USask is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases.
Saskatoon is a beautiful, friendly city. Throughout its history, it has welcomed people from all over Canada and around the world.
USask provides many supports and learning opportunities for students. The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) is a central support unit that fosters a welcoming, globally aware and inclusive campus community.
Important dates
| Fall term (Sept. – Dec.) Academic year (Sept. – April) |
Winter term (Jan. – April) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Nomination deadline |
April 1 |
October 1 |
| Application deadline | May 1 | October 15 |
| Deadline to pay USask student fees | September 29 | January 30 |
See the USask academic calendar for other important dates.
How to apply
Applying for the Student Exchange Program at USask is easy. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
✔️ Confirm that your home institution has an active student exchange agreement with the University of Saskatchewan.
Step 2: Contact Your Exchange Coordinator
📞 Reach out to the Exchange Program Coordinator at your home institution.
📝 Apply to your institution’s exchange program — a preliminary screening process may be required.
Step 3: Get Nominated
🎓 If you're accepted, your Exchange Program Coordinator will officially nominate you to the University of Saskatchewan.
See above for nomination deadlines.
After Your Nomination
Once your home institution has nominated you, you will receive an email with a link to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) online application porta
Required Documents
Please prepare and upload the following documents as part of your application:
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Academic Transcript: A copy of your official transcript from your home institution.
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English Translation of Transcript (if applicable): Required if your transcript is not in English.
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Proof of English Proficiency
Submit one of the following:- A signed letter from your institution’s Faculty of English confirming your proficiency.
- A signed letter from your International Coordinator verifying your English language skills.
- Official results from a recognized standardized English test (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) meeting USask’s minimum requirements.
Please refer to the section above for important application deadlines.
If your application is successful, you will receive an official Letter of Admission (LOA) from the University of Saskatchewan.
📬 When to Expect It:
Admission letters are typically issued 4 to 6 weeks after the application deadline.
Academic information
Students from institutions that have a formal exchange agreement with USask can participate in the Student Exchange Program. You can study here for one or two terms and you pay your tuition to your home institution.
Exchange Students must maintain full-time student status by taking 3 to 5 courses per term.
USask follows a credit unit (c.u.) system. A 3 c.u. course is offered over one-term; a 6 c.u. course is offered during the full academic year (September to April). Please ensure that you understand the requirements of your home institution with respect to transfer credit.
- Undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of 9 credit units (or 3 courses) per term to a maximum is 15 credit units (or 5 courses) per term.
- Graduate students are required to take a maximum of 9 credit units (or 3 courses) per term.
Students also need to meet the prerequisites (or equivalents) of the intended course in order to be allowed to register. The prerequisites are listed under the course titles in the Course and Program Catalogue.
Language of instruction: English
To be successful at USask, students must be proficient in English—both written and verbal. Your home institution should evaluate your English language proficiency before nominating you to USask.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements listed on admissions.usask.ca or provide a letter of support from your home institution’s exchange coordinator or English department stating that your English language proficiency is high enough to study in English at a post-secondary level.
- Language courses are offered through academic departments if you wish to study a language other than English.
- Part-time English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and workshops are available for a fee through USask's Language Centre. These non-credit courses help students improve their English language skills in academic contexts.
As a prospective exchange student, you can explore available classes at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) through our official Course and Program Catalogue. Please note that not all courses for the upcoming academic year may be listed at the time of your application. Course offerings are updated regularly. Once you receive your Letter of Admission (LOA) and Study Plan, we recommend reviewing the Catalogue again to confirm course availability and finalize your selections.
Exchange and visiting students are generally eligible to take courses across a wide range of programs. However, the following programs are not available to exchange students. These include:
- College of Dentistry
- College of Education
- College of Medicine
- College of Nursing
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Indigenous Business Administration Certificate
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Physical Therapy
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Post-Graduate Degree in Corrections
- Limited courses in accounting
Note: All other graduate-level courses are subject to individual review and approval.
Credit system
USask follows a credit unit (c.u.) system. A 3 c.u. course is offered over one-term; a 6 c.u. course is offered during the full academic year (September to April).
Grading system
- 90-100%: Exceptional
- 80-89%: Excellent
- 70-79%: Good
- 60-69%: Satisfactory
- 50-59%: Minimal pass
- Below 50%: Fail
To support the transfer of academic credit to your home university, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) provides one official transcript free of charge to your home institution after your exchange term.
📄 Additional Transcripts- Additional copies can be ordered at a cost of $10 CAD per transcript.
- Transcripts can be requested through the Transcript and Degree Confirmation channel in PAWS (Personalized Access to Web Services).
