Simon Fraser University (SFU), a leading public research university in British Columbia, Canada, established in 1965, is renowned for its innovative academic programs and vibrant campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Surrey.
Ranked #1 among Canada’s comprehensive universities (Maclean’s 2025) and #308 globally (QS World Rankings 2026), SFU hosts over 37,000 students, including 8,290 international students from 133+ countries.
The Undergraduate Entrance Awards for 2025–2026 offer merit-based and need-based financial support to incoming undergraduate students, including Nigerians, pursuing full-time bachelor’s degrees.
With scholarships ranging from CAD 500 to CAD 140,000, awards like the Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES) and Uggla Family Scholarship recognize academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
This guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for international and Canadian applicants.
Why Choose SFU Undergraduate Entrance Awards?
SFU’s entrance awards provide significant financial and academic support, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Key benefits include:
Generous Funding: Awards range from CAD 500 one-time bursaries to CAD 140,000 multi-year scholarships, covering tuition and living expenses.
Top-Tier Education: Access over 100 undergraduate programs across eight faculties, with strengths in business, computing science, and sustainable engineering.
Research Opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge research, supported by SFU’s CAD 190 million annual research budget.
Global Community: Join a diverse student body with robust support from the International Services for Students office.
Career Development: Benefit from Canada’s top co-op education program, with placements at companies like Tesla and Facebook.
Scholars like Chiamaka from Nigeria, studying business administration, highlight how SFU’s awards enabled them to pursue academic goals while participating in co-op programs.
Program Overview
SFU’s Undergraduate Entrance Awards for 2025–2026 include scholarships, bursaries, and awards for first-year students entering from high school or transferring from colleges/universities.
Administered by the Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee (SUAAC), awards are merit-based (recognizing academic and extracurricular achievements) or need-based (supporting students with financial barriers).
Key programs include the Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES), ranging from CAD 20,000 to CAD 140,000, and the Uggla Family Scholarship, prioritizing equity-deserving groups like Indigenous or Black students.
Awards are tenable only at SFU and cannot be deferred if a student holds an ongoing entrance scholarship.
Approximately 500 awards are offered annually, with a 59–77% acceptance rate making SFU moderately selective.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by award but generally includes:
Nationality: Open to international (e.g., Nigerians) and Canadian students, with some awards (e.g., Uggla Family Scholarship) prioritizing Indigenous, Black, or other equity-deserving groups.
Academic Qualifications: High school diploma with grades in the 90% range (or equivalent, e.g., 3.7+ GPA) or 31 International Baccalaureate (IB) points, excluding predicted bonus points. Transfer students need a minimum CGPA of 2.5.
English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 88 (20+ per section), IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), or Duolingo 125 for non-native speakers. Nigerians from English-medium schools may need scores unless exempt by SFU.
Admission Status: Must be admitted to a full-time undergraduate program at SFU for Fall 2025. High school applicants apply by January 31, 2025; transfer applicants by April 15, 2025.
Extracurricular Achievements: Demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, or activities like arts or athletics for merit-based awards.
Financial Need: For bursaries and select scholarships (e.g., Uggla), proof of financial barriers is required via supporting documents.
Enrollment: Must enroll in at least 9–12 standard graded units in the first term (varies by award).
Nigerians with strong academic records and community involvement are competitive, but must meet program-specific admission requirements.
Key Entrance Awards and Benefits
SFU offers a variety of entrance awards, including:
Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES): CAD 20,000–140,000 over four years for high school applicants with 90%+ grades or 31 IB points. Includes living allowances for exceptional students with financial need.
Uggla Family Scholarship: Ten awards annually (up to CAD 20,000/year) for students facing financial barriers, prioritizing Indigenous, Black, or LGBTQIA2S+ students.
Entrance Bursaries: CAD 500–3,000 one-time awards for students with demonstrated financial need, automatically considered with scholarship applications.
Faculty-Specific Awards: Examples include Spirit of BC Tech Scholarship (CAD 1,000, Faculty of Applied Sciences) and Beedie School of Business Entrance Awards (up to CAD 5,000).
