University of Saskatchewan Logo University of Saskatchewan

Address: University of Saskatchewan, 105 Administration Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
Phone: +1 306-966-4343
Email: admissions@usask.ca
Website: www.usask.ca


The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has specific language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. These requirements ensure that students have the necessary English proficiency to succeed in their academic programs. Here’s an overview of the language requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programs:

1. Undergraduate Programs

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency through one of the following methods:

Accepted English Language Proficiency Tests:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • Minimum score of 86 on the iBT (Internet-based test), with at least 19 in each of the following categories: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

    • Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.

  • CanTEST (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees):

    • Minimum score of 4.5 in reading and listening, and 4.0 in writing.

  • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment):

    • Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 in each component.

  • PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic):

    • Minimum score of 63, with at least 59 in each area (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

  • Duolingo English Test:

    • Minimum score of 110.

Exemptions from English Language Proficiency Tests:

Students may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test if:

  • They have completed three or more years of full-time study in an English-medium secondary or post-secondary institution, where English is the language of instruction.
  • They have completed a recognized degree or diploma from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP):

  • Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirements may be eligible for conditional admission through the university's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Students in this program can improve their English language skills while taking academic courses.

2. Graduate Programs

Graduate students are also required to meet specific English language requirements. The standards are generally similar to undergraduate requirements, but some programs may have higher requirements.

Accepted English Language Proficiency Tests for Graduate Programs:

  • TOEFL:

    • Minimum score of 86 on the iBT, with at least 19 in each component. Some programs may require higher scores.

  • IELTS:

    • Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.

  • CAEL:

    • Minimum overall score of 70, with no individual component score below 60.

  • PTE:

    • Minimum score of 63, with no score below 59 in any of the areas.

  • Duolingo English Test:

    • Minimum score of 110. However, some graduate programs may not accept Duolingo, so it is important to check program-specific requirements.

Exemptions from English Proficiency for Graduate Students:

Graduate applicants may also be exempt from submitting English language test scores if they have completed:

  • Post-secondary education at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A degree from a recognized English-speaking institution in a country such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia.

3. English Language Proficiency Waivers

In certain cases, applicants who have completed prior education in English may request a waiver of the English language proficiency requirement. However, this depends on the program and specific conditions.

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is well-regarded for its diverse range of programs and specialties across multiple disciplines. Here are some of the key course specializations offered at the university:

1. Agriculture and Bioresources

  • Specialties: The College of Agriculture and Bioresources is known for its focus on sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and food security. Specializations include:
    • Agronomy
    • Animal Science
    • Environmental Science
    • Food Science
    • Plant Science
  • USask has a strong reputation in agricultural research, especially in areas such as crop science and biotechnology.

2. Veterinary Medicine

  • Specialties: The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is one of the top veterinary schools in Canada, offering programs in:
    • Veterinary Surgery
    • Animal Pathology
    • Epidemiology
    • Wildlife and Ecosystem Health
  • USask is particularly strong in research related to animal health, with state-of-the-art facilities for veterinary training and research.

3. Engineering

  • Specialties: The College of Engineering offers specializations in areas such as:
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
  • USask emphasizes hands-on learning and offers extensive research opportunities in areas like renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

4. Health Sciences

  • Specialties: USask’s Health Sciences programs cover various fields including:
    • Medicine
    • Nursing
    • Pharmacy
    • Public Health
    • Physical Therapy
  • The College of Medicine is known for its research in public health, Indigenous health, and rural medicine, making it a leader in these areas.

5. Environmental Science and Sustainability

  • Specialties: The university is a hub for research and education in sustainability, water security, and climate change. Programs include:
    • Environmental Science
    • Hydrology
    • Renewable Resource Management
    • Sustainable Energy
  • USask’s Global Institute for Water Security is recognized globally for its research on water systems and climate impact.

6. Law

  • Specialties: The College of Law at USask is one of Canada’s oldest law schools, offering specializations in:
    • Indigenous Law
    • Environmental Law
    • Criminal Law
    • Constitutional Law
  • The university has a strong emphasis on Indigenous legal education and offers a program in Indigenous Governance and Law.

7. Business and Economics

  • Specialties: The Edwards School of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs with specializations in:
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • Marketing
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Indigenous Business and Public Administration
  • The school is known for its strong ties to industry and focus on real-world business challenges.

