The University of Saskatchewan is a top-tier research and medical university in Canada that provides various academic programs across multiple fields and levels of study. If you are interested in pursuing your education at USask, you may be eligible for some scholarships and awards the university offers its students.
This article will provide tips and information on applying for and securing a scholarship at USask.
Overview of the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a public research university in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Founded in 1907, it is the largest university in the province and one of the leading research universities in Canada. USask offers over 150 programs in various fields of study, such as medicine, law, engineering, agriculture, and the arts, for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The university considers various factors during admissions, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. The acceptance rate is 58%.
USask is home to over 25,000 students, including over 2,000 international students. The university’s campus is on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River and is home to various academic buildings, research facilities, and student residences.
The University of Saskatchewan is part of the U15 Group, which comprises research-intensive universities in Canada. The university’s research strengths include water and food security, vaccine development and infectious diseases, and human, animal, and environmental health. The University of Saskatchewan is also home to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the leading veterinary schools in Canada.
Learn more about how to get admission to the University of Saskatchewan
Scholarship opportunities at the University of Saskatchewan
USask also provides financial support for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, or financial need. Here are some of the scholarships you can apply for if you are planning to study at USask:
Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships
These scholarships are automatically awarded to students who apply for admission and have an admission average of 85% or higher. The scholarship value ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on your standards.
Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships
These are the most prestigious renewable entrance scholarships at USask, awarded to students with exceptional academic records, research potential, and involvement in school and community activities. There are several types of these scholarships, such as the George and Marsha Ivany President’s First & Best Scholarships ($40,000), the Chancellors’ Scholarships ($30,000), the Edwards Undergraduate Scholarships ($24,000), and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources Renewable Entrance Scholarships ($12,000). Some of these scholarships are preferentially awarded to Indigenous students. To be eligible for Best and Brightest Scholarships, complete your admission application by December 1 and submit the online application through PAWS by December 15.
Competitive Entrance Awards
These awards include scholarships and bursaries based on academic achievement, financial need, and school and community life contributions. Some awards also recognize particular backgrounds, interests, or achievements in music and athletics. All entering students are encouraged to apply for these awards by February 15.
Program-specific funding
Some programs at USask offer merit-based funding for students who are offered admission. You can check the details of these funding opportunities by contacting your department or visiting their website.
Tri-Agency Funding Programs
These are government-funded research grants for Canadian citizens or permanent residents pursuing health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities graduate studies. Some of the offerings available include the CIHR Doctoral Awards ($35,000 per year), NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships ($21,000 per year), and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships ($20,000 per year). Some of the grants available include the CIHR Doctoral Awards ($35,000 per year), NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships ($21,000 per year), and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships ($20,000 per year). You can apply for these grants through the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Indigenous Graduate Leadership Award
This award is open to Canadian Indigenous students at the master’s and Ph.D. levels who demonstrate leadership through active community engagement and involvement. The award is $20,000 yearly for master’s students and $24,000 per year for Ph.D. students.
CGPS 75th Recruitment Scholarship
This scholarship is available to graduate students who have a high academic performance (equivalent to 80% or higher in the USask grading system) and are applying to a graduate program at USask. The scholarship value is $20,000 and may be offered for multiple years.
Dean’s Doctoral Scholars
Domestic and international students with exceptional academic records and research potential can apply for these awards to support their doctoral studies at USask.The award value is $24,000 per year for two years.
Teacher-Scholar Doctoral Fellowships
International and domestic doctoral students aged 2–5 can apply for these fellowships to gain teaching experience at USask. Recipients receive training and mentorship to deliver a course and will be awarded $15,000 over one year and a sessional lecturer stipend.
How to get a scholarship at the University of Saskatchewan
Eligibility requirements
The eligibility requirements for a scholarship at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) depend on the type and level of the scholarship you are applying for. Generally, you need to meet the following criteria:
- It would be best if you were admitted to a USask program as a full-time student.
- You must have a minimum admission average of 85% or higher for Guaranteed Entrance scholarships or 95% or higher for Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships.
- You must complete and submit the online application form for the scholarship you are interested in by the specified deadline.
- You need to submit all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts, references, essays, or portfolios, as per the scholarship requirements.
- You must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, financial need, or other qualities specified by the scholarship criteria.
Some scholarships are only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while others are also available for international students. Some scholarships are renewable for up to four years, while others are one-time awards. Some scholarships are program-specific, while others are open to students from any discipline.
You can find more information about the different types of scholarships and their eligibility requirements on USask’s website or by contacting USask’s Student Central.
Relevant documents
The relevant documents for a scholarship application at the University of Saskatchewan may vary depending on the specific scholarship. However, some standard documents that are required include:
- Academic transcript: This is a copy of your official high school or previous college/university transcript.
- Letters of recommendation: These letters describe your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and character.
- Personal statement: This is a written statement about yourself, your goals, and why you are applying for the scholarship.
- Resume: This summarizes your work experience, volunteer experience, and other relevant activities.
- Financial need statement: This statement explains your financial need and how the scholarship would help you.
In addition to these general documents, some scholarships may also require other documents, such as:
- Test scores: Standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT may be required for some scholarships.
- Portfolio: Some scholarships may require you to submit a portfolio of your work, such as artwork, writing samples, or research papers.
- Video submission: Some scholarships may require you to submit a video of yourself talking about your goals and why you are applying for the scholarship.
How to apply
The scholarship application process at the University of Saskatchewan varies depending on the specific scholarship. However, the general process is as follows:
- Find the scholarship you are interested in and read the scholarship description carefully. The scholarship description can usually be found on the university’s website.
- To apply for a scholarship, it is essential to gather the necessary documents. It’s important to remember that each scholarship’s requirements may differ.
- Complete the scholarship application form. The scholarship application form can usually be found on the university’s website.
- Submit your application by the deadline. The deadline will be specified in the scholarship description.
The University of Saskatchewan also offers a scholarship application portal called PAWS. You can access the scholarship application portal through your PAWS account.
Here are some tips for submitting a robust scholarship application:
- Start early. The scholarship application process can take some time, so it is essential to start early.
- Be organized. Keep track of the required documents and the application deadlines.
- Proofread your application carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
- The number of scholarships available and the amount of funding vary depending on the scholarship.
- Some scholarships are renewable, meaning you can reapply each year.
- To increase your chances of being selected for a scholarship, it’s crucial to submit a robust application. The competition can be challenging, but you’ll demonstrate your dedication and qualifications by compiling a solid application.
FAQs
Where is the University of Saskatchewan located?
The University of Saskatchewan is situated in the city of Saskatoon, in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
What programs does the University of Saskatchewan offer?
The University of Saskatchewan provides academic programs in various fields, including Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Bioresources, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Veterinary Medicine, and more.
How large is the University of Saskatchewan campus?
The main campus covers approximately 2,425 acres, making it one of the largest campuses in Canada.
What are the admission requirements for the University of Saskatchewan?
The admission requirements differ based on the specific program and level of education one wishes to pursue. Generally, high school applicants must meet specific course requirements and provide transcripts, while graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree and may have additional prerequisites.
Does the University of Saskatchewan offer scholarships?
Yes, the university offers various scholarship and financial aid options to both domestic and international students. These funds are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.
What is the university’s reputation?
The University of Saskatchewan is a well-regarded institution, both nationally and internationally. It consistently ranks among Canada’s top universities, and employers are interested in hiring its graduates. The university is known for its research contributions in fields such as agriculture, water resources, and indigenous studies.