Indigenous Entrance Awards: For First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students, requiring a minimum 2.5 CGPA for transfer applicants or 80% grades for high school entrants.
Benefits include tuition coverage, living stipends, and priority access to co-op programs. Funds are credited to the student’s SFU account, with outstanding debts deducted before any balance is issued.
Fields of Study Covered
Awards support all undergraduate programs across SFU’s eight faculties, including:
Applied Sciences: Sustainable energy engineering, computing science, mechatronic systems.
Arts and Social Sciences: Psychology, political science, history.
Business: Business administration, accounting, finance.
Communication, Art, and Technology: Digital media, communication.
Education: Education studies.
Environment: Environmental science, geography.
Students can pursue any major, with no restriction on changing programs while maintaining scholarship eligibility.
Application Process
Most entrance awards require an online application via SFU’s Student Information System. Steps include:
Apply for Admission: Submit the SFU application via the EducationPlannerBC portal by:
January 31, 2025, for high school applicants.
April 15, 2025, for transfer applicants.
Prepare Documents:
High school or college transcripts (translated if not in English).
English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, if required).
Summary of achievements (500 words max) detailing volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or leadership.
Referee information (name, email, organization, relationship to applicant).
Financial need documentation (for bursaries or need-based scholarships).
Apply for Scholarships: Log into the Student Information System (go.sfu.ca), navigate to “Student Center,” select “Financial Aid and Awards,” and click “Apply for Scholarships/Awards.” List desired awards (e.g., USES, Uggla) by December 15, 2024, for Fall 2025 consideration.
Submit Supporting Documents: Email documents to faawards@sfu.ca by March 31, 2025, 11:59 PM PDT, using Adobe Acrobat Reader for fillable forms.
Set Up Direct Deposit: Register via the Student Accounts Office to receive funds.
Await Results: Successful recipients are notified by late October 2025 for Fall 2025 awards.
Entrance Bursaries are automatically considered with scholarship applications. Incomplete applications may be rejected, and awards are non-deferrable.
Tips for a Successful Application
With competitive awards, these strategies can strengthen your application:
Apply Early: Submit admission and scholarship applications by December 15, 2024, for priority consideration.
Highlight Achievements: Provide specific examples of academic excellence and leadership in your 500-word summary.
Secure Strong Referees: Choose referees who can detail your academic and community contributions; notify them early.
Demonstrate Financial Need: For need-based awards, submit clear financial documentation (e.g., family income statements).
Check Program Requirements: Ensure you meet faculty-specific criteria, especially for awards like the Stolte Family Scholarship in Sustainable Energy Engineering.
Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026
Key dates include:
August 1, 2025: Application portal opens for Spring 2026 (indicative for Fall 2025 planning).
December 15, 2024: USES and major scholarship application deadline for Fall 2025.
January 31, 2025: Admission deadline for high school applicants.
March 31, 2025: Supporting documents deadline (11:59 PM PDT).
April 15, 2025: Admission deadline for transfer applicants.
Late October 2025: Scholarship notifications for Fall 2025.
September 2025: Program and award tenure begin.
Life as an SFU Entrance Award Recipient
Scholars at SFU thrive across three campuses, with access to modern facilities, 150+ student clubs, and a top-ranked co-op program. The International Services for Students office supports visa processes and cultural integration, while Burnaby’s scenic campus offers a vibrant community.
Alternative Opportunities
If ineligible, consider:
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Need-based scholarships for undergraduates.
University of Minnesota Global Excellence Scholarship: Merit-based awards up to USD 20,000/year.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship: Fully funded for international undergraduates.
Conclusion
Simon Fraser University Undergraduate Entrance Awards for 2025–2026 offer international and Canadian students, including Nigerians, merit-based and need-based funding to pursue undergraduate studies at a top Canadian university.
With awards up to CAD 140,000, the USES and Uggla Family Scholarship support academic excellence and diversity.
Apply by December 15, 2024, for scholarships and January 31, 2025, for admission, with a strong academic and leadership profile. Visit www.sfu.ca/students/financial-aid/entrance.html for more details.