Earth sciences comprise a variety of disciplines in which pure and applied research is carried out to investigate the processes responsible for the formation and evolution of our planet. The doctor of philosophy (PhD) program combines coursework and research, training students for a broad range of careers in geoscience.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 12 terms.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
May 2025
Burnaby Campus
8888 University Drive,
Burnaby,
British Columbia,
V5A 1S6, Canada
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Burnaby Campus
8888 University Drive,
Burnaby,
British Columbia,
V5A 1S6, Canada
Applicants normally will have completed a master's degree in science or engineering. For students entering without a master's degree, the following additional admission requirements apply:
Entry with a BSc or Equivalent Degree
A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.67 or equivalent first-class standing
English Language Requirements:
Internet-based TOEFL: 93 with minimum of 20 in each category
Paper-based TOEFL: 580 and TWE 5
IELTS (academic): overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section
CAEL: overall 70; minimum 60 in each section
Pearson Academic (PTE): overall 65; minimum 60 in all of their sections
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193; C2 Proficiency - minimum score of 200
Duolingo English Test (DET): Provisionally through the Fall 2026 admission cycle - Duolingo English Test (DET) 130 overall with a minimum of 120 in each section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
SFU has established itself as a leading research university over 60 years, consistently ranking in the top 1-2 percent of universities worldwide.