
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 18 termsDuration
- CanadaLocation
- Faculty of EducationField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Doctor of PhilosophyAwards
- $6,578Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees signify the acquisition of advanced knowledge in a field of specialization and advanced competence in conducting significant and original research. This program is for those interested in becoming scholars and leaders in any branch or subfield of education, through supervised study and inquiry grounded in rigorous and constructive dialogue between research and practice.
Read more
While there are no restrictions on thesis topic or research methodology, the Faculty of Education offers a small number of optional research focus areas in which a group of faculty members collaborates on supervision. Focus areas include arts education, educational psychology, educational technology and learning design, educational theory and practice: curriculum and pedagogy, educational theory and practice: philosophy of education, languages, cultures and literacies, langues, cultures et littéracies (en français), mathematics education. Details of these research focus areas are available on the Faculty of Education website. Applications are welcome that focus on research areas outside this list, as long as one or more potential supervisors are identified by the applicant. Explicit support from a prospective supervisor is an important consideration for admission.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not meet these requirements may be considered if superior scholarly or professional achievement is demonstrated. || University-level requirement: Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements for graduate study in the SFU Fall 2026 Calendar (Graduate Admission / Graduate General Regulations 1.3) as well as the programme requirements on the programme page. English is the language of instruction and communication; an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Source: SFU Fall 2026 Calendar, Graduate Admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: International applicants are not required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was English, in a country where English is the primary language. An applicant may also request a waiver in writing with their application, but SFU states that in order to maintain a high academic standard very few waivers are granted. · Application fee: CAD 112.00 (graduate application fee); CAD 160.00 where an international transcript evaluation is required (CAD 112 + CAD 48)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$6,578 CAD / year≈ $4,837 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsSFU administers internal and donor-funded graduate awards, Tri-Agency and government awards and external awards through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Education (Doctor of Philosophy) cost?
CAD 6,578 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
18 terms, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not meet these requirements may be considered if superior scholarly or professional achievement is demonstrated. || University-level requirement: Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements for graduate study in the SFU Fall 2026 Calendar (Graduate Admission / Graduate General Regulations 1.3) as well as the programme requirements on the programme page. English is the language of instruction and communication; an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Source: SFU Fall 2026 Calendar, Graduate Admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: International applicants are not required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was English, in a country where English is the primary language. An applicant may also request a waiver in writing with their application, but SFU states that in order to maintain a high academic standard very few waivers are granted. · Application fee: CAD 112.00 (graduate application fee); CAD 160.00 where an international transcript evaluation is required (CAD 112 + CAD 48)
Is there a scholarship?
SFU administers internal and donor-funded graduate awards, Tri-Agency and government awards and external awards through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Source View scholarship page
Ready to apply?
Get expert guidance and take the first step towards your global education.
Free counselling · No application fee to enquire · Reply within 24h