8. Arts and Humanities

  • Specialties: USask offers programs in various disciplines under the College of Arts and Science, including:
    • History
    • English
    • Philosophy
    • Indigenous Studies
    • Political Science
  • The university has a growing reputation for research in social justice, Canadian history, and Indigenous studies.

9. Computer Science

  • Specialties: The Department of Computer Science offers courses and research in areas such as:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Data Science
    • Software Engineering
    • Human-Computer Interaction
  • USask’s computer science department is known for its strong emphasis on innovation and industry collaboration.

10. Education

  • Specialties: The College of Education offers specializations in:
    • Curriculum Studies
    • Educational Administration
    • Indigenous Education
    • Early Childhood Education
  • The university has a focus on training teachers with strong community engagement, particularly in Indigenous and rural education.

11. Indigenous Studies

  • Specialties: USask has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and research, with programs focusing on:
    • Indigenous Governance and Law
    • Indigenous Languages
    • Indigenous Health
  • The university is a leader in advancing Indigenous knowledge and partnerships with Indigenous communities.

12. Physics and Astronomy

  • Specialties: The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics is known for its research in:
    • Synchrotron Science (via the Canadian Light Source facility)
    • Plasma Physics
    • Space Science
  • USask hosts the Canadian Light Source (CLS), a national research facility that attracts scientists from around the world.

13. Public Policy

  • Specialties: The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy offers graduate programs in areas such as:
    • Public Administration
    • Public Health Policy
    • Indigenous Governance
    • Energy and Environmental Policy
  • The school is renowned for its research in public sector leadership and governance.

14. Archaeology and Anthropology

  • Specialties: The university offers programs in archaeology and anthropology, with a focus on:
    • Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology
    • Cultural Anthropology
    • Bioarchaeology
  • USask is particularly known for its research in Northern and Indigenous archaeology.

15. Pharmacy and Nutrition

  • Specialties: USask’s College of Pharmacy and Nutrition offers programs in:
    • Clinical Pharmacy
    • Nutritional Science
    • Dietetics
  • It is known for its research in public health, food security, and pharmaceutical sciences.

The only Saskatchewan-born Nobel Laureate, Taube is also the only U of S graduate to have received the Nobel Prize. Born in 1915 in Neudorf, Sask., Taube earned the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1983 for his research into “the mechanisms of electron transfer reactions” while working at Stanford University at the time.For more Details

The only Saskatchewan-born Nobel Laureate, Taube is also the only U of S graduate to have received the Nobel Prize. Born in 1915 in Neudorf, Sask., Taube earned the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1983 for his research into “the mechanisms of electron transfer reactions” while working at Stanford University at the time.

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished universities. Established in 1907, USask is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.

Located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in Western Canada, USask is known for its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to tackling some of the greatest global challenges of our era — water and food security, energy sustainability, and infectious disease.

USask received close to $240 million in annual sponsored research income in fiscal year 2022-23, supporting its nine signature areas of research: Agriculture; Communities and Sustainability; Energy and Mineral Resources for a Sustainable Future; Health and Wellness; Indigenous Peoples; One Health; Quantum Innovation; Synchrotron Sciences; and Water.

USask’s Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) is home to the world’s largest university-led freshwater research program, Global Water futures, a $301-million investment with more than 475 partners around the world.

More than 26,000 students from over 130 countries study at USask, which also offers over 130 academic programs and has 13 colleges, three graduate schools, and six affiliated or federated colleges. Study is enhanced by world-class research centres, including CLS, GIWS, Global Institute for Food Security,  the Crop Development Centre, Health Sciences Complex, and Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences operated by USask’s Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).

VIDO recently expanded to add a vaccine manufacturing facility that increases Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity and is establishing Containment Level 4 lab capacity – the highest level – to make VIDO the only non-governmental CL4 facility in the country.

The university also leads the S uper Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), with its five high-frequency radars located across Canada being part of a synchronized global network of 36 radars that continuously monitor “space weather” and predict when electromagnetic storms in the Earth’s upper atmosphere could threaten technologies such as GPS, electrical grids and navigation equipment.

