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 portal.
Required Documents
Please prepare and upload the following documents as part of your application:
-
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.
Before applying for a research student exchange placement, you must ensure the following requirements are met:
- Confirm if your home univesity has an active agreement permitting students to particiapte in a research exchange opportunity.
- Approval from your home university supervisor to participate in the student exchange program.
- Confirmation from a USASK faculty member who has agreed to act as your research supervisor. If you have yet identify a USASK supervisor please click the link below to begin your search.
- Must have a clearly defined research plan, including objectives, proposed activities, and anticipated learning outcomes, approved by both your USask supervisor and your host university supervisor.
Academic information
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.
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 and colleges 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 provides one official transcript free of charge to your home institution after your exchange term.
Additional Transcripts- Copies can be ordered at a cost of $10 CAD per transcript.
- They can be requested through the Transcript and Degree Confirmation channel in PAWS (Personalized Access to Web Services).
|
Category |
Description |
Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|
Tuition |
Paid to your home institution, not USask. |
N/A |
|
USask Student Fees |
Undergraduate or graduate student fees paid directly to USask by the deadline listed on the Tuition and Fees website. |
Undergraduate $575-$740 per term Graduate $580-$800 per term |
|
Travel Costs |
Round-trip airfare and transportation to/from Saskatoon. |
Varies by location |
|
Health & Travel Insurance |
Must be purchased from your home country before arriving in Canada. |
Varies |
|
Living Expenses |
Accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses while in Saskatoon. |
$1,700–$2,500 per month |
|
Canadian Immigration Fees |
Fees for study permits (if applicable) and other required immigration documents. |
$150–$250 |
|
Textbooks & Materials |
Purchase through the Shop USask Bookstore. Costs vary by course. |
$1,000–$2,000 per term |
-
Tuition - Exchange students do not pay tuition to USask.
-
Health & Travel Insurance - Must be arranged before arrival.
-
Budgeting Tip - Plan for additional personal expenses and consider booking flights early to reduce costs.
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 have been admitted to—will:
- Review your Study Plan
- Confirm that you meet the course prerequisites
- Grant the necessary enrolment 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 issac@usask.ca and one of the 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 on the USask Residence website.
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 will 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 on the USask Health Alerts website
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 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.