Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada is inviting applications and inquiries from talented and motivated students interested in pursuing research-based Master’s (MSc) and PhD studies through its Synthetic Aperture Radar Laboratory (SAR Lab).
The research opportunity is focused on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), remote sensing, satellite data, and related technologies. Selected students can receive guaranteed research funding for their studies, with additional fellowship and teaching assistantship opportunities potentially available.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to applicants with a strong background in remote sensing, programming, engineering, or related research areas who are interested in developing advanced research skills and producing publishable work.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Simon Fraser University (SFU) |
| Laboratory | Synthetic Aperture Radar Laboratory (SAR Lab) |
| Country | Canada |
| Study Level | MSc & PhD |
| Program Type | Research-Based Graduate Studies |
| Research Areas | Remote Sensing, SAR, Satellite Data, Engineering |
| MSc Funding | CAD $28,000 per year Research Assistantship |
| PhD Funding | CAD $32,000 per year Research Assistantship |
| Additional Support | Potential fellowship and/or teaching assistantship |
| MSc Funding Duration | 2 Years |
| PhD Funding Duration | 4 Years |
| English Requirement | IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent |
| Application Method | Contact the Professor / SAR Lab |
About the Opportunity
The Synthetic Aperture Radar Laboratory at Simon Fraser University conducts advanced research involving remote sensing, satellite data and Synthetic Aperture Radar technologies.
Students joining the laboratory can gain experience working with specialized datasets, advanced computing resources and SAR technologies while receiving supervision and mentoring throughout their research.
The opportunity is intended for students seeking a research-based graduate degree rather than applicants looking for a general scholarship that is open to all academic disciplines.
What Does the Opportunity Offer?
Selected MSc and PhD students can receive research funding as part of their graduate studies.
MSc Funding
MSc students can receive a Research Assistantship starting at approximately CAD $28,000 per year, with 2 years of guaranteed funding according to the opportunity information.
PhD Funding
PhD students can receive a Research Assistantship starting at approximately CAD $32,000 per year, with 4 years of guaranteed funding.
Students may also be eligible for additional financial support through the School of Engineering Science Graduate Fellowship and/or Teaching Assistantship Program. The opportunity information indicates that this additional support may be CAD $15,000 per year or more.
The exact funding package and conditions should be confirmed with Simon Fraser University and the relevant supervisor before applying.
Research Opportunities and Facilities
Students working with the SAR Lab may have access to:
- RADARSAT-2 satellite data
- Specialized remote sensing datasets
- High-powered GPU computing resources
- Airborne SAR technology
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Academic supervision and mentoring
- Potential project-based collaboration with MDA
These resources provide opportunities for students to develop practical and research experience in advanced remote sensing and SAR technologies.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for students with an academic or research background related to:
- Remote sensing
- Synthetic Aperture Radar
- Engineering
- Satellite technology
- Geospatial technologies
- Computer science and programming
- Related technical and research disciplines
Applicants should have a strong interest in research and be prepared to work on technically demanding projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- A strong research interest and background in remote sensing
- Solid programming skills, particularly in C++ and Python
- Strong scientific writing skills
- High motivation to conduct and publish research
- Very good spoken and written English
- An academic background relevant to the proposed research
Applicants should also meet the general admission requirements of Simon Fraser University for the relevant graduate program.
English Language Requirement
Applicants are expected to demonstrate English proficiency. The SAR Lab lists the following language requirements:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each section
- TOEFL iBT: 93, with a minimum of 20 in each category
- Paper-based TOEFL: 580 with TWE 5
Applicants should confirm the current university-level English-language requirements before submitting their application.
Required Documents
Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV or résumé
- Academic transcript
- Cover letter
The cover letter should clearly explain your research interests, academic background, programming and technical experience, and your reasons for wanting to join the Synthetic Aperture Radar Laboratory.
Applicants should also be prepared to provide additional academic or admission documents if requested by the university or supervisor.
How to Apply
This opportunity uses a research-supervisor contact approach rather than a general scholarship application.
Follow these steps:
- Review the official SAR Lab MSc and PhD positions page.
- Carefully review the research areas and requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV, academic transcript and cover letter.
- Clearly explain your research interests and relevant technical experience.
- Contact Prof. Bernhard Rabus at Simon Fraser University.
- In your communication, explain why your academic and research background is relevant to the SAR Lab.
- Follow any further instructions provided by the professor or university regarding graduate admission and research supervision.
Important Note
This is a research-based MSc and PhD opportunity, not a general scholarship available to students from every academic background.
Applicants should carefully assess whether their academic background, research interests, remote sensing knowledge and programming skills match the laboratory's research focus before contacting the professor.
The funding amounts and additional financial support should also be confirmed directly with Simon Fraser University during the application and admission process.
Application Deadline
The information provided for this research opportunity does not specify a single fixed application deadline.
Applicants should therefore review the official SAR Lab page and the relevant Simon Fraser University graduate admission requirements for current application timelines.
Ready to Apply?
If you have a strong background in remote sensing, engineering, programming, or a related research field and are interested in pursuing a funded MSc or PhD in Canada, you can review the official opportunity and contact the relevant supervisor.
APPLY NOW
