
Course at a Glance
- PG CertificateDegree level
- Burnaby, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of Communication, Art and TechnologyField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- BurnabyCampus
- Graduate CertificateAwards
- Tuition on request — ask our teamFees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The graduate certificate in visual analytics (VA) is an interdisciplinary graduate program consisting of technology and theory courses along with courses on applications of this new field from the Schools of Interactive Arts and Technology and Computing Science, from the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology. The graduate certificate combines the four key aspects of visual analytics: cognition, technology, society, and integration.
Read more
Integration is realized in a practical sense through completion of a substantial research project using visual analytics methods, typically the student’s thesis work or a separate significant research project. This falls under the jurisdiction of the student’s department or school, and is thus outside of the scope of requirements for the VA graduate certificate. Support for integration is provided by the VA graduate certificate program however, through facilitating participation of the SIAT Graduate Program Committee members on supervisory committees and through the Visual Analytics seminar series. The program is offered at the Burnaby and Surrey campuses. For further information, visit http://www.sfu.ca/siat/graduate.html .
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 the Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. There is no direct entry to the VA graduate certificate. VA graduate certificate students must be enrolled and in good standing in a graduate degree program at SFU, and must graduate in order to receive the graduate certificate. Qualified students should submit their registration information to the SIAT Graduate Program Committee as early as possible. || 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
- TuitionTuition on request — ask our team
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- 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
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in the Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. There is no direct entry to the VA graduate certificate. VA graduate certificate students must be enrolled and in good standing in a graduate degree program at SFU, and must graduate in order to receive the graduate certificate. Qualified students should submit their registration information to the SIAT Graduate Program Committee as early as possible. || 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