A USask-led nine-university collaboration, Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO ), is a network of 76 instrumented basins, rivers, lakes and wetlands, 27 deployable observation systems, and 31 state-of-the-art water laboratories that operates across seven provinces and territories. The aim is to provide data to quickly address flood, drought and water quality issues, and to develop solutions for the impending water crisis that faces Canadians due to climate change, poor water management, proliferation of toxic contaminants, and environmental degradation. 

Students, faculty, researchers and staff enjoy a high level of support typical of a smaller university, creating an environment that inspires collaboration, innovation and discovery. There are more than 100 student clubs, seven on-campus museums and art galleries, and a state-of-the-art Physical Activity Complex. USask also offers more than $35 million in scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students every year. Students receive the U-Pass, which offers unlimited public transit in Saskatoon throughout the school year. New international students have access to a special welcome and orientation service that includes free transportation from the airport and first-night accommodation.

USask’s historic main campus is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Canada, with plenty of green space, stately greystone buildings and tree-lined walkways. With a rising population of just over 325,000, Saskatoon offers many amenities of a large urban centre along with the friendliness, accessibility, and safety of a smaller city. There is plenty to do in Saskatoon every season, with live music events, festivals and cultural experiences on offer year-round.

USask’s more than 171,000 living alumni are spread globally. Alumni include 72 Rhodes scholars, two Nobel Prize winners, five Olympic gold medalists, one Canadian Prime Minister, nine provincial premiers, three justices of the Supreme Court of Canada, and an Oscar winner. Its graduates, recognized for their work ethic, resourceful nature and determination, will continue to build on a long history of success to address the world’s challenges now and in the future.

 

 

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is renowned for several key reasons, making it one of Canada's leading universities. Here's why USask is famous:

1. Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

  • USask has a long-standing reputation for excellence in agriculture and veterinary medicine. The College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are internationally recognized for their research and innovation in these fields.
  • The university plays a key role in advancing sustainable agriculture, food security, and animal health. It leads research in crop development, livestock management, and bioresource engineering.

2. World-Class Research Facilities

  • Canadian Light Source (CLS): USask is home to the Canadian Light Source, Canada's national synchrotron research facility. It is a world-class hub for research in areas such as medicine, materials science, environmental science, and energy.
  • Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS): This institute is a leader in global water research, addressing critical issues such as water security, climate change, and watershed management.
  • Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO): USask's VIDO is recognized globally for its research in vaccine development and infectious diseases, contributing significantly to public health and pandemic preparedness.

3. Health and Medical Research

  • The College of Medicine at USask is a key player in advancing healthcare, particularly in areas like Indigenous health, rural medicine, and public health. The university is committed to improving healthcare delivery in rural and remote communities.
  • USask's health science research, especially in public health and disease prevention, contributes to national and international health policy and innovation.

4. Indigenous Education and Partnerships

  • USask has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and research. The university is a leader in advancing Indigenous knowledge, offering specialized programs in Indigenous governance, law, and health.
  • It actively collaborates with Indigenous communities to promote education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Research

  • USask is well-regarded for its focus on environmental sustainability and research related to climate change, water security, and renewable energy. It is a hub for interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing global environmental challenges.

6. Global Research Impact

  • USask is a member of the U15 group of Canada's top research-intensive universities, highlighting its significant contributions to research and innovation. The university’s global impact spans across numerous disciplines, from food security and energy to health sciences and environmental sustainability.

7. Strong Community and Industry Partnerships

  • USask has strong ties to industries such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, and biotechnology, offering students practical experience and collaboration opportunities. These partnerships contribute to innovation and research that directly impact society.

8. Historical Importance and Rural Outreach

  • Founded in 1907, USask is one of Canada's oldest universities. Its rich history in serving Saskatchewan's rural and agricultural communities continues today through research, education, and outreach programs aimed at improving rural development and sustainability.

9. Interdisciplinary Approach

  • USask is known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and education, particularly in fields like sustainability, public policy, and global health. This fosters collaboration across disciplines to address complex societal challenges.

10. Notable Alumni

  • The university boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to achieve prominence in various fields, including politics, business, science, and the arts. Notable alumni include:
    • Roy Romanow – Former Premier of Saskatchewan
    • Gordie Howe – Legendary NHL hockey player
    • Henry Taube – Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry