The PhD program in the Department of Physics provides the opportunity to pursue advanced studies that culminates in original research in physics. Students will do both coursework and a research-based thesis. A PhD in physics provides students with expertise necessary to develop their own independent research program for careers in academia, government or industry.
Program Requirements
This program consists of coursework and a thesis for a minimum of 39 units.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements within 12 terms (four years) after completing an MSc, or 15 terms (five years) after completing a BSc for students who transfer directly after one year from the MSc to the PhD program.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
January 2025
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby Campus,
8888 University Drive West,
BURNABY,
British Columbia (BC),
V5A 1S6, Canada
A master's degree in physics, or the equivalent, is required. Students who are in the MSc program in physics and have demonstrated strong academic and research performance may transfer to the doctoral program, with the approval of the student's supervisory committee.
English Language Requirements:
Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category
Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5
IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section
CAEL: overall 70; minimum 60 in each section
Pearson Academic (PTE): overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193; C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200
Duolingo English Test (DET): Provisionally through the Fall 2026 admission cycle - Duolingo English Test (DET) 130 overall with a minimum of 120 in each section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
SFU has established itself as a leading research university over 60 years, consistently ranking in the top 1-2 percent of universities worldwide.
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