When I first started looking at universities in Canada, I’ll admit Simon Fraser University (SFU) wasn’t the name that jumped out. Like most people outside of Canada, I had heard of the University of Toronto, McGill, and of course, UBC with its ocean-view Instagram photos. SFU? Not so much. But the deeper I dug, the more I realized this “hidden gem” on a mountain was not only worth considering, it was probably one of the smartest choices for international students like me.
The truth is, picking a university isn’t only about rankings or glossy marketing. It’s about finding a place that feels like it can be both a stepping stone and a home. And in so many ways, SFU seems to hit that balance.
Life on a Mountain: More Than Just Pretty Views
Let’s start with the most obvious thing: the location. SFU’s main campus sits on Burnaby Mountain, which sounds cool until you realize… it’s literally on a mountain. The first time I went up, it felt like I was heading into the clouds. On clear days, you can see everything: the Pacific Ocean sparkling in the distance, Vancouver’s downtown skyline, and snowy mountain ranges that look like they belong in a travel ad.
But the mountain life is more than just scenery. It shapes how the campus feels. You’re close enough to Vancouver to hop on the SkyTrain and be downtown in half an hour, yet far enough away that the city’s distractions don’t swallow you. Honestly, that separation can be a blessing. A lot of international students I’ve met say living in the middle of a big North American city would have been overwhelming. Up on Burnaby Mountain, you get calm surroundings to focus on studies—but still plenty of access to nightlife, jobs, and opportunities just down the hill.
Now, I’d be lying if I said the mountain vibe is perfect for everyone. Some people complain about the endless buses up the hill or the fog that occasionally swallows the campus whole in winter. I remember one friend joking that SFU sometimes feels like Hogwarts but with more rain. And yet, those quirks almost become part of its charm.
Academics That Feel Grounded (and Practical)
A lot of international students worry about the value of their degree. Will it be respected back home? Will employers in Canada take it seriously? SFU may not carry the same instant name recognition globally as U of T or McGill, but in Canada—and especially in British Columbia—it has serious credibility.
The Beedie School of Business is often the highlight, with strong connections to local industries. A Nigerian friend of mine joined Beedie’s entrepreneurship track, and within a year she was working on a start-up project that partnered with a real Vancouver company. That’s not the kind of opportunity you stumble into at every university.
Then there’s computing science. Vancouver’s tech scene is growing fast, with companies like EA and Microsoft setting up shop nearby. SFU’s computing students don’t just stay in labs; they’re getting internships and co-op placements in these industries. For anyone who wants to work in software, gaming, or even AI, that proximity matters.
Of course, SFU isn’t perfect. If you’re looking for the prestige of centuries-old ivy-covered institutions, you won’t find it here—the university is relatively young (founded in 1965). But what you do find is a forward-looking approach that feels less weighed down by tradition and more plugged into modern careers.
Co-Op: The Secret Weapon
If you ask students why they chose SFU, chances are someone will mention the co-op program within the first five minutes. It’s like this university’s secret weapon.
Here’s how it works: instead of just doing four years of straight academics, you can rotate between studying and working paid jobs in your field. Those jobs aren’t just “work experience”—they’re often directly tied to what you’re learning. For example, computer science majors might land a co-op at a Vancouver gaming studio, while environmental science students might be out in the field working on conservation projects.
When I first heard about co-op, I thought, “Okay, sounds good, but lots of schools have internships.” But the scale at SFU is different. The university has one of the largest co-op programs in Canada, with thousands of placements every year. For international students, this is huge. It’s not just about the money (though getting paid Canadian wages while studying definitely helps). It’s about breaking into the Canadian job market. Employers here want experience, and co-op lets you graduate with both a degree and a résumé full of Canadian references.
One student I met during orientation told me her co-op placement at a marketing firm literally turned into a full-time job offer after graduation. Another landed a co-op at Microsoft Canada and said it was the reason he stayed in Vancouver after finishing his degree. That kind of career head start is rare.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it: getting into co-op isn’t automatic. You have to apply, interview, and sometimes deal with rejection before landing a placement. But honestly, learning how to navigate that process is part of what makes it so valuable.
