Want to know how to get into the University of Saskatchewan? The University of Saskatchewan is the largest post-secondary institution in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan and boasts the best medical schools in Saskatchewan and one of the best in Canada. If you have an interest in agricultural sciences, biosciences, engineering or environmental sciences, the University of Saskatchewan is an excellent choice and offers a variety of programs in these areas. In this blog, we’ll look at an overview of the University of Saskatchewan, eligibility and the application process, tuition and funding for students and everything you need to know to get into the U of S.
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Mission statement
“The University of Saskatchewan advances the aspirations of the people of the province and beyond through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to discovering, teaching, sharing, integrating, preserving, and applying knowledge, including the creative arts, to build a rich cultural community. An innovative, accessible, and welcoming place for students, educators, and researchers from around the world, we serve the public good by connecting discovery, teaching, and outreach, by promoting diversity and meaningful change, and by preparing students for enriching careers and fulfilling lives as engaged global citizens.”
Academic overview
The University of Saskatchewan, also known as U of S or USask, is a public research university founded in 1907 in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Located in Saskatoon, the university is home to over 26,000 students and offers over 200 academic programs, ranking as one of the best universities in Saskatchewan. It is home to over 3,000 international students from 130 countries. The university is also known for the natural beauty of its campus grounds.
The University of Saskatchewan is the largest post-secondary institution in the province and is among the top research universities in Canada. It is the home of world-leading research in important areas including water and food security. The institution began as an agricultural college, and is now a leader in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, engineering and medicine. The University of Saskatchewan medical school is one of the best in Canada, and the U of S also recently opened its vet school program to international students.
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The university is a top choice for high school students in Saskatchewan, but it receives thousands of applicants from out-of-province and around the globe every year. All universities in Saskatchewan are public, meaning tuition rates tend to be lower. The cost of living in Saskatchewan is also more affordable and the quality of life higher, making it an attractive option for undergraduate students. If you want to study in Canada as an international student, the University of Saskatchewan is an excellent choice, particularly if you have an interest in agricultural sciences, engineering or environmental sciences. For graduate students, the medical sciences faculty at the U of S also offers many great options for study.
Eligibility and prerequisites
For high school students in Saskatchewan, you will need to submit your required Grade 12 subject coursework and transcripts. You must also meet at least a 65% average in order to be considered for admission. Subject course requirements vary depending on your chosen program. For instance, a program in agricultural and biosciences will require Biology 30 and Chemistry 30. Check the university website for the required coursework for your chosen program.
High school students outside of Saskatchewan will need to submit their high school transcripts or equivalent coursework in their province.
The University of Saskatchewan equally accepts mature students, homeschooled students, IB and AP students and international applicants. Eligibility differs depending on your student situation, but all applicants are required to complete the prerequisite coursework or equivalent, depending on their home country. Homeschooled students may have to submit additional documentation of their education, their high school resume and a statement of intent or personal statement.
University of Saskatchewan admission statistics
The University has an acceptance rate of 58%, meaning admission is very competitive and selective of its applicants. High school students in Saskatchewan and Canadian Indigenous students are given preference over out-of-province applicants and international applicants, but it is still very possible to get acceptance with a strong application.
On average, students should aim for a 3.3 GPA or higher to get accepted, or an average high school grade of 80-85%. Admissions statistics will vary by program, meaning certain programs will be even more competitive, so double check admission requirements before you apply. No matter what program you choose, you should craft as strong an application as possible to better your chances of getting in. If you want to know how to get into college with a low GPA, there are ways to bump up your average or improve your overall application to better your odds.
The University does accept standardized test scores in their applications, such as the SAT and ACT. If you choose to submit your test scores, you must achieve a minimum score of 1100 on the SAT and minimum average of 24 on the ACT in order to be accepted.
Acceptance rate at University of Saskatchewan
How to apply to University of Saskatchewan
The application for the University of Saskatchewan can be completed online and is relatively quick and easy. Even so, you can and should take the time you need to fully fill out the application form and include any supplemental materials that can help strengthen you application. If you are a Saskatchewan high school student, your Grade 12 transcripts will be made available to the university. If you are not a current Saskatchewan high school student, you’ll need to upload your transcripts during your application.
Applicants with special circumstances, such as IB and AP students, mature students and homeschooled applicants, will also apply through the regular application system, but will be given special considerations and may have to submit additional documents.
Mature students are considered students who will be 21 years of age or older on their first day of class, and those who have not previously attended post-secondary. Mature students can apply through the regular application process and will be contacted for further information if the school deems them eligible for mature student status.
For those who want to know how to apply for university in Canada as an international student, the application process is nearly identical, though you may have to submit additional documents.
International students will need to submit a proof of English Language Proficiency by submitting test results, for example an IELTS or TOEFL test result. Results can be sent directly to the school from the testing centre. If you’re uncertain what you need for your application, you can talk to a college admissions consultant for international students to give you some insight into the admissions process.
Application timeline
The U of S offers three intakes per year, one in spring, one in summer and one in fall. Application deadlines vary by the program the student is interested in, the date of intake and what type of applicant you are. Details on specific deadlines and required documents are included on the University of Saskatchewan website and the online application portal.
The general deadlines for the admissions intake are:
If you’re still deciding when you want to start your undergraduate degree or you are undecided on which program you should apply for, college advisors can be a great investment in your educational future. They can offer advice on your options and give feedback on your application. If you need help navigating the admissions process, university admissions consulting services also provide a bit of clarity on your application journey.
