally will be required to achieve a satisfactory score on a standardized English test acceptable to the University.
This test must include a writing component. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) including reading, writing, speaking, and listening components, is acceptable for this purpose. The IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) is also acceptable.
The minimum university requirements for test scores is TOEFL 88 with a minimum of 20 in each category (internet based exam), or TOEFL 570 and TWE 5 (paper based), or TOEFL 230 (computer based), and IELTS overall band score of 7.0.
Please use code 0999 to report your TOEFL score to us.
Contacting/Finding Your Senior Supervisor in the Faculty of Business Administration
In addition to the academic requirements, fit between the applicants' interests and faculty supervisors will be considered for admission. Before applying for admission into the PhD program you shoud review the faculty members and their research areas.
Please DO NOT contact the faculty members directly. Please go to "Preliminary Assessment" or submit the following documents to the PhD program assistant. Your documents will be forwarded to the faculty members for feedback on interest in supervision.
- Area/program of interest (e.g. Finance, Policy Analysis, Marketing etc.)
- Statement of intent (your research area of interest and future plans)
- Resume
- GMAT score report with a minimum overall score of 600 and 5 on analytical writing
- Transcripts from the post secondary institutions
Funding Information
Students admitted to the PhD program are guaranteed funding opportunities of $20,000 per year for up to 4 years. This may be comprised of Graduate Fellowships based on Academic Merit and teaching and/or research assistantships, support from supervisor(s) and the Facutly of Business Administration. An offer of admission will clearly state funding opportunities available to the student.
Financial Aid for Doctoral Students: Doctoral students are eligible for a variety of financial assistance programs including entrance or continuing scholarships, graduate fellowships, awards, bursaries and loans. Please click here for more information.
Find Out More:
At-a-Glance
- Hybrid program (course and mentor-based)
- Full time (length: 4- 5 years)
- Early match with supervisors
- Guaranteed financial support