Diversity That Feels Real
Every university brochure talks about “diversity.” But there’s something different about SFU—it doesn’t feel staged. Maybe it’s because the Vancouver area itself is one of the most multicultural regions in Canada, so the campus just naturally reflects that.
Walking across the main plaza, you’ll hear Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, Arabic, and English all mixing in the air. The international community here is strong, but it’s not siloed. Cultural clubs throw events that attract the whole student body, whether it’s a Lunar New Year festival with food stalls and performances or a Diwali celebration that lights up the campus.
I remember going to a Middle Eastern student association dinner my first semester. I went with a Canadian classmate, and we ended up sitting at a table with students from Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt, swapping stories about adjusting to Vancouver life. That night stuck with me because it wasn’t just an international students’ event—it was a community event.
That said, integration isn’t always seamless. Some students note that while SFU is diverse, it’s easy to stick to your own cultural group. It takes effort to cross those lines and build connections beyond what feels comfortable. But to me, that’s not a flaw of SFU—it’s just human nature.
Costs: Manageable, But Not Light
Let’s talk money. Tuition for international students in Canada isn’t cheap, and SFU is no exception. But compared to UBC or Toronto, SFU often comes out a little more affordable, both in tuition and in living costs.
Living in Burnaby, for example, is significantly less expensive than living in downtown Vancouver. I shared an apartment near campus with two other international students, and while the rent wasn’t “cheap” by global standards, it was manageable. If we’d tried the same setup in Vancouver’s trendy neighborhoods, the cost would have doubled.
Co-op also makes a big difference. Having a paid placement can cover a semester’s rent or ease the financial stress of tuition bills. It’s not a perfect system—fees are still rising across Canada, and affordability is a growing concern—but at least SFU gives students tools to help soften the financial blow.
The Campus: Brutalism Meets Nature
Okay, let’s be real. SFU’s architecture is not everyone’s cup of tea. The main campus is built in the Brutalist style—lots of concrete, sharp angles, and plazas that look a little like a movie set from the 1970s. In fact, some Hollywood productions have actually filmed here because of its futuristic vibe.
When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Compared to leafy, traditional campuses, SFU felt almost… stark. But then I realized something: the concrete backdrop makes the surrounding nature pop even more. Step out of a grey lecture hall, and suddenly you’re looking at a sky turning gold over the mountains. That contrast became strangely beautiful to me.
For students who prefer a different atmosphere, SFU has campuses in Surrey and downtown Vancouver that are more modern and urban. The flexibility to take classes at multiple campuses is another perk that adds variety to the student experience.
Support That Feels Accessible
International students face unique challenges—immigration paperwork, cultural adjustment, academic expectations. SFU seems to get that. The International Services for Students office helps with everything from study permit questions to orientation workshops.
I remember during my first semester, I was panicking about renewing my study permit. I emailed the office expecting a generic reply a week later. Instead, I got a detailed response within 24 hours, and an advisor even offered to meet with me one-on-one to walk through the process. That kind of support makes a huge difference when you’re thousands of miles from home.
Of course, no university is perfect. Some students complain about long wait times for certain services or confusing bureaucratic processes. But overall, SFU seems to genuinely prioritize helping international students succeed, both academically and personally.
Why SFU Really Stands Out
At the end of the day, SFU isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s not the oldest, it’s not the flashiest, and it’s not the most famous Canadian university on the world stage. But that’s exactly why it’s appealing.
It offers strong academics without the cutthroat competition, career pathways that actually lead somewhere, a diverse community that feels alive, and a location that’s equal parts serene and connected. For international students, that balance can mean the difference between just surviving university and truly thriving.
When I think back to why I chose SFU, it wasn’t one single factor—it was the way all of these things came together. It felt like a place where I could grow, both professionally and personally. And now, after experiencing it firsthand, I can say with confidence: Simon Fraser University deserves its spot on the list of top picks for international students.