Tuition and funding opportunities
On average, tuition fees for undergraduate students at USask are $7,600 CAD. For international students, including average costs for studying abroad, the cost is $17,500 CAD. These costs may be more or less depending on the program of choice for undergraduate students.
The university offers a variety of scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. International students are also eligible for multiple scholarships and awards through the school after the first year of study. The government of Saskatchewan and federal government of Canada also offers a variety of education-based scholarships and prizes for domestic and international students. Otherwise, the University of Saskatchewan does not offer a comprehensive financial aid program, as tuition rates are generally considered very affordable and the provincial government of Saskatchewan offers other financial aid and incentive to university students.
Students can also rely on savings, student loans through private institutions or the provincial and federal governments to help pay for their education. An international student advisor or international student scholarship consultant can help you determine which funding opportunities you are eligible for and aid you with the application processes. Deadlines for scholarships are often different from admission application deadlines, so it’s best to start applying early for any and all funding sources you can.
Admissions interview
The University of Saskatchewan does not use admissions interviews for its undergraduate programs. Undergraduate students may, however, access the student career centre for help with interview preparation and job search advice.
International students and graduate students may be called for an interview, depending on the program they’ve applied for. For instance, law school applicants and med school applicants may be extended an interview invite as part of the admissions process. If you’re planning to apply to med school at the U of S, you need to know how to prepare for an MMI interview, since the school favours this interview format.
Regardless of your student status or program of choice, if you’re called for an interview, it’s a good idea to accept it. An interview is a great opportunity to expand on your application in a personal way and make yourself stand out in the minds of admissions boards as more than just a high school transcript.
Acceptance, waitlist, deferral information
The University of Saskatchewan typically has a wait time of 4-5 weeks between application deadlines and offers of acceptance, but students are advised to keep checking back regularly. Applicants to the U of S can do so through their online student portal where they submitted their application. Depending on the intake of their chosen program, students should expect to receive notice of their admission around a month after the deadline has passed.
In the case of being waitlisted, most likely the program of your choice is full and the admissions board is waiting to see if any spots open up later on. Students on the waitlist are not ranked, but they are accepted from the top-down based on their average grade scores. If you are waitlisted, this does not mean you won’t be accepted into your top choice program, even if you don’t have the highest grade average. You may have to wait up to a month to hear back whether there is a spot in the program for you, so keep checking your online student portal for updates. Once you receive acceptance, respond to the offer of acceptance as soon as possible, otherwise registration in your courses may be delayed.
If you are accepted to the University of Saskatchewan and choose to defer your enrollment for a gap year or other circumstance, contact the admissions office as soon as possible. Deferrals are not guaranteed but may be granted depending on your situation or reason for deferral. Situations that might require a deferment of enrollment might include military service, religious service, a work opportunity in another country or a research or volunteer position abroad. It’s best to submit your request for deferral as early as possible so the university’s admissions board can make a decision based on the program you’ve been accepted to, the date of intake and how many students are on the waitlist for the program.
Contact information
Interested applicants can contact the school admissions office at [email protected].
Visitors can also book in-person or online tours at https://admissions.usask.ca/tours-and-events/campus-tours.php. In-person tours may be subject to COVID-19 restrictions such as limitations to group size or masking requirements.
FAQs
1. Is it hard to get into University of Saskatchewan?
The University of Saskatchewan has a fairly competitive acceptance rate of 58%, making it one of the more difficult universities in Canada to get into. The school’s undergraduate programs are highly sought after by Canadian and international students alike, so it can be relatively selective.
2. What GPA do you need to get into University of Saskatchewan?
Students generally need to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to get admitted to the University of Saskatchewan. Or an average grade percentage of 75% or higher. Applicants should aim to have a GPA of 3.3 to remain competitive.
3. Is it expensive to study in Saskatchewan?
Living costs are relatively low in Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon, where the U of S is located, is also regarded as a good place to live. Tuition fees for the University of Saskatchewan can vary, but studying in Canada is also less expensive than studying in the US or UK.
4. Is University of Saskatchewan a good choice for international students?
Yes; the U of S is a good choice for international students wanting to study in Canada. Living costs in the province are generally lower than elsewhere, and the provincial government of Saskatchewan provides healthcare coverage for international students who study in the province.
5. What is University of Saskatchewan known for?
The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished universities in the country. Among its alumni are two Nobel prize winners, five Olympic gold medalist and one Prime Minister of Canada. The USask campus is also known for its beautiful grounds and park land, located on the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon.
6. Does the University of Saskatchewan offer financial aid?
Yes; the University of Saskatchewan offers a variety of entrance scholarships to first-year undergraduate students, regardless of their student status or grades. Students with exemplary grades or who meet certain conditions can receive additional monetary prizes.
7. Is SAT required for University of Saskatchewan?
No; standardized test scores are not required to apply to the U of S, but they are accepted and can improve your application and chances of getting in. If you have taken the SAT or ACT, you will need to submit a score of at least 1100 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT to gain admittance.
8. Does the University of Saskatchewan use an admissions interview?
No; the University of Saskatchewan does not use admissions interviews for its undergraduate students. International or graduate students may be invited for an interview, depending on the program they are applying for.
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2 Comments
Joan
Can you change an application that is under review?if yes,how without having to start a new application?
ReplyElvis Boateng
Please when is the fall semester admission due for international students?
Reply