Saskatchewan: A Smart Choice For International Students?

is saskatchewan good for international students

Saskatchewan is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality, affordable education, safe and friendly communities, and competitive cost of living. The province offers a wide range of courses and credentials, from trade certifications to doctoral degrees, attracting international students from diverse countries. The University of Saskatchewan, ranked 22nd for Best Overall in Canada, is known for its research excellence and innovative education. International students in Saskatchewan can benefit from the Post-Graduate Work Permit and tuition fee rebates of up to $20,000. However, it's important to consider the cold winter weather and the recent drop in international student enrolments due to federal policies and pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Characteristics Values
Best colleges for international students Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Parkland College, Cumberland College, Great Plains College, College Mathieu
Top universities for international students University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina
Cost of living Competitive
Weather Cold winters (-20°C to -40°C) but all four seasons
Public transport Good bus access to the university
Work opportunities Minimum wage is $14/hr; international students restricted on where and how much they can work
Housing Average 1-bedroom rent is $1100-$1200; on-campus housing is limited
Tuition fees International undergraduate students pay an average of $31,540
Post-graduation International students can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit and may be eligible for tuition fee rebates of up to $20K
Study permit requirements Students need a study permit or temporary resident visa; must have a provincial attention attestation letter from the Government of Saskatchewan

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The University of Saskatchewan is a top research university

Saskatchewan is a great place for international students, offering high-quality, affordable education, a safe and friendly community, a competitive cost of living, and the natural beauty of its prairie, lakes, and forests. The province has two world-class, publicly funded, government-accredited universities that attract international students from many countries.

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada's oldest and most distinguished universities. Located in Saskatoon, it is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, a collective of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. It is ranked #378 in QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also ranked 22nd for Best Overall, 20th for Highest Quality, 22nd for Most Innovative, and 22nd for Leaders of Tomorrow by Maclean's Top University rankings for 2023.

The University of Saskatchewan is home to world-leading research centres, including the Global Institute for Food Security, the Crop Development Centre, Health Sciences Complex, and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). VIDO recently expanded to add a vaccine manufacturing facility, increasing Canada's biomanufacturing capacity. The university also leads the Super 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."

The University of Saskatchewan offers a wide range of programs and credentials, with 58 kinds of degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in over 100 program areas. It has a vibrant campus life with more than 100 student clubs, seven on-campus museums and art galleries, and a state-of-the-art Physical Activity Complex. The university also provides a high level of support for its students, faculty, researchers, and staff, creating an environment that inspires collaboration, innovation, and discovery.

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International students can apply for a Post-Graduate work permit

Saskatchewan is a great place for international students to study, with its high quality of life, affordable education, and safe and friendly communities. The province has a growing economy, which means there are plenty of work opportunities for international students and graduates.

Saskatchewan offers a wide range of courses and credentials, from trade certifications to doctoral degrees. The University of Saskatchewan, for example, offers 58 types of degrees, diplomas, and certificates in over 100 program areas. The University of Regina is another dynamic institution with 25 academic departments known for their excellence and innovative programs.

International students who wish to study in Saskatchewan must have a study permit or temporary resident visa. They can apply for a study permit once they are accepted by a designated learning institution and have received their provincial attention attestation letter from the Government of Saskatchewan.

After completing their studies, international students may want to stay and work in Saskatchewan. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows eligible international graduating students to work in Canada for up to three years. This is an open work permit, meaning graduates can work for any employer in Canada. To be eligible, students must have completed a program of study of eight months or more.

International students can work part-time off-campus and full-time during scheduled breaks without a work permit. However, if they wish to participate in a co-op or internship program, they must apply for a co-op work permit. Additionally, the spouse or common-law partner of an international student with a valid study permit may apply for an open work permit.

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Saskatchewan has a high quality of life

Saskatchewan offers high-quality, affordable education, with a range of courses and credentials available at its universities, colleges, and technical institutes. The province's Prekindergarten to Grade 12 system provides a solid educational foundation for students, and its post-secondary institutions offer everything from trade certifications to doctoral degrees. Saskatchewan is home to two world-class, publicly funded, government-accredited universities: the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, which is considered among Canada's top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities.

