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Admission Requirements

The Master of Digital Media (MDM) program is a limited, competitive entry program that starts in September every year. The requirements listed below are intended to equal or exceed the general graduate admission requirements at all partner institutions.

These requirements constitute a minimum standard of achievement and fulfillment of them does not guarantee admission. Centre for Digital Media (CDM) reserves the right to request an interview with an applicant either face-to-face, online, or by telephone.

Minimum Undergraduate Degree

Applicants must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) acceptable to all four CDM partner institutions in a field related to digital media. If applying from an unrelated discipline, applicants must make the case for the relationship between the discipline in which they hold their previous degree and this program and how they would benefit from the MDM program. 

There are no specific requirements for capabilities in programs, applications, or coding languages but students must be versed in the use of some form of digital media tools and have demonstrated ability in computing to qualify.

Please visit SFU International Admission Requirements for a detailed list of requirements per country.

Minimum Undergraduate Grades

Minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% or higher) in third and fourth year courses.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be granted admission on the recommendation of the MDM program if they:

  • hold 12 credits of third and fourth year courses in a field of study related to digital media in the "A" range (80% or higher), or
  • hold a four-year undergraduate degree, and have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience.

English Language Proficiency

English is the language of communication and instruction in the MDM program. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies. 

Applicants will be required to complete an English-language test if:

  • they are not Canadian citizens, or
  • they are not citizens of a country where English is the primary language, or
  • they have not completed a degree (bachelor's or master's) at an institution where English is the language of instruction and examination in a country where English is the primary language. 

If you do not meet the requirements above, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through IELTS or TOEFL testing and meet the following scores:

  • IELTS Academic overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each section, or
  • TOEFL minimum score of 100 with no less than a score of 20 in each category.

All test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test.

IELTS and TOEFL test scores can be submitted electronically directly from the test centre to Simon Fraser University (SFU). SFU's Institution Code is 0999 and a departmental code is not required.

Once you release your official results to SFU, please allow one month for them to appear on your application portal. If you have waited for over one month and still do not see your results updated, please send SFU a ticket that includes:

  • the date on which you released your results to SFU, and
  • your unofficial test results with your name and test information clearly visible.

NOTE: Duolingo, online versions of the IELTS, TOEFL MyBest (super-scored), or or TOEFL Essentials results will not be accepted.

On occasion, unofficial copies of English test scores (scanned, saved, etc.) may be accepted as a placeholder until official test scores are received. If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit official English test scores that meet the minimum requirements. If you fail to submit official scores that meet the requirements before the program starts your offer will be rescinded.

Don't meet the English Language Proficiency requirements?

Consider enrolling in Pre-MDM, a 2 semester program designed to help students whose second language is English improve their English communication in the digital industry and prepare for entry into the Master of Digital Media program.

Apply to Pre-MDM

Application Timeline

Applications for Fall 2024 are now closed.

Apply Now

MDM Tuition Fees

Total Fees

Canadian Students: $39,148 CAD

International Students: $65,828 CAD

Note: The fee above does not include a $1500 refundable equipment deposit. Student fees are subject to change. They include an all-access transit pass, extended medical and dental insurance, as well as access to Simon Fraser University's recreation facilities. Learn more about fees.

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