Written by Studying in Canada remains one of the top choices for international students seeking world-class education, cutting-edge research, and strong post-graduation opportunities.
Among the most competitive programs is the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Scholarship 2026, a fully funded graduate scholarship for outstanding international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees in Canada.
This prestigious scholarship offers:
- Annual funding of up to CAD $30,000
- Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA)
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure
Hosted at SFU, one of Canada’s leading research-intensive institutions, this scholarship is ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for advanced research.
About Simon Fraser University (SFU)
Simon Fraser University is globally recognized and consistently ranked among Canada’s top comprehensive universities, with campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Surrey. SFU is renowned for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
Graduate students benefit from:
- Hands-on supervision
- Modern laboratories and research tools
- Strong emphasis on real-world impact in fields like engineering, environmental science, remote sensing, AI, and applied sciences
Scholarship Highlights
- Fully funded Master’s and PhD programs
- Up to CAD $30,000 per year in funding
- Research & Teaching Assistantships
- Access to advanced satellite data, GPU servers, and SAR sensors
- Opportunities for collaboration with industry partners
- Hosted at the SAR Laboratory, led by Prof. Bernhard Rabus
Fields of Study Covered:
- Remote Sensing
- Physics / Geophysics
- Electrical or Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Data Science (with remote sensing focus)
Research Focus Areas:
- Maritime monitoring
- Interferometric SAR and polarimetric time-series analysis
- Land and environmental applications
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Geophysics, Engineering, or related fields
- Strong academic performance suitable for graduate studies
Technical Skills:
- Programming in Python and C++
- Experience in scientific data analysis
- Strong interest in research and publications
Language Requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 93 overall (min 20 per section)
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (min 6.5 per section)
- English-medium education or applicants from English-speaking countries may be exempt
Personal Qualities:
- High motivation for research
- Strong scientific writing skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Benefits of the SFU Scholarship
Financial Benefits:
- MSc: CAD $20,000 – $25,000 per year
- PhD: CAD $24,000 – $30,000 per year
- Additional CAD $13,000+ per year from RA/TA roles
- Covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs
Academic & Research Benefits:
- Access to RADARSAT-2 satellite data
- Use of advanced GPU servers and airborne SAR sensors
- Freedom to explore independent research ideas
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
Career Benefits:
- Industry collaborations (including MDA)
- Strong publication potential
- Excellent post-graduation career prospects
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Unlike centralized scholarship portals, the SFU scholarship is research-based:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter describing research interests
- Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
Step 2: Contact the Supervisor
Email Prof. Bernhard Rabus at:
btrabus@sfu.ca
Include in your email:
- Brief introduction
- Research interests aligned with the SAR Laboratory
- CV and transcripts attached
- Explanation of why you are a strong fit
Step 3: Await Response
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for:
- Further discussion
- Possible interviews
- Guidance on formal graduate admission
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is ideal for:
- Students seeking fully funded graduate study in Canada
- Candidates with a passion for research and innovation
- Applicants with strong technical and analytical skills
- Students planning careers in academia, research labs, or high-tech industries
Why This Scholarship Is Competitive
- Full funding is included without a separate scholarship application
- Limited positions available annually
- Strong focus on research output and publications
- Direct mentorship under a leading research professor
Tips to Increase Your Chances:
- Tailor your email to Prof. Rabus’s research focus
- Highlight prior research experience or publications
- Demonstrate programming and analytical skills
- Contact the supervisor early and professionally
FAQs
- Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs. - Can international students apply?
Yes, students from all countries are eligible. - Is IELTS mandatory?
Only for applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds. - Is there a deadline?
No fixed deadline, but early contact is highly recommended. - Can I apply without contacting the supervisor?
No. Direct contact with the supervisor is essential.
Conclusion
The Simon Fraser University Scholarship 2026 offers:
- Full financial support
- World-class research exposure
- Global recognition
- Strong career pathways
For students aiming for research excellence in Canada, this is one of the most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships available.
Deadline: Not Specified