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SFU ranked top comprehensive university in Canada by Maclean's magazine

SFU also one of the best universities for education programs.
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SFU Burnaby campus.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) continues to shine on the national stage. 

In its 2023 report, Maclean's Magazine ranked the Burnaby post-secondary as the best comprehensive university in Canada ahead of the University of Victoria and the University of Waterloo. 

SFU has finished first in the category for 14 out of the past 15 years, tying last year with Victoria. 

“It’s an honour for Simon Fraser University to be once again ranked as Canada’s top comprehensive university by Maclean’s," SFU president Joy Johnson said in a news release.

"Everyone at the university has worked so hard to improve programs, bring new life to campus and stay committed to SFU’s values as we prepared for a return to full in-person learning this fall. I’m grateful to see that work recognized and celebrated."

Comprehensive universities are recognized by Maclean's for their significant amount of research activity as well as a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional degrees. 

The school finished first in five out of 12 categories that comprehensive universities are judged on.

The top honours were earned in student awards, operating budget, library expenses, library acquisitions and student services. 

SFU was ranked 22nd nationally for student retention, coming in at 87 per cent based on the number of full-time, first-year students enrolled during fall 2020 that returned to the school the following year. 

In best education programs, SFU ranked in the top 10, coming in at number nine. UBC was recognized as number one.