Bachelor of Arts [BA] (Criminology)
Field of Study:
₹24.8 L/Yr
Simon Fraser University Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology is a four-year honours degree in Burnaby, British Columbia. Domestic and international students study crime, criminal justice systems, and law enforcement strategies. The program requires 120 credit hours and offers specialisations in policing, corrections, forensic studies, and legal systems. International tuition is approximately CAD 37,860 per year (INR 25.8 Lakhs per year). Applications for Fall 2027 are open, with a deadline of 31 January 2027.
This program trains criminologists, law enforcement analysts, policy researchers, and justice professionals. The BA emphasises both theoretical foundations and practical research skills. Ideal candidates have strong analytical abilities, interest in social justice, and English-language proficiency. SFU’s location near Vancouver provides internship opportunities in courts, police departments, and NGOs. The program combines classroom learning with fieldwork and independent research.
- Work-integrated learning: Co-ops and internships embed professional experience into the curriculum.
- Research focus: Advanced seminars and thesis options prepare students for graduate study or policy work.
- Practitioner networks: Guest lectures and partnerships connect students with working professionals in criminal justice.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 31 January 2027.
For Spring 2026, the international application deadline is: 15 September 2026.
Indian applicants should submit WES-evaluated transcripts at least 8-10 weeks before the deadline. SFU processes international applications in rolling batches; earlier submission increases the chance of full review.
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology Fees and Living Costs 2027
International students pay a flat tuition rate regardless of program. Annual fees include tuition, student fees, and technology costs. A four-year degree totals approximately CAD 155,776 (INR 1.06 Crore). Additional costs include books, supplies, and specialised software for research.
| Cost Component | CAD (Annual) | INR (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (30 units/year) | CAD 37,860 | INR 25.8 Lakhs |
| Student Fees + Technology | CAD 800-1,200 | INR 54,500 - 81,700 |
| Books and Course Materials | CAD 1,500-2,000 | INR 1.02 - 1.36 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost (Tuition + Fees) | CAD 40,160-41,060 | INR 27 - 27.8 Lakhs |
| Four-Year Total (Estimated) | CAD 160,640-164,240 | INR 1.06 - 1.12 Crore |
Source: Simon Fraser University International Student Fees (2026–2027)
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 68.14 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition covers classroom instruction, library access, and campus facilities for all students.
- Student fees include health insurance, athletics, student union, and technology support required for all programmes.
- Books and materials vary by semester; criminology courses use recent case studies, journals, and legal databases.
- International health insurance is included in student fees for eligible international students.
Also check: Simon Fraser University Fees
Cost of Living in Burnaby for BA Criminology Students
| Expense Category | Monthly CAD | Monthly INR | Annual CAD | Annual INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence (On-Campus) | CAD 950 | INR 64,700 | CAD 11,400 | INR 7.77 Lakhs |
| Groceries and Dining | CAD 550 | INR 37,500 | CAD 6,600 | INR 4.50 Lakhs |
| Transit and Transport | CAD 150 | INR 10,220 | CAD 1,800 | INR 1.23 Lakhs |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | CAD 200 | INR 13,630 | CAD 2,400 | INR 1.64 Lakhs |
| Total Monthly | CAD 1,850 | INR 1.26 Lakhs | CAD 22,200 | INR 15.14 Lakhs |
Tip for Indian students: Burnaby is near Vancouver’s tech corridor; graduate students often secure part-time work in research firms, law offices, or NGOs at CAD 18-22 per hour. A 20-hour weekly commitment during school (permitted for international students) nets approximately CAD 14,000-18,000 annually, offsetting nearly 60% of living costs.
Also check: Cost of living in Canada
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology Admission 2027
SFU’s BA Criminology accepts high school graduates with strong academic records. Minimum grade point average is 3.33/4.3. International students must submit official high school transcripts, WES-evaluated transcripts for any post-secondary study, and standardised test scores if available. Canadian Grade 12 or equivalent is the baseline.
| Admission Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 3.33/4.3 (67% or above) |
| High School Diploma | Canadian Grade 12 or International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent |
| Prerequisite Subjects | English, Math recommended (not mandatory); Social Sciences helpful |
| English Language Proficiency | See ELP section below |
| Application Fee | CAD 130 (INR 8,868) |
Note: SFU is currently ranked 308th globally by QS (2026). The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, where Criminology is housed, is recognized for applied research and student engagement with real-world justice issues.
Know more: Simon Fraser University application process
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
International students from non-English-speaking countries must prove English proficiency via one of the following standardised tests.
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Component Minimums |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 88 (old) and 4.5 (new) | Reading 20, Writing 20, Speaking 18, Listening 18 |
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0, Listening 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 | No per-component minimum |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C1 or higher | All skills at C1 level |
- TOEFL iBT is the most common test for Indian applicants; official test scores take 3-5 business days to reach SFU.
- IELTS Academic is widely available in India at lower cost than TOEFL; SFU accepts British and Australian variants equally.
- Duolingo English Test is online, fast (24-hour score delivery), and costs significantly less than TOEFL or IELTS.
