Get a step ahead

Vancouver is home to a blend of Canada’s Indigenous communities, together with various religions, ethnicities and cultural groups from all over the world. This multiculturalism is a source of the city's strength, vitality and prosperity. Diversity continues into the lifestyles people enjoy here; there is a community and an activity for nearly everyone. Vancouver is welcoming to all walks of life.

Our full time 16-month consecutive MBA and MSc Finance programs are equivalent in duration to a two-year academic program. Programs with an official length of two or more years may be eligible for a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit. Please note that in Canada, you are only allowed one post-graduation work permit in your lifetime. Learn more about post-graduation work permits and additional requirements.

Safe and livable

Often called one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is accessible and safe.

We’re also renowned as one of Canada’s most walkable and cyclable cities. A network of walking and cycling routes connects green spaces and waterfront access to restaurants, shops and other amenities. Vancouver’s transit system makes it easy to get to campus and make your way around the city. And emergency paramedic, ambulance, fire and police services are readily available.

Healthcare

Our Canadian healthcare system is government-funded based on five principles: it’s universally available to citizens and permanent residents, accessible without any income barriers, comprehensive in the services it covers, publicly administered, and portable both inside and outside the country. All international students will be enrolled in a mandatory four-month primary International Medical Insurance plan and the plan’s costs will be automatically included in their tuition fees. International students are eligible for BC Medical Services Plan coverage.

Lifestyle

Vancouver is very much a people city. You’ll find coffee and tea shops on almost every corner. Because the weather is relatively mild, we don’t hesitate to be outside, whether it’s walking or cycling. It’s often said that when you’re in Vancouver, you can go skiing in the morning and sailing in the afternoon. That’s because we’re close to both mountains and ocean, with every outdoor activity imaginable. Our arts and music scenes are active and varied.

The weather

Vancouver’s average temperature in the Summer is around 20 degrees Celsius, and it usually stays well above zero during the winter. Winters are generally wet and mild (good quality raingear is highly recommended), and Spring is usually warm. Summer and Fall are often spectacular, with only a few days of very hot weather.

Enjoying your free time

Downtown, you can enjoy world-class shopping. Anywhere in the city, you’ll find outstanding dining, from casual to formal, with a special focus on fusion cuisine, plus vegan and vegetarian specialty restaurants. There’s live entertainment (with a great street and market scene), sporting events, theatre, outdoor activities from mild to wild, spectacular sights and attractions, and much more. Go exploring or adventuring, thanks to our quick access to the Coast Mountains, Whistler Resort, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Career opportunities

In recent years, Vancouver has enjoyed the fastest growing economy in Canada^. Our major sectors in industry and business include trade, film & tv, tech, tourism, natural resources and construction. Learn more about Vancouver’s top industries.

Housing

Our graduate residence

Graduate students can live and learn in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, at our own Charles Chang Innovation Centre. Learn more about this exceptional community.

Off-campus housing

Vancouver offers a variety of housing options including rooms, apartments, suites, houses and townhouses. It’s a good idea to arrive at least a few weeks before your term begins to find a suitable place to live, and to get settled.

Cost of living

It’s important to understand what your living costs will be and to create a budget before coming to Vancouver. Here are estimated living expenses to keep in mind as you create your budget.

Public Transit

TransLink provides extensive bus service, a passenger ferry service to the North Shore known as SeaBus, automated rapid transit called SkyTrain and the West Coast Express commuter rail service.

SkyTrain is inexpensive, ecologically friendly and highly reliable. Regular service runs daily from 5am to 2am, with a reduced schedule overnight. SkyTrain has four main lines that are connected to bus lines:

Please Note: All SFU students are provided with a transit pass as part of their tuition fees.

Banking

Most banks in Canada offer options and/or discounts to students for opening a bank account. Please keep in mind that each bank is different, and that a student’s eligibility to open a bank account may be dependent on his or her circumstances. To open a bank account in Canada, an international graduate student will need:

• A valid passport
• Your SFU Student ID Card
• Proof of registration at SFU
• Canadian home address (a phone bill, a rental agreement contract)
• Your study permit

In order to study in Canada, please ensure that you’ve applied for a study permit well in advance of your term. For study permit information, visit the Government of Canada website and SFU’s International Services for Students International Student Advising team’s website.

Student Services

If you have any questions or concerns regarding study permits or visas, please contact SFU’s Beedie’s International Services for Students International Student Advising team by emailing intl_advising@sfu.ca or by phoning 778-782-4232. More information can be found on their contact page here.

More Information

• We recommend that you apply for your study permit well before the expected processing time. There is no guarantee of approval when applying for a study permit and processing times change often. Allow yourself time to reapply if necessary.
• We encourage all international students to book a free in-person, phone or virtual appointment with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist at SFU International Services for Students. You may reach them by email at intl_advising@sfu.ca or call 778-782-4232. International student advisors can assist with non-academic questions relating to Canadian immigration documents and regulations (e.g. study permit, visa, work eligibility in Canada, enrollment requirements for SFU international students, etc.), medical insurance and the healthcare system in Canada, and provide intercultural transition support and referrals as needed.
• Finally, review this welcome guide to prepare yourself for your arrival in Canada. Check in with us or an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist if you have any questions.