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 30 | January 31 |
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.
- Confirm that your home institution has a student exchange agreement with the University of Saskatchewan.
- Contact your home institution and apply to the Exchange Program through your Exchange Program Coordinator. There may be a preliminary screening.
- If you are accepted, your home institutions' Exchange Program Coordinator will nominate you to the University of Saskatchewan
Additional documents you will need to submit:
- A copy of your Academic Transcript
- English Translation of your Academic Transcript
- Supporting English Proficiency Document
- A signed letter from the Faculty of English in your institution or;
- A signed letter from your International Coordinator confirming your level of English language skills or;
- Meet the minimum score to an accepted standardized test.
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Admission from the University of Saskatchewan, which will be provided 4–6 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 semesters 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)
- 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.
You can find classes in USask's online Course and Program Catalogue. Some offerings for the new academic year may not be available when you apply. Be sure to review the Course and Program Catalogue again after you've receive your Letter of Admission (LOA) and study plan.
You can take classes from almost any program except for the ones below, which are restricted:
- 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
All other graduate courses will be individually reviewed.
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 help facilitate transfer credit to the a student’s degree, USask will release one transcript to the student’s home institution at no cost. All additional transcripts will cost $10 CDN per copy. Students can order a transcript in the Transcript and Degree Confirmation channel through USask's PAWS system.
As an Exchange Student, you will pay tuition to your home institution instead of USask.
You will also be responsible to pay for
- University of Saskatchewan student fees (undergraduate or graduate) by the due date listed on the website
- Travel expenses to and from Canada
- International health and travel insurance from your home country
- Living costs in Saskatoon
- Canadian immigration document fees
- Textbooks and course materials, which can be purchased online at the Shop USask Bookstore. Depending on the course you select, the total cost of textbooks can range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Prepare for arrival
After you have been admitted, follow these steps to prepare for your arrival.
- You will need to submit a Study Plan, a list of courses you wish to enroll at the university, that will be reviewed by an Academic Advisor in your chosen college.
- Use the USask Course and Program Catalogue to learn more about each course offered at USask.
- Then, search for classes that will be offered in upcoming terms to build your class schedule.
Student are able to self-register in some courses. However in most cases, the USask Academic Advisor from the selected USask college will ensure that you have met the course prerequisites for your intended courses and will provide you with the necessary enrolment permissions.
You can register for your classes after you've received this confirmation.
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.