As an exchange student at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), you will pay tuition to your home institution, not to USask.
However, you will be responsible for covering the following expenses during your stay in Canada:
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USask Student Fees: You must pay (undergraduate or graduate) student fees directly to USask by the deadline listed on the Tuition and Fees page.
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Travel Costs: Includes round-trip airfare and transportation to and from Saskatoon.
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Health and Travel Insurance: You are required to purchase international health and travel insurance from your home country before arriving in Canada.
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Living Expenses: Includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses while living in Saskatoon.
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Canadian Immigration Fees: Includes fees for study permits and other required immigration documents.
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Textbooks and Course Materials: Textbooks can be purchased online through the Shop USask Bookstore. Costs vary by course and may range from $1,000 to $2,000 CAD per term.
Prepare for arrival
Once you have been admitted, be sure to explore our International Student Welcome & Arrival Guide for everything you need to know before arriving on campus.
As part of your application process, you will need to submit a Study Plan—a list of courses you wish to take at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). This plan will be reviewed by an Academic Advisor in your assigned college to ensure course eligibility and availability.
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Explore Courses: Visit the USask Course and Program Catalogue to learn more about the courses offered across different programs.
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Check Upcoming Offerings: Use the Class Search tool to see which courses will be available in upcoming terms. This will help you build a realistic and accurate class schedule.
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Prepare Your Study Plan: Based on your research, list the courses you are interested in taking. Be sure to include course codes and titles.
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Submit for Review: Your Study Plan will be reviewed by an Academic Advisor in your college. They will confirm whether the courses are appropriate and available for your exchange term.
Self-Registration: In some cases, students can self-register for courses using the PAWS system.
Advisor-Assisted Registration: For most courses, your USask Academic Advisor —from the college you’ve been admitted to—will:
- Review your Study Plan
- Confirm that you meet the course prerequisites
- Grant the necessary enrollment permissions
Once you receive confirmation from your Academic Advisor, you will be able to register for your approved courses.
Learn about the important documents (e.g. study permits, visas, passports etc.) that you are responsible for before and during your studies at USask.
If you have any questions contact international.students@usask.ca and our Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) will assist you.
On campus
USask offers a wide variety of affordable housing from dorm-style rooms to fully furnished units. All rental fees include utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry service, a full or partial meal plan and a variety of residence events, free tutoring and support programs to keep you comfortable and connected. Students must arrange housing prior to arriving on campus and can apply online at livewithus.usask.ca.
Note: A non-refundable $75 CDN application fee must be paid to Campus Residence at the time of application.
Campus meal plans
A meal plan is included in residence fees for students at Voyageur Place. Students can also purchase campus meal plans for various food outlets across campus.
Housing in Saskatoon
Housing in Saskatoon is very affordable compared to many other Canadian cities. Saskatoon also has a bus service with many routes throughout the city travelling to and from the campus.
As an exchange student, you'll be required to purchase international health and emergency insurance before coming to Canada.
Saskatchewan provincial health coverage
Some exchange students may be eligible to apply for a Saskatchewan provincial health card.
Student Health and Dental plans
You will automatically be enrolled in the extended health and dental plans provided through your student union. These are NOT emergency medical insurance plans, but rather coverage to reduce the cost of certain services, such as physiotherapy and massage therapy, etc.
Exchange students may wish to decline this coverage by "opting out" of these plans. More information will be shared by the USask study abroad coordinator at the beginning of each semester.
Please note: you must be eligible for basic medical coverage (Saskatchewan Health Plan) in order to have access to this extended health coverage plan.
Learn more about USask Health Alerts.
There are many ways you can get involved, make friends and build the relationships that you will remember for years to come.
USask student groups: Connect with fellow USask students by joining one of the many student groups on campus. Many host social activities, cultural events and help ensure that your transition to life at USask is as smooth as possible.
International students: Get to know about programs and ways you can connect with fellow international students through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). Be sure to follow ISSAC on Instagram. It’s a great way to stay connected and learn about things you can do while at USask
Attend Orientation Events: We highly recommend that all incoming exchange students attend USask Orientation and the New International Student Welcome, which are held right before the fall and winter terms start. You'll be invited to participate in a variety of welcome activities that will help you meet new people and get the most out of your university experience. There are no fees to attend.
Contact us
Meet with an International Education Advisor
If you have questions about studying at USask as an exchange student, contact the International Study and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) at study.abroad@usask.ca.
If you are a staff member from a partner institution and would like to speak with an agreement specialist, contact the International Office at international.office@usask.ca.