Master of Arts [M.A] [Criminology] From Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts [M.A.] in Criminology is a 2-year research-focused graduate programme delivered in Burnaby, British Columbia. Tuition costs CAD 6,447 per year (INR 4.34 Lakhs per year). Admission requires a 3.33 on a 4.3 GPA scale and an IELTS score of 6.5.

This thesis-based programme trains criminology researchers for doctoral study, policy analysis roles, and academic careers. The MA stands out for research intensity, faculty mentorship, and connections to applied criminology sectors. The ideal applicant has undergraduate coursework in criminology, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, and a clear thesis topic in mind.

• Complete a 30-unit thesis-based degree with dedicated faculty supervision.
• Access well-funded research centres and conduct original criminological research.
• Build networks across Canadian law enforcement, justice policy, and academic institutions.

Know more: Simon Fraser University students’ profile

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts Criminology Fees and Living Costs 2027

International tuition for the MA in Criminology is CAD 6,447 per year. The 2-year total tuition commitment is CAD 12,894 (INR 8.68 Lakhs). Additional ancillary fees apply each term.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 68 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition is charged per term (semester) and is subject to annual review increases, typically up to 6% per year.
• Ancillary fees cover academic services, library access, and technology; confirm current amounts on SFU’s student services portal.
• International health insurance is mandatory and covers medical, dental, and emergency care.
• Graduate funding (teaching assistantships, research assistantships) is available and can offset tuition; inquire during application.

Also check: Simon Fraser University Fees

Cost of Living in Burnaby for MA Criminology Students

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Budget CAD 23,400 for living expenses. The 2-year total approaches INR 50,000. Explore SFU graduate assistantships, which provide a monthly stipend of CAD 300 to CAD 500.

Also check: Cost of living in Canada

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts Criminology Admission 2027

Admission to the MA in Criminology requires a completed bachelor’s degree, strong research skills, and demonstrated knowledge of criminological theory. SFU ranks #5 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The programme reports strong international applicant diversity, with growing cohorts from South Asia.

Know more: Simon Fraser University application process

English Language Proficiency Requirements

SFU’s School of Criminology enforces higher ELP thresholds than general graduate admissions. All international applicants must sit an approved English language test.

• IELTS and TOEFL bookings fill quickly; schedule tests by August 2026 to allow retakes before the January 2027 deadline.
• Indian applicants often find IELTS more accessible for listening and reading; TOEFL suits those stronger in academic writing.
• Duolingo is affordable (approximately CAD 50), and results arrive within 48 hours; use as a confidence check before official testing.
• Test fees (IELTS CAD 350, TOEFL CAD 245) must be paid at the time of booking; budget accordingly.

Honest Admission Reality: The MA programme is competitive. Applicants with research experience (honours thesis, research assistant roles) and published conference papers significantly strengthen candidacy. GPA alone is insufficient; research portfolio matters equally.

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts Criminology Application 2027

Applications open in late October 2026 and close at the end of January 2027 through SFU’s goGRAD system. The entire process, from submission to notification, spans approximately 3 months.

• Credential evaluation through WES takes 4 weeks; initiate by late November 2026 to meet the January deadline.
• Three referees should be academic supervisors or research mentors familiar with your graduate-level competence.
• All documents (transcripts, references, writing sample) must be uploaded by the January 31 deadline; late submissions are not accepted.
• The School of Criminology communicates decisions via email; check your SFU-assigned email account from March onwards.

Application Tip: Submit your application by mid-January, not at the deadline. Early applications allow the admissions committee to assess you before the final rush and can improve your visibility.

Know more: Simon Fraser University reviews

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts Criminology Scholarships 2027

SFU offers several funding pathways for MA Criminology students. Graduate research assistantships (RA) and teaching assistantships (TA) are the primary funding mechanisms, providing monthly stipends of CAD 300 to CAD 500 and up to 8 hours per week of work.

International students are eligible for RA and TA positions, which offset approximately 25% to 40% of annual tuition. Award announcements occur in March alongside admission decisions. Merit-based scholarships through the Faculty of Graduate Studies are competitive and typically cover CAD 2,000 to CAD 5,000 annually.

Total funding covers living expenses partially; most international students supplement with savings or parental support. Tuition remains the largest cost component and is typically covered only through substantial scholarships or self-funding.

Scholarship Reality for Indian Students: Expect to self-fund 60% to 75% of the 2-year commitment (approximately INR 30 to INR 40 Lakhs). Assistantships help bridge the gap to living costs but do not cover full tuition. Apply for external scholarships through the Tata Trusts, ICMR, or British Council India before submitting your SFU application.

Know more: External scholarships for Indians in Canada

Simon Fraser University Master of Arts Criminology Salary and Placements 2027

MA Criminology graduates pursue diverse career paths: PhD study (approximately 30% of cohort), policy research roles, law enforcement management, and academic positions. Indicative salaries for policy analyst and research officer roles in Canada start at CAD 45,000 to CAD 55,000 annually (INR 30.60 Lakhs to INR 37.40 Lakhs), with growth to CAD 70,000 to CAD 85,000 (INR 47.60 Lakhs to INR 57.80 Lakhs) within 5 years.

Source: SFU Career Services, Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey 2025.

• Gross salaries shown do not account for Canadian income tax (approximately 30% effective rate on CAD 50,000) or provincial tax variations.
• Take-home pay after tax and provincial deductions is typically 65% to 70% of the gross stated above.
• Use the Canadian Tax Calculator at canada.ca/taxes to model your personal tax scenario based on your province of employment.
• Indian residents must also assess foreign income tax obligations under Indian law; consult a CA before accepting a Canadian offer.

Honest ROI Reality: Total 2-year spend approaches INR 1.18 Crore. Entry salary of CAD 50,000 covers living costs plus modest savings. Graduates prioritising PhD admission achieve higher lifetime earning potential. Policy and research roles offer meaningful impact; prioritise role quality over starting salary.

Also see: Simon Fraser University photos

Canada Visa Pathway for MA Criminology Students

International MA Criminology students are eligible for a Canadian study permit valid for the duration of their programme plus an additional six months. Upon graduation, graduates qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, allowing full-time employment with any employer in Canada without restriction.

• Study Permit: Valid from programme start through 6 months after graduation; renewed annually if continued study is confirmed.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Issued upon graduation; permits 3 years of full-time or part-time work with any Canadian employer or in self-employment.
• Canadian Permanent Residence (PR): After 2 to 3 years of work on the PGWP, graduates become eligible to apply for PR under the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program (BC), depending on provincial ties and occupation.
• Spousal/Dependent Sponsorship: Study permit holders may sponsor spouses or common-law partners for open work permits; dependent children do not require permits for schooling.

Visa Reality for Indian Students: The 3-year PGWP post-MA grants sufficient time to establish Canadian employment history and meet PR criteria. Plan 2 years study (visa valid) plus 2 to 3 years work on PGWP, then PR application. Credential evaluation and police certificates must be obtained during study to streamline subsequent applications.