Is University of Saskatchewan good? University of Saskatchewan is a fairly good school. This university is the biggest in Saskatchewan, Canada, particularly renowned for its outstanding medical school—one of Canada’s finest. The University of Saskatchewan is also a good and great place for studying agricultural sciences, biosciences, engineering, and environmental sciences.
This article will give you a rundown on what the USask offers, and I’ll cover the eligibility criteria, the application process, tuition fees, funding opportunities, and other important information to help you join USask.
Is University of Saskatchewan Good?
The University of Saskatchewan is a fairly good school. You’ll really enjoy it if you love engaging with professors and the community. If you put in the effort, you can make great friends. However, if you’re accepted into a college in Ontario, for example, consider staying there. Programs there might offer more in terms of clubs, placement programs, and student support compared to here. Also, finding a job in Ontario right after graduation can be easier if you study locally, as employers often prefer graduates from familiar colleges.
The engineering program in USask, for example, is solid with good professors, but it’s more suited if you plan to work in the prairies post-graduation, like in the mining industry. If you’re aiming to return to Ontario, it might not be the best fit for you.
The general quality of education and professors here varies though. While there are good ones, you’ll find just as many that might not meet your expectations. Given that this is a small university in a less populated area, it has its limitations. If you have other options, you might want to consider them over USask.
University of Saskatchewan Ranking
According to Times Higher Education, the University of Saskatchewan is ranked between 351–400 in the World University Rankings 2024 and holds the 67th position in the Impact Rankings 2023.
What is USask Known For?
The University of Saskatchewan, often referred to as U of S or USask, is a celebrated public research university established in 1907 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Situated in Saskatoon, it hosts over 26,000 students and provides more than 200 academic offerings, making it a top-ranking institution in Saskatchewan.
The university is an international educational destination, welcoming over 3,000 students from 130 countries. Renowned for its scenic campus, the University of Saskatchewan stands as the province’s primary higher education establishment and ranks high among Canada’s research-intensive universities.
It spearheads global research, especially in vital areas like water and food security. Originally an agricultural college, it now leads in agricultural sciences, environmental studies, engineering, and medicine. The university’s medical school is among Canada’s finest, and its vet school program is now open to international students.
The University of Saskatchewan is a popular choice among high school graduates in the province and attracts thousands of applicants from other parts of Canada and across the world each year. Like all universities in Saskatchewan, it is a public institution, which generally means more affordable tuition fees. The lower cost of living in Saskatchewan, coupled with a high quality of life, makes it an appealing choice for undergraduate students.
So, whether you are an international or a local student, the University of Saskatchewan is a great option, especially if you’re interested in fields like agricultural sciences, engineering, or environmental sciences. For those pursuing graduate studies, the university’s medical sciences faculty offers many programs that just might fit your requirements.
USask Application Requirements
To apply to the University of Saskatchewan as a high school student from Saskatchewan, you need to provide your Grade 12 transcripts and subject coursework. Your average should be at least 65% to qualify.
Different programs require specific subjects – for example, agricultural and biosciences programs need Biology 30 and Chemistry 30. Visit the university’s website to know the exact coursework for your program of interest.
As a high school student from outside Saskatchewan, you must submit your high school transcripts or the equivalent from your province.
The University of Saskatchewan also welcomes applications from mature students, homeschooled students, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) students, and international applicants. Each category has specific eligibility requirements, but all must complete the necessary prerequisite coursework or its equivalent based on their home country’s curriculum.
Homeschooled students might be asked to provide extra documentation about their education, including a high school resume and a personal statement or statement of intent.
What is the Acceptance Rate for University of Saskatchewan?
As of 2023, the University of Saskatchewan has an acceptance rate of 70%. This school is fairly competitive and is not hard to get into. Preference is typically given to high school students from Saskatchewan and Canadian Indigenous students over those from other provinces or countries. However, strong applications from all students are considered.
As an applicant, you generally need a minimum GPA of 3.3 or an average high school grade between 80-85% for a good chance of acceptance. Admission criteria vary by program, with some being more competitive. You need to check the specific requirements for the program you are interested in.
