PhD Program - Frequently Asked Questions

GMAT

1. Can I apply without a 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.

2. My official GMAT result will arrive after the application deadline. Can I still apply?

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.

3. When will my GMAT score expire?

It will expire 5 years from the test date.

4. Can I take a GRE instead of a GMAT?

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

1. I got my master's degree from a university outside BC. How do I convert my GPA to S.F.U's GPA?

Please go to www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/facstaff/grading/GPAConversion.html for GPA conversion

2. I attended a university in China. Their grading system is different from SFU's. How can I find out whether I have the minimum grade/GPA to be considered for admission into the program? 

Please go to www.sfu.ca/gradstudents/common_pages/international.html for admission guide for international students. 

English Language Requirements: TOEFL/IELTS

1. English is my second language. Do I need to take 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.

2. What is the code for reporting my TOEFL score?

Please use code 0999 to report your TOEFL score to us.

Contacting/Finding Your Senior Supervisor in the Faculty of Business Administration

1. How do I find a faculty member who is willing to supervise me?

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

1. What type of funding am I eligible to receive?

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.

2. Does SFU provide financial assistance programs for doctoral students?

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.