Simon Fraser University MA Economics Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts [MA] in Economics is a research-focused two-year degree designed for students pursuing advanced training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied research. The programme combines foundational coursework with thesis-based research, preparing graduates for doctoral study, academic careers, or policy-focused roles in government and international organizations. Admission requires a strong honours undergraduate degree with economics or quantitative coursework, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (76%). The programme admits students for the September intake; international students pay CAD 38,944 per year (INR 26.48 Lakhs per year), with applications open through January 31, 2027.

SFU's Department of Economics is known for rigorous quantitative training and engaged faculty research across microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The MA programme is ideal for students who want deeper expertise before entering doctoral programmes or seeking roles in international development, central banking, or policy research. Graduates build strong analytical and communication skills valued across sectors requiring economic insight.

• Rigorous quantitative training in economic theory and applied econometrics with faculty-supervised thesis research.
• Access to Canadian academic networks and internship opportunities with Statistics Canada, Bank of Canada, and policy think-tanks.
• Pathways to doctoral study at top-tier universities or direct entry into policy and research roles in government and NGOs.

Know more: Simon Fraser University students’ profile

Simon Fraser University MA Economics Fees and Living Costs 2027

International tuition for the MA programme is charged per term based on course load. Most students complete the degree in two years across four semesters.

Source: Simon Fraser University Graduate Studies Tuition Schedule 2026–2027

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 68.02 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition is charged per unit (typically 3 units per course); most students take 15 units per semester.
• Thesis completion in Year 2 may reduce or eliminate tuition in the final term, depending on programme requirements.
• Health and supplemental fees cover mandatory medical insurance, which is required for all international students.
• Students should budget for research materials, computing software (Stata, R), and thesis submission costs.

Also check: Simon Fraser University Fees

Cost of Living in Burnaby for MA Economics Students

Cost Reality for Indian Applicants: Two-year total cost (tuition plus living) is approximately INR 69.83 Lakhs (CAD 1.03 Crores). This represents a significant investment; scholarship offsets below average 15–20%. Plan for substantial family support or external financing (education loans capped at INR 1 Crore by most Indian banks).

Also check: Cost of living in Canada

Simon Fraser University MA Economics Admission 2027

The MA programme in Economics accepts international students with a strong quantitative background. Admission decisions emphasize academic potential and research readiness over standardized test scores.

English Language Proficiency for MA Economics

All students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency. SFU accepts multiple tests; scores are valid for two years from the test date.

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 86 overall (Reading 20, Writing 21, Speaking 22, Listening 20). Test costs USD 220 (INR 18,260); takes 2–3 weeks for score release.
• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall (Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 6.5, Listening 6.0). Test costs GBP 215 (INR 22,435); scored on a 0–9 band scale.
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum 120. Low-cost option (USD 49 / INR 4,050) with same-week score release; widely accepted for Canadian master's programmes.
• PTE Academic: Minimum 65. Test costs USD 149 (INR 12,320); computer-delivered in 3 hours.

Tip for Indian Students: Most Indian applicants achieve IELTS 6.5–7.0 with 3–4 months of focused preparation. Start 6 months before your application deadline to allow time for retakes if needed and WES processing.

Know more: Simon Fraser University application process

Simon Fraser University MA Economics Application 2027

SFU graduate programmes use a rolling admission process. Earlier submissions receive priority; the majority of acceptances are made by mid-March for a September start.

Application Tip: Indian applicants should submit applications 2–3 weeks before the official deadline to account for WES processing delays and time-zone communication lags. Errors in credential evaluation or test score submissions late in the cycle may result in reviews pushed to the waitlist tier.

Know more: Simon Fraser University reviews

Simon Fraser University MA Economics Scholarships 2027

SFU offers limited funding to international graduate students through department scholarships, teaching assistantships, and university-wide fellowships. Full funding packages are rare; most students offset tuition through part-time work and family support.

Funding Types: Merit-based scholarships (CAD 3,000–8,000 per year / INR 2.04–5.44 Lakhs per year) are awarded to top-ranked applicants, typically covering 8–20% of annual tuition. Teaching assistantships (TA positions) pay CAD 16–18 per hour (INR 1,088–1,224 per hour) for 10–12 hours weekly, yielding CAD 8,320–9,936 per academic year (INR 5.66–6.76 Lakhs per year). Departmental research assistantships are available to continuing second-year students at similar rates. External scholarships from Indian government schemes (e.g., ICCR, ICMR) are rare for master's students but worth exploring.

