Fraser International College (Navitas): Simon Fraser University Pathway Fees & Guide

Fraser International College (FIC) is the Navitas pathway college for Simon Fraser University (SFU), located on SFU's Burnaby campus in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. Its University Transfer Program has two stages: Foundation (Stage I) and International Year One (Stage II), which covers first-year university courses. Successful students progress into the second year at SFU. This guide covers official 2026/27 fees, the programme structure, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Fraser International College (FIC), a Navitas pathway college on SFU's Burnaby campus
• Programme: University Transfer Program (UTP), with Foundation (Stage I) and International Year One (Stage II)
• 2026/27 fees (FIC's page): International Year One C$39,162 for 30 credits over three terms (C$1,305.40 per credit)
• 2026/27 Foundation (Stage I): C$28,967 over two terms
• 2026/27 Extended Foundation: C$43,450.50 over three terms
• 2025/26 comparison: International Year One C$37,655 (C$1,255.17 per credit)
• Progression: successful students continue into the second year at Simon Fraser University

Rankings and reputation

FIC is a pathway college, so it is not ranked. Simon Fraser University is a leading Canadian research university, often top-ranked among comprehensive universities in Canada. Judge FIC on progression to your target SFU programme.

Academics and signature programs

International Year One courses are university-level courses that transfer to SFU, with smaller classes and extra support. Streams lead to SFU faculties such as business, computing science, engineering science, arts and social sciences, science, and communication. Ask which programmes are competitive for progression.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on school results and English, with lower requirements than direct university entry. After an offer, you need a study permit, and most new students also need a provincial attestation letter from the province where they will study.

English language requirements

• English entry is lower than for direct SFU entry; check FIC's requirements
• Foundation includes academic English
• Progression requires meeting SFU's standards
• Confirm scores before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes school transcripts, English results, and passport details. Ask for the progression GPA for your target programme and for the refund policy before paying.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

FIC lists 2026/27 fees of C$39,162 for International Year One (30 credits at C$1,305.40 per credit), C$28,967 for Foundation, and C$43,450.50 for Extended Foundation. Students taking more than 30 credits pay extra. Add compulsory fees, health insurance, housing, and books.

Estimated living costs

• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing
• Housing near campus can be limited, so arrange it early
• Public transit and student passes reduce commuting costs in most cities

Scholarships

Ask FIC about scholarships for high-achieving students, and whether SFU awards apply after progression.

Campus life and student support

FIC is on SFU's Burnaby Mountain campus, with its distinctive modernist architecture and views over Vancouver. Students use SFU facilities, libraries, and transit links. SFU also has campuses in Vancouver and Surrey.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Career outcomes depend on the SFU degree you complete. Metro Vancouver offers jobs in technology, film, business, and health care, and SFU has strong co-op programmes.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

How progression to SFU works

FIC students who complete International Year One with the required GPA progress into the second year at SFU. Competitive programmes, such as business, computing science, and engineering science, may need higher GPAs. Ask for current progression requirements and outcomes.

SFU co-op

SFU has one of Canada's largest co-operative education programmes, where students alternate study with paid work terms. Co-op can help international students gain Canadian experience. Ask how FIC students prepare for co-op after progression.

Living in Metro Vancouver

Vancouver is one of Canada's most expensive cities for rent, with a mild, wet climate and outdoor lifestyle. Burnaby is connected by SkyTrain and buses. Start your housing search early.

Study permit and PGWP planning

Canada caps study permits and requires most new students to obtain a provincial attestation letter from British Columbia. PGWP eligibility depends on your full programme; check IRCC's current rules.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

At about C$39,162 in tuition plus fees, insurance, and C$18,000 to C$22,000 for housing and food, the first year could cost about C$60,000 to C$65,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What GPA do I need to progress, and into which programmes?
• Is progression guaranteed or competitive for my target major?
• What are the total fees including compulsory term fees?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
• What housing options are available?
• How do college courses transfer to the university?

Who FIC suits best

FIC suits students who want a supported route into SFU degrees and do not meet direct entry. It may suit less well students who already qualify for direct entry or want to save money.

FIC compared with direct entry and BC college transfer

Direct entry costs less if you qualify. BC colleges such as Langara and Douglas offer transfer routes at lower fees but with less certainty. Compare cost, support, and progression.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

How Navitas pathway colleges work

Navitas runs pathway colleges on or near partner university campuses. Students enrol with the college, take university-level courses taught to the university's standards, and progress into the university once they meet set grades. Fees are paid to the college during the pathway stage and to the university afterwards. Ask how credits transfer, whether you hold a university student card, and what happens if you narrowly miss the progression grade.

Simon Fraser University in brief

Simon Fraser University is a public research university founded in 1965, with campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Surrey. It is known for business through the Beedie School of Business, computing science, engineering science, communication, and criminology.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm progression requirements for your target SFU programme, check the 2026/27 fee for your stream, budget for compulsory fees and insurance, check provincial attestation rules, and read the refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current FIC students about workload, progression, housing near Burnaby, and transit. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition, compulsory fees, medical insurance, rent in Metro Vancouver, transit, food, and books. Shared housing near SkyTrain lines can reduce costs. Keep a buffer for the first months, and remember that study permit applications require proof of funds.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes assume progression to competitive SFU programmes is guaranteed, or overlook Vancouver's high rents. Check progression requirements and housing early.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, get a Compass card for transit, set up a bank account and phone, and apply for a Social Insurance Number if you plan to work. Use FIC's academic support from the first week.

Frequently asked questions