- Most Indian applicants score 6.5-7.0 on IELTS after 3-4 months of preparation; 90-100 on TOEFL is the equivalent threshold.
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology Application 2027
SFU uses a rolling admissions process. Early submission increases approval odds as cohorts fill. All materials must be submitted through the SFU online portal with supporting documents as PDFs.
| Deadline | Intake | Status (as of June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 31 January 2027 | Fall 2027 (September 2027) | Open |
| 15 September 2026 | Spring 2027 (January 2027) | Closed |
| 15 January 2027 | Summer 2027 (May 2027) | Expected to Open |
- Submit high school transcripts, WES evaluation (if applicable), and proof of English proficiency by the deadline.
- Transcripts must be sent directly from your school or an official evaluation service; unofficial scans are not accepted.
- Application decisions are typically released 4-8 weeks after the submission deadline for complete files.
- Conditional admissions may be offered pending final high school results; final transcripts are due by August 2027 for Fall intake.
Application tip: Submit your WES evaluation request to NACES-certified evaluators at least 12 weeks before the deadline. International students often underestimate processing time; early submission avoids last-minute delays.
Know more: Simon Fraser University reviews
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology Scholarships 2027
SFU awards merit-based scholarships to international students with strong academic records and demonstrated leadership. The university offers entrance scholarships, awards for specific disciplines, and funding through the graduate studies office for further study.
International undergraduate scholarships range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 25,000 per year (INR 1.36 to 17.04 Lakhs per year), depending on GPA, course load, and available funding pools. Most scholarships are renewable annually if the student maintains a minimum 3.33/4.33 GPA.
| Scholarship Category | Approximate Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarship | CAD 2,000 - 10,000 (INR 1.36 - 6.81 Lakhs) (variable) | High school GPA 3.5+ and demonstrated leadership |
| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Award | CAD 500 - 5,000 (INR 34,000 - 3.40 Lakhs) | Enrolled in the faculty; competitive GPA |
| Research and Thesis Award (if applicable) | CAD 1,000 - 3,000 (INR 68,000 - 2.04 Lakhs) | Upper-year students engaged in criminology research |
Know more: External scholarships for Indians in Canada
Scholarship reality: Approximately 15-25% of international undergraduates at SFU receive some form of merit aid. Competition is highest for entrance scholarships; once enrolled, securing awards improves. Many scholarships are CAD 2,000-5,000 annually—meaningful but insufficient to cover full tuition. Combine with university work-study, part-time employment, and family support.
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology Salary and Placements 2027
SFU Criminology BA graduates work in law enforcement, corrections, victim services, legal research, and policy analysis. Median starting salary for Canadian bachelor’s graduates in criminal justice roles is CAD 45,000 to CAD 58,000 annually (INR 30.66 Lakhs to INR 39.51 Lakhs). Salaries vary by employer type: federal agencies pay higher than provincial or municipal roles.
| Career Path | Typical Role | Median Starting Salary CAD | Median Starting Salary INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Services | Police Officer / Analyst | CAD 55,000 | INR 37.47 Lakhs |
| Corrections / Probation | Correctional Counsellor | CAD 48,000 | INR 32.71 Lakhs |
| Victim Services | Advocate / Coordinator | CAD 42,000 | INR 28.63 Lakhs |
| Legal / Research | Legal Assistant / Researcher | CAD 46,000 | INR 31.37 Lakhs |
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey (2025–2026)
Gross figures shown above vary by province. British Columbia and Ontario typically offer 10-15% higher salaries than smaller provinces. Tax deductions on gross salary average 25-30% at this income level, yielding take-home pay of approximately CAD 32,000-40,000 annually. Use the CRA tax calculator at canada.ca to estimate your specific tax liability based on province and deductions.
- Police and federal agencies often mandate a university degree and passing a background check; criminology degrees directly satisfy this requirement.
- Victim services and legal research roles reward strong communication and research skills, which the SFU program emphasises.
- Many graduates pursue graduate studies (MA Criminology, LLB) within 3-5 years, aiming for senior analyst or prosecutor roles earning CAD 65,000-90,000+.
- Co-op and internship experience during the BA significantly increases hiring odds; SFU’s strong practitioner partnerships enhance placement rates.
ROI reality: Total BA cost is INR 1.06 Crore. First-year take-home is approximately INR 32 Lakhs. Payback occurs in 3.5-4 years; afterwards, cumulative earnings far exceed the investment. Post-graduate credentials (MA, LLB) add another 2 years but unlock six-figure CAD salaries over a 40-year career.
Also see: Simon Fraser University photos
Canada Visa Pathway for BA Criminology Students
International students in Canada obtain a study permit valid for the duration of their programme plus 4 months. Upon graduation, they are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allowing full-time work in Canada for up to three years, depending on programme length. A four-year degree qualifies graduates for a three-year PGWP.
- Study Permit: Valid from the start date through programme completion plus 4 months. Permits are free for Indian students and processed online in 4-6 weeks via the IRCC portal.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Issued upon degree completion; valid for three years for a four-year programme, allowing unrestricted employment in Canada or abroad.
- Permanent Residency (PR) pathway: PGWP holders are eligible for Canadian PR via the Express Entry system after one year of skilled full-time work experience in Canada, requiring a minimum score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Dependent and spouse rules: If married, partners can apply for an open work permit and study while the primary applicant completes their degree.
Also check: Canadian student visa complete guide
Visa reality: The PGWP is a clear pathway to permanent residence. Criminology graduates with Canadian work experience are in demand; job offers often lead to employer-sponsored PR applications, shortcutting the Express Entry wait. Most Indian graduates transition to PR within 18-24 months of graduation.
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology Ranking 2027
SFU does not hold a subject-specific ranking in QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News for Criminology as a standalone discipline. However, the university’s overall global rank of 308th (QS 2026) reflects strong research output and teaching quality across programmes. In Canada, SFU is ranked in the top 20 research-intensive institutions and is known for applied social science research, including criminal justice studies.
The BA Criminology programme leverages faculty research strength in criminological theory, policing, corrections, and crime prevention. Student co-authors appear on peer-reviewed publications, indicating genuine research engagement. Employer recognition in Canadian law enforcement and justice sectors is strong; SFU graduates are actively recruited by federal RCMP, provincial police, and NGOs specialising in criminal justice policy.
Key insight: Criminology is not a separately ranked discipline globally, so course-level reputation depends on faculty credentials and graduate outcomes. SFU’s strength here is practical: its location near Vancouver’s courts, police, and NGOs creates placement and research opportunities unavailable at universities in smaller cities.
Also check: Simon Fraser University rankings
The BA Criminology at Simon Fraser University combines rigorous theoretical training with practitioner-led internships. It is ideal for students seeking careers in law enforcement, policy analysis, or victim advocacy. The Canadian context—with access to diverse justice systems, strong employment pathways, and clear PR routes—makes SFU an excellent platform for Indian-origin professionals aiming to work in global criminal justice.
Simon Fraser University BA Criminology FAQs
Ques. Can international students work during their BA at SFU?
Ans. Yes. International students on a valid study permit may work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during official breaks (winter, spring, summer). Many criminology students work at law firms, NGOs, or research institutes, gaining experience directly relevant to their field. Part-time work during a four-year degree can offset 30-50% of living costs.
Ques. Do I need relevant work experience before applying to the BA Criminology programme?
Ans. No. The BA accepts applicants directly from high school. However, prior volunteer experience in victim services, community centers, or NGOs strengthens applications in competitive years. Most students gain hands-on experience through co-ops and internships within the programme, so prior experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Ques. What is the difference between the BA Criminology and MA Criminology at SFU?
Ans. The BA Criminology is a four-year undergraduate degree covering criminological theory, research methods, and practical applications across policing, corrections, and victim services. The MA Criminology is a two-year graduate research programme focused on advanced theory, thesis research, and specialization. The BA qualifies students for entry-level justice roles; the MA prepares them for senior analyst, academic, or policy research positions.
Ques. Is SFU Criminology recognized internationally for further study?
Ans. SFU’s BA is recognized by universities worldwide, but criminology as a discipline is strongest in Canada, UK, and Australia. Graduates wishing to pursue further study in the USA often find strong fit in Criminal Justice or Law programmes. The UK (especially UK universities with criminology MScs) and Australia actively recruit SFU graduates. Canada’s postgraduate recognition is highest; expect to remain in Canada for competitive MA programmes.
Ques. What is the Indian student community like at SFU?
Ans. SFU hosts approximately 2,500-3,000 Indian students across all programmes (roughly 12-15% of international enrolment). Burnaby has well-established Indian communities with temples, restaurants, and cultural centres. On-campus, Indian students lead cultural clubs, student associations, and organize regular events. The metropolitan Vancouver area (within 30-45 minutes by transit) has major Indian population hubs, making community connection easy.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake - Aug 1, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹2479790 (CAD 36430) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Room | ₹606095 (CAD 8904) |
| Food | ₹483161 (CAD 7098) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹3576534 (CAD 52542) |
| 2023 | ₹2227523 (CAD 32724) |
| 2021 | ₹1499922 (CAD 22035) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake | Aug 1, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026 |
Scores Required


Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES) | CAD $20,000 to $140,000 | High academic achievement and community involvement; international students |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Bachelor of Arts in Canada: Top Universities, Cost for Indian Students, and Scope
Bachelor of Social Work in Canada: Fees, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
Top Undergraduate Courses in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Admissions, Placements & Salaries
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 68,070/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student₹ 68,070/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (1st Apr 2027) | INR 43.4 L/Yr CAD 63,708 /Yr |
| ||
| INR 38.8 L/Yr CAD 57,000 /Yr |
| |||
-- | INR 14.7 L/Yr CAD 21,574 /Yr |
| ||
-- | INR 10.7 L/Yr CAD 15,740 /Yr |
| ||
| INR 42 L/Yr CAD 61,720 /Yr |
|
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here






















Comments