The University of Saskatchewan, located in Saskatoon, offers 58 types of degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in over 100 program areas. It is a leader in water, food security, and infectious disease research. The University of Regina, on the other hand, offers innovative programs across 10 faculties and 25 academic departments, leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

In addition to these universities, Saskatchewan has several colleges that cater to international students, including Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Parkland College, and Cumberland College. These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities, from technical education to personalized student support, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded educational experience.

Saskatchewan also offers a range of opportunities for international students beyond their academic pursuits. International students enrolled at any of the province's universities, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, or Regional Colleges are eligible to apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit. Additionally, international students who choose to stay, work, and pay income tax in Saskatchewan may be eligible for tuition fee rebates of up to $20,000 through the Graduate Retention Program.

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The University of Regina offers excellent and innovative programs

Saskatchewan is a great place for international students to study, with its high quality of life, safe and friendly communities, competitive cost of living, and natural beauty. The province offers high-quality, affordable education, with a range of courses and credentials available from trade certifications to doctoral degrees.

The University of Regina is a dynamic institution with 10 faculties and 25 academic departments, which have established reputations for excellence and innovative programs. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas, across a wide range of disciplines.

The University of Regina's academic programs include Actuarial Science, Administration, Animation, Art History, Biology, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Gerontology, Leadership, Manufacturing, and Sound Design. The university also offers programs in Artificial Intelligence, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Literature, Drama Education, Indigenous Governance, and Visual Arts, among others.

The University of Regina prides itself on offering experiential, inclusive, and innovative programming to support diverse student needs. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research has an online graduate scholarship application system, the Graduate Awards Portal (GAP), which allows students to explore the various scholarships, awards, bursaries, fellowships, and prizes available to graduate students.

The University of Regina also provides excellent mental, academic, and physical wellness support systems, and is actively committed to working with Indigenous partners to reconcile their past. The university offers valuable hands-on work placements for real-world experience and has a welcoming campus with a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

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International students face restrictions on work and housing

Saskatchewan is a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality, affordable education. The province boasts a strong economy, safe and friendly communities, a competitive cost of living, and natural beauty, resulting in a high quality of life. Its universities, colleges, and technical institutes offer a wide range of courses and credentials, attracting students from around the world.

However, international students in Saskatchewan face certain restrictions on work and housing. Firstly, international students have limitations on where and how much they can work. They are advised to have sufficient financial support from home, as part-time jobs may not provide adequate income to cover all expenses. The minimum wage in Saskatchewan is $14 per hour, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100 to $1,200, making it challenging for students to rely solely on part-time employment.

Additionally, the federal government has implemented policies that impact the ability of international students to work and reside in Saskatchewan. In recent years, there has been a significant drop in international student enrolments in the province, attributed to various factors. One reason is the increased financial requirements for students entering Canada, with the government doubling the necessary funds in the bank from $10,000 to $20,000.

Moreover, the government has imposed restrictions on work visas for graduates, limiting them to those who have studied in fields with labour shortages. This has made it more challenging for international students to remain and work in Saskatchewan after completing their studies. To legally work in the province, international students must obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit, and they may be eligible for tuition fee rebates of up to $20,000 if they stay, work, and pay income tax in Saskatchewan.

In conclusion, while Saskatchewan offers many benefits for international students, they should be aware of the restrictions on their work and housing options. It is crucial for prospective international students to carefully consider their financial situation, the local cost of living, and the potential limitations on their ability to work while studying in Saskatchewan.

Frequently asked questions

Saskatchewan has two world-class, publicly funded, government-accredited universities that attract international students from around the world: The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. The University of Saskatchewan is considered among Canada's top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities. Other colleges that offer courses for international students include Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Parkland College, Cumberland College, Great Plains College, College Mathieu, Carlton Trail College, North West College, Southeast College and Suncrest College.

The minimum wage in Saskatchewan is $14/hr. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1100-$1200, and a two-bedroom apartment is $1300-$1400. The winter weather in Saskatchewan is very cold, with temperatures in the range of 0*C to -40*C.

International students need to have a study permit or temporary resident visa to attend a university or college in Saskatchewan. Students can apply for a study permit once they are accepted by a designated learning institution and have received their corresponding provincial attention attestation letter from the Government of Saskatchewan.

International students who stay, work and file income tax in Saskatchewan after graduation may be eligible for tuition fee rebates of up to $20,000 through the Graduate Retention Program. They are also eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.

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