Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- Burnaby; Vancouver; Surrey, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of EnvironmentField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Burnaby; Vancouver; SurreyCampus
- CertificateAwards
- $37,886Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The program addresses the need for undergraduate students from a broad range of disciplines to have a basic understanding of the complexity and interdisciplinarity of environmental issues. It seeks to introduce students to physical, ecological, and social perspectives on the environment, with emphasis on the functioning of physical and ecological systems and how human activities have affected and are affected by such systems over time.
Read more
Typically, the program will also provide students with knowledge of environmental issues as they pertain to their own field of study. The program will require students to complete a total of 21 units, comprised of 12 lower division units and a minimum of nine lower and/or upper division units depending upon electives taken. These requirements include three introductory environmental courses (one physical, one ecological and one social science); one course introducing students to the complexity and interdisciplinarity of environmental issues; and a minimum of 9 units of electives chosen from one of the three elective groups. Earned units may be applied to the student's major or minor programs, and to a bachelor's degree. However, units earned in the certificate cannot be applied to another Simon Fraser University certificate or diploma. Students in the following environmental specialty programs will be ineligible to receive the certificate: resource and environmental management major (bachelor of environment) environmental science major (bachelor of science) environmental science honours (bachelor of science) global environmental systems major (bachelor of environment) environmental specialty major (bachelor of arts) environmental specialty honours (bachelor of arts) sustainable business joint major (bachelor of business administration or bachelor of environment)
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
Canada- 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
English is the language of instruction at Simon Fraser University and all applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, must demonstrate competence in listening, reading, speaking and writing. Undergraduate applicants must also meet SFU's general admission requirements plus the faculty and programme requirements set out on the programme page. The minimum admission average varies with the number of applications and the spaces available and is set by the faculty, but in no case is it less than 67%; applicants must meet high school graduation requirements and successfully graduate. Applicants from outside Canada apply through EducationPlannerBC. Source: SFU Fall 2026 Calendar, Undergraduate Admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 88; PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Requirement already met by any one of: completion of the last three years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada (minimum 70% in English Language Arts 11 or equivalent, or English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, Francais langue premiere 12 or equivalent); completion of the last three years of full-time secondary school education in English in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English (minimum C+ or 70% in senior level English); completion of the last four years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not English (minimum C+ or 70% in senior level English); completion of the IB Diploma Programme including English A1 or A2 or English Literature and Performance (HL or SL) with a minimum grade of 3; or completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit, with a minimum grade of C-. · Application fee: CAD 130.00 (international undergraduate); CAD 87.75 (domestic). Non-refundable and not applicable to tuition fees. · Deposit: CAD 5,000.00 non-refundable admission deposit for new international undergraduate students (CAD 250.00 domestic); applied to the cost of tuition, not an additional charge. Students who provide proof of a denied study permit are refunded in full less a CAD 150.00 processing fee.
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$37,886 CAD / year≈ $27,858 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsUndergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES): available to both domestic and international students admitted for the fall term to any undergraduate degree; value from CAD 20,000 up to CAD 60,000 for domestic students and up to CAD 140,000 for international students. 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
Application deadline: University deadlines: Fall term: high school applications open 1 October and close 31 January; all other post-secondary transfer applications open 1 March and close 15 April. Spring term: applications open 1 July and close 15 September. Summer term: appl…
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 Environmental Literacy (Certificate) cost?
CAD 37,886 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
English is the language of instruction at Simon Fraser University and all applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, must demonstrate competence in listening, reading, speaking and writing. Undergraduate applicants must also meet SFU's general admission requirements plus the faculty and programme requirements set out on the programme page. The minimum admission average varies with the number of applications and the spaces available and is set by the faculty, but in no case is it less than 67%; applicants must meet high school graduation requirements and successfully graduate. Applicants from outside Canada apply through EducationPlannerBC. Source: SFU Fall 2026 Calendar, Undergraduate Admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 88; PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Requirement already met by any one of: completion of the last three years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada (minimum 70% in English Language Arts 11 or equivalent, or English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, Francais langue premiere 12 or equivalent); completion of the last three years of full-time secondary school education in English in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English (minimum C+ or 70% in senior level English); completion of the last four years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not English (minimum C+ or 70% in senior level English); completion of the IB Diploma Programme including English A1 or A2 or English Literature and Performance (HL or SL) with a minimum grade of 3; or completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit, with a minimum grade of C-. · Application fee: CAD 130.00 (international undergraduate); CAD 87.75 (domestic). Non-refundable and not applicable to tuition fees. · Deposit: CAD 5,000.00 non-refundable admission deposit for new international undergraduate students (CAD 250.00 domestic); applied to the cost of tuition, not an additional charge. Students who provide proof of a denied study permit are refunded in full less a CAD 150.00 processing fee.
Is there a scholarship?
Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES): available to both domestic and international students admitted for the fall term to any undergraduate degree; value from CAD 20,000 up to CAD 60,000 for domestic students and up to CAD 140,000 for international students. Source View scholarship page
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