Fraser International College (FIC)

Fraser International College (FIC) offers exclusive pathways to Simon Fraser University (SFU). International students can study their first-year courses at FIC and transfer to the second year of their degree at SFU. Students will earn a full degree from SFU, the #1 Canadian Comprehensive University.

Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from lecturers, and extensive academic support. FIC teaches more than 2,500 students who come from all over the world. Students also get the opportunity to enhance their experience and skills through FIC Student Experience Team.

Programs begin either in September, January, and May. The available pathways are:

• Foundation – University Transfer Program Stage I
• Undergraduate – International Year One (University Transfer Program Stage II)
• Undergraduate – Associate of Arts Degree

Subject areas cover art; social sciences; business administration; communication and business; communication, art, and technology; computing science; engineering science; environment; engineering, health science, and science.

FIC is located on SFU's main campus in Burnaby. FIC students can enjoy all the facilities and resources available on campus, including student clubs, libraries, computer labs, creator labs, and more. Upon graduating from SFU, students may apply for a three-year post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

The SFU campus is based in the greater Vancouver area, between mountains and the ocean, with mild weather in Canada. Vancouver is top 10 most livable cities in the world. It is the third largest in Canada and home to a diverse population of more than two million. Vancouver is a vibrant and safe city. It offers infinite opportunities, from industry experiences to cultural events. Why Vancouver:

• #1 for the lowest amount of snow
• #1 greenest city in Canada
• #1 large American cities of the future
• #1 tied in the world for education and healthcare
• #1 quality of living within North America

FIC offers foundation and undergraduate programs. Pathway programs prepare international students for university-level study in Canada.

Subject areas cover:

• Arts and Social Sciences
• Business Administration
• Communication and Business
• Communication, Art and Technology
• Computing Science
• Engineering Science
• Environment
• Health Science
• Science

Foundation

University Transfer Program Stage I (UTPI) – this bridges the gap between secondary school and university. Students prepare for university-level programs by studying eight academic courses designed to be completed in two semesters (8 months) which progresses students to the International Year One program

Undergraduate

International Year One (UTPII) – this is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree at SFU. International Year One (IYO) programs consist of ten or more academic courses and are designed to be completed in three semesters (12 months). After successfully completing the program, students can transfer to the second year of a degree program at the university based on a guaranteed GPA requirement.

Associate of Arts Degree – through this two-year program, students gain an associate degree qualification. They can then transfer to a third-year degree program at SFU, or elsewhere.

English Requirements - Direct entry

Those who meet the direct entry language requirements can enter into Foundation or International Year One. They will need to complete a non-credit academic literacy course (ALC). Students may also skip the ALC test by sitting ALC Challenge Test at the FIC, before the Orientation.

Students need one of the following English language test scores, or an accepted equivalent:

• IELTS Academic – 6.0 with at least 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL – 79 with at least 18 in reading and writing.
• PTE – 58 with at least 58 in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
• Duolingo – Overall 110 (FREE code available).

Integrated entry

Those who meet the integrated entry language requirements can enter into Foundation or International Year One. They will also take INTG100 and two academic courses in the first term. If students achieve a grade A in INTG100, they will not have to complete the academic literacy course.

Students need one of the following English language test scores or an accepted equivalent:

• IELTS Academic – 5.5 with at least 5.5 in reading and writing, and 5.0 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL – 69 with at least 15 in reading and writing.
• PTE – 42 with at least 42 in reading and writing and 36 in listening and speaking.
• Duolingo – Overall 95

Cornerstone entry

Students who meet the cornerstone entry language requirements can enter into UTPI or UTPII. They will also take cornerstone courses in the first term. If students achieve a grade A, they can progress to direct entry. Grade B means progression to integrated entry. Students don't have to complete the academic literacy course.

