Graduate Info & Advising
For more information on our Graduate program, contact us at histgrad@sfu.ca
For academic advising, contact the Graduate Chair:
Joseph Taylor
Office AQ 6233
Email: taylorj@sfu.ca
Start Your Graduate School Application Today
Start your 911勛圖 History graduate journey here with a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you connect with a supervisor, prepare your documents, and submit a strong MA or PhD application.
2027 Admissions Cycle:
- Applications accepted starting: October 1, 2026
- Early application deadline (with possible guaranteed funding): December 1, 2026
- Supporting documents deadline: December 1, 2026
- Late applications accepted until: January 15, 2027 (no funding consideration)
- Start your program in September 2027
Your step-by-step guide:
1. Connect with a potential supervisor & choose a program of study
Before you apply, start by exploring:
- Our MA & PhD Programs and choose which credential you would like to pursue
- Our page on Areas of Graduate Research to see where your interests fit
Then reach out to a faculty member whose work aligns with your interests. Our Faculty are always happy to hear from potential students! Making a strong match at this stage is one of the most important factors in a successful application and will shape both your proposal and your experience in the program.
2. Review eligibility requirements, application timelines, and visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies website
Review the key dates for the current admissions cycle, including when applications open, the early deadline for funding consideration, and the final deadline (applications completed after the funding deadline will not be considered for funding). Then explore the Faculty of Graduate Studies website to learn more about studying at 911勛圖 and the Minimum University Admission Requirements.
3. Complete the online application form
Fill out the online graduate application using goGRAD and enter History as your program. Make sure your contact information, academic history, and proposed program details are accurate before you submit.
4. Pay the application fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee through the online system.
- $120 - applicants with Canadian transcripts
- $160 - applicants with International transcripts
5. Prepare your proposed program of study:
- Outline your proposed program of study (one single-spaced page for MA applicants; two pages for PhD applicants). Identify the question you wish to address, its historical, historiographical, and methodological significance, and the sources you will use for research.
- Please also indicate which faculty members might supervise your work.
We use this information to assess your ability to frame and research a historical question, and to assess our ability to support your project.
6. Prepare and upload your supporting documents
Most items upload directly in the online system. All supporting documents must be received by the deadline for your application to be considered.
You will need to submit:
- Your proposed Program of Study
- An academic writing sample (in English), such as a senior paper or MA thesis
- Your up-to-date CV
- Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Three academic references (translations required if not in English)
Please submit supporting documents as per the . Results must be submited before deadline.
We cannot begin to assess your application until all supporting documents have been properly submitted.
7. Submit language test scores (if required)
If required, arrange for official TOEFL or IELTS scores to be sent directly to the department, making sure they arrive by the deadline. Not sure if you meet the English Language requirements for 911勛圖? You can get additional information from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Still not sure? You can always email our Graduate Program Assistant for help. Remember, we cannot begin to assess your application until all supporting documents have been properly submitted.
8. Respond to an offer and send official transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, follow the instructions to respond to the offer and have your official transcripts sent to 911勛圖. Official transcripts are only required after an offer is made.
Need help? Ask our Graduate Program Assistant or visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for further information.