For those concerned about getting into USask with a lower GPA, there are strategies to improve your application and increase your chances of acceptance.
This University accepts standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT as part of the application. A minimum score of 1100 on the SAT and an average of 24 on the ACT is required for admission. You will also need a strong application, regardless of the program you choose.
How to Apply to the University of Saskatchewan
Applying to the University of Saskatchewan is a simple online process. Here’s what you need to know:
Complete the Application
Take your time to fill out the application form thoroughly. Include all necessary supplemental materials to enhance your application.
Upload Your Transcripts
For Saskatchewan high school students, their Grade 12 transcripts will automatically be sent to the university. Non-Saskatchewan students need to upload their transcripts during the application process.
Begin the Application Process
IB and AP students, mature students, and homeschooled applicants apply through the standard system but may need to provide additional documents. Older students (21 years or older and have not attended post-secondary education) follow the regular process but may be contacted for further details.
The application process is similar for domestic students, but additional documents might be required. Proof of English Language Proficiency is essential, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, which should be sent directly from the testing center.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Advice
If you’re unsure about the application requirements, especially as an international student, consider consulting a college admissions consultant for guidance.
USask Application Deadlines
The University of Saskatchewan has three admission periods each year: spring, summer, and fall. The application deadlines are different depending on the program, intake season, and applicant type.
You can find specific deadlines and document requirements on the U of S website and their online application portal.
Here’s a summary of the general application and document submission deadlines:
- Early February: Deadline for spring program applications.
- Early March: Deadline for summer program applications and document submissions for spring intake.
- Early April: Deadline for document submissions for summer intake.
- Early May: Deadline for fall program applications.
- Early June: Deadline for document submissions for fall intake.
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid at the University of Saskatchewan
For undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), tuition fees generally are around CAD 7,600. For those studying internationally, the cost can reach about CAD 17,500, varying with the chosen program.
USask provides various scholarships, awards, and bursaries for new students. After their first year, international students can also access several scholarships and awards. Additionally, both the Saskatchewan and Canadian federal governments offer scholarships and prizes for local and international students. While USask doesn’t have an extensive financial aid program, due to the reasonable tuition rates, the Saskatchewan government does provide other financial assistance and incentives for university students.
You could still finance your education from your savings, loans from private entities, or government sources. Advisors specializing in international student affairs or scholarship consultancy can guide students in identifying suitable funding opportunities and assist with applications. Note that scholarship deadlines can differ from those for admissions, so apply early for all potential funding sources.
USask Admission Status: Acceptance, Waitlist, Deferral
It usually takes about 4-5 weeks after the application deadline to find out if you’ve been accepted. Remember to regularly check your online student portal, where you applied, for updates. You’ll typically hear about your admission about a month after the application deadline, depending on the program you’ve applied to.
If you are on the waitlist, it often means the program is full, and the admissions team is waiting to see if spots open up. Waitlisted students aren’t ranked but are considered for acceptance based on their grade averages. Being waitlisted doesn’t mean you won’t get into your preferred program, even if your grades aren’t the highest. It might take up to a month to know if you’ve got a spot, so keep an eye on your student portal for news. Once you’re accepted, respond quickly to secure your place in the courses.
If you’re accepted but want to defer your start for reasons like a gap year, military or religious service, work, or volunteer opportunities abroad, contact the admissions office quickly. Deferrals aren’t always possible but might be granted based on your situation. Make sure to request a deferral early so the admissions team can consider your request based on the program’s intake time and the number of students on the waitlist.
Conclusion—Is University of Saskatchewan Good?
The University of Saskatchewan is not bad, it is a fairly good school that is welcoming for both local and international students. What you should be worried about is the weather. As an international student coming to Canada for the first time, it can be tough in Saskatoon as temperatures can drop below -40 degrees during peak winter. You can get sick if you struggle to adjust to cold weather. The international student office at the University of Saskatchewan offers classes that teach you how to dress for the weather, so look out for those too. Your health comes first; you don’t want to compromise on buying quality cold-weather gear.
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