Scholarship Reality: International MA students should expect to fund 70–85% of total costs independently. Combine a modest scholarship (CAD 5,000 / INR 3.40 Lakhs) with TA work (CAD 9,000 / INR 6.12 Lakhs) to offset roughly 18–20% of two-year expenses. Plan for family support or education loans for the remainder.

Know more: External scholarships for Indians in Canada

Simon Fraser University MA Economics Salary and Placements 2027

SFU economics master's graduates pursue diverse careers in policy research, central banking, international development, and doctoral study. Official placement data is limited; industry estimates and Alumni profiles suggest varied outcomes depending on specialization and further study.

Placement Profile: Approximately 60–70% of graduates enter doctoral programmes (PhD Economics or related fields) within one year; 25–35% enter policy and research roles directly. Typical employers include Statistics Canada, the Bank of Canada, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and Canadian government departments (Finance, Employment and Social Development). Average starting gross salary for policy research analyst and government economist roles is CAD 52,000–65,000 per year (INR 35.34–44.21 Lakhs per year), with growth to CAD 75,000+ (INR 51.01+ Lakhs) after 3–5 years.

Canadian federal tax on a CAD 60,000 salary is approximately 25–30%, yielding take-home around CAD 42,000–45,000 (INR 28.56–30.61 Lakhs). Provincial variations and deductions (CPP, EI, health tax in some provinces) adjust this figure; use a Canadian tax calculator to verify your specific province upon employment.

Honest Take: MA graduates who pursue doctoral study do not see immediate financial returns; PhD funding in Canada typically covers tuition plus CAD 18,000–22,000 stipend annually (INR 12.24–14.96 Lakhs). Those entering policy roles see faster salary growth but require citizenship or permanent residency for senior government positions. ROI on the MA degree materialises 3–5 years post-graduation for most students.

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, SFU Alumni Network surveys

Also see: Simon Fraser University photos

Canada Visa Pathway for MA Economics Students

International students in Canada study on a study permit valid for the duration of the programme plus 180 days. After graduation, you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allowing full-time work anywhere in Canada. MA graduates typically qualify for a two-year PGWP (valid for all programmes 8 months or longer). Work experience on the PGWP may lead to permanent residency through Express Entry if you meet points criteria.

• PGWP Eligibility: Awarded automatically upon graduation; valid for two years. No job offer required. You may work for any employer, including self-employment (with limitations).
• Work-Study Rules: During studies, you may work up to 20 hours weekly during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks. Most graduate students work as TAs or RAs; hours are often included within study-permit limits.
• Permanent Residency Path: Two years of full-time Canadian work experience + PGWP may qualify you for Express Entry (Canadian immigration points-based system). Provincial Nominee Programmes also accept skilled workers in economics, policy analysis, and research roles.
• Spouse / Dependent Support: If you bring family, they may be eligible for a dependent visa (no separate study or work permit required for children; spouses may apply for an open work permit).

Visa Reality: The PGWP is not a direct path to permanent residency; you must meet Express Entry points (typically 450+ for skilled foreign nationals with Canadian work experience). Securing employment quickly after graduation is essential to maximise your two-year window. Consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for current criteria.

Also check: Canadian student visa complete guide

Simon Fraser University MA Economics Ranking 2026

SFU does not hold a subject-level ranking in economics from QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News. However, the university ranks #308 overall in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting strong performance across engineering, business, and environmental sciences. The Economics Department is research-active but has not been separately ranked in international subject tables.

Prospective students should assess the MA programme based on faculty research interests, thesis supervision quality, and placement outcomes rather than subject ranking. The department publishes research across journals in labour economics, development economics, and econometrics, indicating active scholarly engagement.

Key Insight: Absence of a subject ranking does not indicate programme weakness; many excellent Canadian master's programmes in economics lack international subject rankings due to smaller cohort sizes and domestic focus. Evaluate based on faculty expertise, graduate employment outcomes, and thesis supervision rather than rankings alone.