​SFU ushers in fall​ with fresh slate of new offerings

It’s a new season and a new semester for more than 28,000 new and returning students at Simon Fraser University’s three campuses.

These students are our largest annual investment in B.C.’s future—their skills and knowledge will attract employers and investment to the province, contribute to stronger communities and build an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future for all of us.

As champions of innovation and research excellence for 60 years and counting, SFU continues to adapt, expand and refresh its academic offerings to prepare tomorrow’s leaders, today. Here's what’s new at SFU for fall 2026.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

There are many resources designed to help make the start of the semester smooth and set new and current students up for success. The best place to start is the Student Services homepage, where people can tap into a variety of supports, including course planning, documentation, financial readiness, academic advising, and career and volunteer opportunities.

Student Services also serves as a hub for students looking to learn more about or access health and counselling, accessible learning, multifaith and Indigenous supports and information on Residence and Housing. The SFU Library, especially the Student Learning Commons, also provides expert and friendly help with academic writing, learning and study strategies.

SFU STEPHENS FAMILY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

The inaugural class of the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine has begun at SFU's Surrey campus this fall, in a first important step to becoming future physicians for British Columbia’s health-care system.

The first cohort of 48 students come from communities across British Columbia and represent every regional health authority, with the largest proportion residing in the Fraser Health region. Each class of students is expected to grow over the next decade to 120 by 2035.

The new medical school’s innovative approaches to education, research and partnerships have been designed for significant, positive individual, community, and system impact. In June, SFU announced that the Stephens family, led by Ratana and Arran Stephens, founders of Nature’s Path and principals of Que Pasa, donated $40 million to the school. In recognition of this donation, the school is now called the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine.

ATHLETICS & RECREATION

Athletics & Recreation unveils a new turf field at Terry Fox Stadium this fall. The FIFA-certified athletic turf field represents continued investment in SFU Athletics as they gear up for their final season in NCAA and transition to U Sports for the 2027-28 season. 

Upgrades to Athletic Field Four are also expected to be completed later this fall, creating a versatile space that can be configured as one full-size field or divided into three smaller fields to support a variety of programs and activities.

SFU VANCOUVER RENOVATIONS

Renovations underway at SFU Vancouver aimed at improving student spaces and services. The Student Lounge, Indigenous Student Centre and updated study spaces are anticipated to reopen later this fall at Harbour Centre. The upgrades are designed to strengthen student success, wellbeing, community connection and access to support services.

The SFU-Exeter Accelerated Law Program (ALP) is welcoming its first cohort of students in September. Announced last year, this unique international partnership fast-tracks FASS students pursuing careers in law by completing a Bachelor of Arts at SFU and learning abroad to complete a Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. 

Successful candidates will earn both degrees in just six years, and be able to practice law in both Canada and the U.K. While here at SFU, ALP students now also have a dedicated place to gather and study with the fall opening of the new ALP Student Commons space in West Mall Centre. 

In another exciting first, FASS students can now earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Reflecting a more data-drive approach to economics, the new BSc economics major program prepares students to work as economists on interdisciplinary data science teams and in the tech sector alongside mathematicians and computer scientists.

The Department of Global Humanities is also launching its revamped Religious Literacy Certificate this fall, teaching students religious and cultural competency skills applicable to a range of careers including international affairs, social work, public policy, and medicine. 

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

The Faculty of Science is excited to bring back their 400-level Science Communication course this September. Making the move from Earth Sciences into Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, this course teaches students how to break down complex science into plainer language for wider audiences, including children and the general public.

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENT

The Faculty of Environment has a new Coastal and Marine Science stream, designed for students interested in an integrative understanding of environmental processes in coastal and offshore regions. Students receive training in the physical and natural sciences of the interface of marine and nearshore ecosystems.

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE

The School of Computing Science has a new offering this fall, helping students upskill efficiently and gain depth in their chosen specialization. The Graduate Diploma in Professional Computer Science features three specialized streams—Big Data, Visual Computing, and Cybersecurity—all designed to strengthen technical expertise, enhance career mobility, and provide a pathway to further graduate study. 

• Big Data stream: Practical skill-building for the next generation of data analysts, data engineers, and big data specialists helping organizations extract insights from complex datasets and applying data solutions to real-world challenges.

• Visual Computing stream: Training for careers as computer vision developers, imaging specialists, visualization engineers, and graphics programmers supporting industries including technology, healthcare, entertainment, and advanced manufacturing.

• Cybersecurity stream: Preparing tomorrow’s cybersecurity analysts, security operations specialists, and network security engineers helping organizations strengthen their digital resilience.

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION, ART AND TECHNOLOGY

The Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology continues its forward momentum this fall with a new Certificate in Moving Image, focusing on the study of film, video, games, animation, and immersive environments. Course topics include new media, digital storytelling, and cinema, with core and elective courses from across Contemporary Arts, Interactive Arts and Technology, and Communication.

Also new to FCAT this September: the Certificate in Creative Professional Practice. This program will prepare students for life as creative entrepreneurs and self-employed artists, with five courses in Contemporary Arts and two electives from Communication or Interactive Arts and Technology.

CONTINUING STUDIES

In keeping with its commitment to accessible learning and professional development, Continuing Studies is offering a renewed Project Management Certificate program this fall. 

Delivered online, this part-time program aligns with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) best practices and provides the tools and strategies people need to manage complex projects on time, and on budget. Course hours can also be applied towards the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP) and other designations with the Project Management Institute.

CHARLES CHANG INSTITUTE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Charles Change Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship rolls out a new special-topic course this fall exploring the intersection of technology, business, innovation and entrepreneurship. Designed as a launchpad for high impact careers and new ventures, TechE@SFU is a hands-on learning experience that gives students unique access to expert mentorship, entrepreneurial networks, and funding pathways. The course is open to all undergraduate and graduate students from every faculty.