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Simon Fraser University

Ranked & featured
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Sustainability Impact Rated
Burnaby, Canada
301–350th in World University Rankings 2026
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Working, teaching and research at Simon Fraser University

Information about Simon Fraser University for Academics

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At SFU, we believe in research for real impact. We drive bold, positive impact by leveraging our excellence in AI, quantum computing and more to engage in pressing global challenges and advance an inclusive and sustainable future. Ranked #12 in the world and first in Canada for innovation (2025 World University Rankings for Innovation), SFU is in the top 5 universities in Canada for AI research (AIRankings, 2025). Our faculty are developing creative solutions to real-world problems in fields as diverse as medicine, robotics, quantum computing and agriculture. We partner with industry, government and communities to provide expertise, infrastructure and resources. Together, our combined expertise can improve the future and drive our economy.

 

SFU is also a leader in teaching innovation, supporting faculty to expand the possibilities of teaching and learning from both inside and outside the classroom. More than 1,000 world-leading faculty  work at SFU, connecting student learning to real-world outcomes, research activity and opportunities to make an impact on local and global communities. 

Key Statistics for Professionals

Key data points related to studying at Simon Fraser University

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Research income for 2024/25
$286M
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Research income growth over the past 10 years
144%
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Research impact
On average, SFU researchers publish 2,900 journal articles per year, over 40% of which appear in the world’s top 10% journals (Source: Scopus)
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Sustainability rankings
SFU is within Canada’s top 5 universities for Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings)
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Alumni satisfaction
90% of surveyed alumni said quality of instruction at SFU was good or very good (British Columbia Student Outcomes Data, 2022-24, for graduates of a bachelor program)
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Student satisfaction
80% of current students would recommend SFU to someone considering university (SFU Institutional Research & Planning Undergraduate Student Survey, 2025)

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Research

Latest research news

Articles and news relating to research at Simon Fraser University

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Building a culture of teaching innovation at SFU
Across SFU’s three campuses, see how a culture of innovation is expanding the bounds of learning and teaching from inside and outside the classroom.

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Resources

Professional advice for academics and university staff

All the latest insight on working in higher education from Simon Fraser University

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