Simon Fraser University Offers Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Research Opportunities in Canada
Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada is offering funded Master’s and PhD research opportunities, with annual stipends starting at CAD 28,000 for Master’s students and CAD 32,000 for PhD students.
The opportunities are available through the university’s Synthetic Aperture Radar Laboratory (SARlab) in British Columbia, which focuses on satellite radar technology, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and environmental monitoring.
According to the university’s official announcement, the laboratory guarantees two years of funding for Master’s students and four years for PhD students.
Students may also receive additional financial support of CAD 15,000 or more annually through graduate fellowships and teaching assistantships.
The laboratory has advertised three PhD research positions under an NSERC Alliance-funded project developed with Canadian technology company MDA. It may also consider Master’s candidates for alternative research positions.
Simon Fraser University Graduate Research Assistantship Details
The research opportunities are available through SARlab, where students will work on advanced satellite radar technologies and their practical applications.
The laboratory is recruiting researchers for a project titled Enhancement of SAR Research Methods to Identify and Create Community-Centric Mapping Applications for Canada’s North.
The project aims to develop improved radar-based monitoring systems for northern Canadian communities.
Researchers will combine Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced engineering techniques to monitor environmental changes and maritime activities.
The project also aims to develop mapping applications that support local communities and encourage the exchange of traditional and scientific knowledge.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
Simon Fraser University offers research assistantship funding to eligible Master’s and PhD students joining SARlab.
The advertised starting annual stipend is CAD 28,000 for Master’s students and CAD 32,000 for PhD students.
The laboratory guarantees funding for two years at the Master’s level and four years at the doctoral level.
SARlab also states that the research stipend increases after students publish their first research paper.
In addition, students generally receive CAD 15,000 or more annually through the School of Engineering Science’s Graduate Fellowship or Teaching Assistantship programs.
According to the laboratory, this additional funding is sufficient to cover tuition fees.
However, applicants should confirm their individual funding packages, tuition charges, mandatory fees, and living expenses before accepting an offer.
The laboratory also provides access to specialized research equipment, satellite datasets, advanced computing facilities, and opportunities for collaboration with industry partners.
Available Master’s and PhD Research Positions
The university has identified three doctoral research areas under its Arctic mapping project.
1. Arctic Marine Remote Sensing Using SAR and Artificial Intelligence
The first PhD opportunity focuses on developing advanced radar methods for monitoring Arctic marine environments.
The selected student will develop techniques to detect and identify small vessels in difficult coastal conditions involving sea ice, icebergs, and complex ocean surfaces.
The research will use satellite and airborne SAR data alongside artificial intelligence, machine learning, and signal processing.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Remote Sensing, Physics, Geomatics, or a related field.
The university considers previous experience in SAR, machine learning, computer vision, or signal processing an advantage.
2. Arctic Land Monitoring Using InSAR, Geophysical Modelling and AI
The second PhD opportunity focuses on monitoring changes across Arctic landscapes using satellite radar technology.
The research will examine permafrost degradation, ground deformation, hydrology, coastal erosion, and infrastructure stability.
Students will develop advanced methods using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), geophysical modelling, and artificial intelligence.
Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Geophysics, Remote Sensing, Earth Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related discipline.
Experience in geospatial analysis, machine learning, scientific programming, or InSAR will be an advantage.
3. Compact Polarimetric SAR for Maritime Surveillance
The third PhD position focuses on developing compact polarimetric SAR methods for maritime surveillance and ocean monitoring.
Researchers will investigate how radar signals interact with ocean surfaces under different wind conditions.
The project aims to improve vessel detection, ocean wind measurements, and future satellite radar applications.
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Remote Sensing, Physics, Geomatics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
The laboratory will value experience in radar signal processing, electromagnetic modelling, SAR remote sensing, Python, or MATLAB.
The university may also consider Master’s candidates for alternative positions related to these research areas.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s and PhD Applicants
Candidates must have a relevant academic background and demonstrate strong research interests.
SARlab welcomes applicants with knowledge of remote sensing, radar technology, engineering, computer science, physics, geophysics, geomatics, or related disciplines.
The laboratory particularly values strong programming skills, including experience with C++ and Python.
Applicants should also demonstrate scientific writing skills, strong motivation to publish research findings, and good spoken and written English.
For research-based Master’s admission through the School of Engineering Science, applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Science, or a related field.
PhD applicants generally need a relevant Master’s degree and evidence of their ability to conduct independent research.
Candidates must also identify a faculty member willing to supervise their research.
English Language Requirements
Simon Fraser University’s SARlab has published specific English language requirements for applicants interested in joining the laboratory.
Candidates submitting IELTS Academic results must have an overall band score of at least 7.0, with no individual section below 6.5.
The laboratory also lists a TOEFL iBT score of 93, with at least 20 in each section, under the previous scoring system.
However, Simon Fraser University has introduced revised TOEFL requirements following changes to the examination’s scoring system in January 2026.
Applicants taking the revised TOEFL examination should confirm the applicable equivalent score with SARlab and the relevant graduate admissions office.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants interested in joining SARlab must prepare an updated curriculum vitae (CV), academic transcript, and cover letter.
The cover letter should explain their academic background, research interests, programming skills, and reasons for joining the laboratory.
Candidates should also describe their relevant research experience and identify the research areas that match their academic interests.
For formal admission through the School of Engineering Science, applicants must provide a statement of interest, CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact information for three referees.
The university does not require GRE scores for Engineering Science graduate admission.
Applicants must meet the university’s separate academic documentation requirements after receiving an admission offer.
How to Apply for Simon Fraser University Research Assistantship
Interested candidates must first contact Professor Bernhard Rabus, who supervises research activities at SARlab.
Applicants should send an email containing their updated CV, academic transcript, and cover letter to btrabus@sfu.ca.
Candidates should clearly explain whether they are interested in a Master’s or PhD position and describe how their academic qualifications match the laboratory’s research activities.
Those interested in the advertised Arctic mapping project should also identify the doctoral research area that best matches their interests.
After contacting the supervisor, candidates must follow the university’s formal graduate admission process.
Find out more details about the Simon Fraser University Graduate Research Assistantship (Master’s) and Simon Fraser University Graduate Research Assistantship (PhD)
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