Saskatchewan, a province in Canada, offers a diverse student population with over 10,520 international students enrolled in its prestigious universities. Read this article to learn more about the top universities, student life, scholarships, and career prospects in Saskatchewan.
Overview of Education System in Saskatchewan
Before you prepare to study in Saskatchewan, it is important to know about the cutting-edge education system of the city. Saskatchewan offers free public education from elementary (kindergarten to Grade 8) to secondary/high school (Grades 9-12).
Childhood education starts from five years of age, before which ECE (early childhood education) is available for kids. Those interested in pursuing higher education will find several reputed universities here, namely the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
Why Study in Saskatchewan- Top 6 Reasons
Here are some of the reasons why Saskatchewan is a major study abroad destination:
Saskatchewan has two globally renowned universities drawing innumerable international students annually.
The region has the lowest unemployment rate of 5% in Canada(as of February 2024).
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program allows students to permanently migrate to Canada with less strenuous work experience requirements.
The housing costs in the city are lower compared to many Canadian cities.
Traffic commutes are just around 20 minutes, while there are several recreational options available.
Saskatchewan is poised to see economic growth of 1.1% in 2024, twice that of the national average.
Best Universities to Study in Saskatchewan
Here are the top universities to study in Saskatchewan.
University Name
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Times Higher Education Rankings: Canada 2024
University of Saskatchewan
351–400
=15
University of Regina
801–1000
=28
Best Courses to Study in Saskatchewan
Here are some of the top courses to study in Saskatchewan.
Course
Average Tuition Fees
Accounting
CAD36,826 per year
Applied Mathematics
CAD31,983 per year
Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
CAD31,983 per year
Computer Engineering
CAD45,419 per year
Economics
CAD30,480 per year
Physics
CAD31,983 per year
Environmental Engineering
CAD45,419 per year
Geophysics
CAD31,983 per year
Global Studies
CAD3,011 per three-unit class
Education
CAD31,488 per year
Source: Official University Websites
Cost of Living in Saskatchewan
As an international student, it is important to take note of the monthly expenses you will have to bear. Here is a snapshot of the average cost of living in Saskatchewan.
Type of Expense
Average Monthly Costs
Accommodation
CAD900–2,500
Transportation
CAD90
Phone
CAD86.54
Utilities
CAD308.78
Internet
CAD97.11
Fitness Club Fee
CAD52.14
Cost of Studying in Saskatchewan
The cost of study in Saskatchewan may vary across colleges and universities. For direct entry colleges, they may range from CAD30–45,000 or upwards. For non-direct entry colleges, they may hover from CAD19–1,22,000. These are yearly rates as per estimates.
Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Saskatchewan
Here are some of the top scholarships to study in Saskatchewan.
Scholarship
Benefits/Value
Eligibility
University of Saskatchewan-Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship
CAD500-3,000
Given as per the best average (85%-95%+) in Grade 12 at the time of admission.
University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards
One-time payment of CAD10,000
Four scholarships are offered to international students, based on academic achievements.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards- University of Saskatchewan
One-time award of value CAD20,000
International students who complete the IB Diploma program at the university.
University of Regina-Saskatchewan Innovation Opportunity Scholarship/Global Education Scholarship
CAD1,000–2,000
International students enrolled in respective programs and completing 30 (undergraduate) or 9 (postgraduate) credit hours.
Applicants must have obtained an overall GPA of 70% (undergraduate) or 80% (postgraduate) or higher.
They should have participated in international exchanges, study tours, etc.
Student Life in Saskatchewan
Student life in Saskatchewan revolves around several on-campus groups and activities, with events mostly organized by the Students Association. There are student groups including campus societies and clubs along with Rec teams across intramural sports leagues. Students will usually get access to fitness and sports centers on campus along with dance studios, indoor tracks, fields, and more.
There are musical concerts and shows on campus along with opportunities to participate in theater productions. Students can also visit popular landmarks like the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Little Manitou Lake, Grasslands National Park, Cypress Hill Provincial Park, Reesor Ranch, Saskatoon, and more nearby. Additionally, several festivals/events are held throughout the year as well, including the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, the Saskatoon Fringe Festival, and the Winterruption Music Festival, to name a few.
Career Prospects for Students in Saskatchewan
The average salary in Saskatchewan is CAD64,000 per year according to PayScale. Here is a list of some jobs and their annual average salaries.
Job
Average Annual Salary
Project Manager
CAD54–98,000
Executive Director
CAD52–1,12,000
Operations Manager
CAD48–99,000
Administrative Assistant
CAD34–59,000
Executive Assistant
CAD42–69,000
Human Resources Manager
CAD48–1,03,000
Accountant
CAD44–77,000
Source: Payscale(As of April 2024)
In conclusion, with its high employment rate and reputed universities, studying in Saskatchewan promises to be a good choice for those looking for fulfilling academic and professional journeys in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a student visa to study in Saskatchewan?
A study permit is required for courses of more than six months and candidates should have letters of acceptance from designated learning institutions or DLIs in Canada along with the PAL (provincial attestation letter).
Other requirements include valid travel documents and an IRCC letter of introduction. You may require a temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to the country, depending on your home country. This will be automatically given by the IRCC in case your study permit gets approval. You have to apply online via the IRCC secure account for the study permit.
Can I work and study in Saskatchewan?
You can work while studying in Saskatchewan, with several institutions also providing internship or co-op options for learners. Full-time international students can work part-time (off-campus) and also full-time during breaks without needing work permits.
Yet, a co-op work permit will be necessary for those desiring to work in internship or co-op programs. The wages may vary, although the minimum hourly wage in Saskatchewan is CAD14 per hour.
Which course is best to Study in Saskatchewan?
Some of the top courses to study in Saskatchewan include economics, computer engineering, physics, geophysics, and many others.
What support services are available for international students in universities in Saskatchewan?
There are several support services available for international students in Saskatchewan universities including wellness centers, international student and study abroad centers, career services, and student union services including food, childcare, help centers, and more.
What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Saskatchewan outside of my studies?
There are several cultural attractions that can be explored in Saskatchewan, including the Government House, Mackenzie Art Gallery, Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Saskatchewan Science Center, and the longest-running archaeological site in Canada, Wanuskewin, a historical site of national importance that has been proposed under the UNESCO World Heritage category.
