Established in 1907, the **University of Saskatchewan (USask)** is one of Canada’s leading public research universities and a source of pride for the province of Saskatchewan. Known for one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, exceptional educational quality, and pioneering contributions to science, USask is an ideal destination for international students seeking a comprehensive academic environment and a pathway to a long-term career.
University of Saskatchewan: Quick Facts for 2025
- **Location:** Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- **QS 2025 Ranking:** #340 Worldwide
- **International Tuition:** From ~24,000 CAD/year (Undergraduate)
- **Estimated Living Costs:** ~13,000 – 15,000 CAD/year
- **Main Intake:** September (Application deadline: ~Feb 15), January (Application deadline: ~Sep 1)
- **Key Features:** Member of the U15, strong permanent residency opportunities with the SINP.
Why Choose USask?
- **World-Class Education:** As a member of the U15 group of Canada’s top research universities, USask guarantees excellent teaching quality and opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects.
- **Affordable Costs:** Tuition and living expenses in Saskatoon are significantly lower than in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, which eases the financial burden on international students.
- **Clear Permanent Residency Pathway:** Graduating from USask provides a major advantage when applying for permanent residency through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), one of Canada’s most accessible and effective immigration programs.
- **Excellent Living Environment:** Saskatoon is a safe, friendly city with a high quality of life, making it an ideal environment for international students to study and integrate.
Top Programs of Study
USask offers over 100 diverse academic programs, with notable strengths in the following areas:
- **Agriculture and Bioresources:** One of the world’s leading programs, pioneering research in food security and sustainable agriculture.
- **Engineering:** Prepares hands-on engineers with diverse specializations like Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Environmental.
- **Health Sciences:** Includes globally recognized colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Public Health.
- **Business:** The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at the Edwards School of Business are highly regarded.
Costs & Scholarships (2025-2026 Academic Year)
1. Tuition and Living Expenses
- **Estimated Tuition:** From **24,000 – 30,000 CAD/year** for international undergraduate students, depending on the program.
- **Estimated Living Costs:** Approximately **13,000 – 15,000 CAD/year** (including accommodation, books, transportation, and insurance). Note that to apply for a study visa, you need to prove you have at least **20,635 CAD** (as per IRCC requirements) for your first year of living expenses.
2. Scholarships for International Students
USask offers many attractive scholarships, including:
- **Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships:** Automatically awarded based on your academic average (GPA), worth **1,000 – 3,000 CAD**.
- **Competitive Entrance Awards:** Require a separate application and are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills.
Admission Requirements
To learn more about the **requirements for studying in Canada** at USask, students need to meet these basic criteria:
- **Academic Standing:** Graduation from high school with a GPA that meets the specific requirements for each program.
- **English Language Proficiency:**
- **IELTS Academic:** Minimum 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0).
- **TOEFL iBT:** Minimum 86 (with no band less than 19).
- **Duolingo English Test:** Minimum 115.
- **PTE Academic:** Minimum 63.
Note: Requirements for graduate programs may be higher and may also require additional documents such as letters of reference, work experience, or a research proposal.
Conclusion
With a perfect combination of top-tier education, competitive costs, and a clear path to permanent residency, the University of Saskatchewan is a strategic and smart choice for Vietnamese students. It is not just a place to gain knowledge but also a solid launching pad for your career and long-term future in Canada.