Students need one of the following English language test scores, or an accepted equivalent:

• IELTS Academic – 5.0 with no band lower than 4.5; or 5.5 with at least 5.0 in reading and writing and 4.5 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL – 59 with at least 12 in reading and writing.
• Duolingo – Overall 80

FIC students enjoy university facilities, as the site is located on SFU's campus. The campus is home to 37,000 students and is full of amenities to enhanced living and learning.

The pedestrian-friendly campus is where administrative and academic offices are located. This also includes student services, a library, residences and shops. FIC students can utilize all services and facilities, such as computer labs, sports facilities and other recreation facilities. The Campus has a dedicated Campus Public Safety (CPS) department, in operation for 24/7-365 days.

Accommodation

FIC students can live in SFU residences that are close to Burnaby Campus classrooms. Rooms are single occupancy and come with internet access, common rooms, TVs and microwaves. There is a dining hall which offers meal plans.

GEC Burnaby Heights offers furnished residences for international students. These are close to public transport so students can reach campus easily. GEC Burnaby Heights is popular with FIC students.

Off-campus options include shared accommodation and private rentals. There's also the chance for a homestay with a local Canadian family. FIC can support international students with finding something suitable.

FIC's aim is to help international students to achieve their educational goals by transferring in and graduating from Simon Fraser University. Plenty of support services are in place to ensure students can smoothly transition to SFU and complete their degrees.

FIC students are treated in the same way as university students, but with more personalized attention and dedicated support. Lecturers, student advisors and other support staff are all available to provide advice and guidance. FIC has 4 dedicated student services teams with an open-door policy.

Orientation

Orientation marks the beginning of the student experience at FIC. It's an important event where learners get to meet instructors, learn about the college and programs, and meet peers who often become lifelong friends.

Community Transition Program (CTP)

The CTP team offers personal and academic support to FIC students. It welcomes them at orientation and provides mentor support during the academic year. The team also runs the Peer Advising program, where students can become familiar with campus resources through connections with more experienced learners.

Awareness Campaign Team (ACT)

FIC's ACT team targets key issues that concern students at both FIC and SFU. It raises awareness, promotes campaigns and focuses on engaging students in a variety of important areas.

Peer Education

This program provides opportunities for engagement, academic success and career development. Run by students for students, it focuses on some of the most crucial academic challenges for learners at FIC. The team gives personal guidance in non-judgemental environments.

The primary pathway from Fraser International College is to Simon Fraser University. International students can pursue a university-level program and achieve the qualifications they need to enter directly into the second year of a program at SFU.

Simon Fraser University

An education at SFU sets students up for life. Programs open doors to endless career opportunities. Students develop the knowledge required for their studies, but also skills that are widely transferable and valued by employers. The university's support services help learners grow into the people they wish to be. This includes dedicated career guidance, where students receive support with career preparation through:

• Industry experiences
• Workshops
• Job search support

SFU's Co-op Program

SFU has one of the largest co-op programs in North America. Co-op is where students undertake paid work placements during their degree program. SFU offers co-op in all academic disciplines across 54 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs, with approximately 2,500 co-op work terms each year. 85% of co-op students find employment within 3 months of graduation. The average income per work-term is CAD 14,800.

• Every SFU faculty has a co-op option for students
• Each placement is a minimum 4-month paid placement
• Three placements earn a notation on the SFU transcript
• FIC alumni have done co-op programs with many different companies including Ernst and Young, Fluor, IBM, KPMG, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Bank of Montreal, and Tata Industries

SFU is based in one of the world's most vibrant and beautiful cities. It has been teaching since 1965 and is now regarded as one of Canada's top universities. Its teaching quality, research and community engagement is recognized all around the world.

SFU continued holding its position as the #1 Canadian Comprehensive University (Maclean's University Rankings 2025).

SFU's rankings at a glance:

• #1 in Canada for global impact on sustainable cities and communities (Times Higher Education, 2024)
• #1 innovative university in Canada 2024 (World's Universities with Real Impact Rankings)
• #1 in Western Canada With School Of Sustainable Energy Engineering