Pre-MDM Application

To apply to the Pre-MDM program, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Create an account in SFU's application system, goGRAD and select “Pre-MDM” when prompted.
2. Pay a non-refundable application fee of $110 (CAD) for Canadian transcript student applicants or $150 (CAD) for international transcript student applicants. This payment must be received and processed before moving on to the next step. As processing can take 3-4 business days, it's important to complete this step early.
3. Submit all required documents and forms through goGRAD. A list of required document can be found on the MDM page. All items must be submitted before your application will be reviewed.

*Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview within a month of the close of admissions. If you do not hear from the admissions team, your application is still under review.

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

These requirements are a minimum standard of achievement and fulfillment of them does not guarantee admission. The Admissions Committee 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 3rd and 4th 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 not be required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English 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 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each section, or
• TOEFL minimum score of 78

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, it can take up to three weeks for them to appear on your application portal. If you have waited for three weeks 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.

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

You will need to include the following items as part of the application process:

•  Samples of Your Work
•  Intro Video / 30-45 seconds
•  Letter of Intent / Max 750 words
•  Short Formal Essay / Max 750 words
•  References
•  Program Survey Form
•  Resume/Curriculum Vitae
•  Unofficial Transcript(s)
•  English Language Proficiency

For more information on these items, please review the full list on the MDM application page.

To pass the Pre-MDM, and get accepted into the Master of Digital Media, students must maintain an overall minimum grade of B (77%-80%) or higher or a GPA of 3.0.

Please see the SFU grading standards for more information