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What Are University of Saskatchewan Scholarships?
University of Saskatchewan scholarships are financial awards offered annually to outstanding domestic and international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees at USask in Saskatoon, Canada. The University of Saskatchewan scholarships range from one-time entrance awards worth $5,000 to fully funded graduate packages worth up to $30,000 per year plus full tuition coverage.
Each year, the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies alone administers over $14 million in University of Saskatchewan scholarships, making USask one of the most generous scholarship-granting universities in Canada. University of Saskatchewan scholarships are currently open to students from all over the world — no matter your nationality, there is very likely a University of Saskatchewan scholarship you are eligible for right now.
University of Saskatchewan scholarships are divided into two broad categories: entrance awards (for new students applying to USask for the first time) and in-course awards (for continuing students already enrolled). Whether you are a high school student applying for your first degree or an advanced researcher pursuing a doctorate, the University of Saskatchewan scholarships provide one of the clearest, most accessible pathways to funded study in Canada. This guide gives you the latest update on every major award, eligibility requirement, application step, and deadline — so you can apply with confidence and maximize your chances of winning.
USask Scholarship Types at a Glance
Before diving into each category, here is a high-level summary of what is available each year:
| Scholarship Type | Who It’s For | Award Value | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| USask Entrance Scholarships | New undergraduates | $5,000 | No (automatic) |
| Chancellors’ Scholarships | New undergraduates | $30,000 over 4 years | Yes |
| USask Entrance Scholarships (Circle of Honour) | Indigenous students | $30,000 over 4 years | No (automatic) |
| Edwards Undergraduate Scholarships | Business undergrads | $36,000 over 4 years | Yes |
| IB Excellence Awards (Domestic) | IB Diploma students | $20,000 | No (automatic) |
| IB Excellence Awards (International) | International IB students | $20,000 | No (automatic) |
| International Excellence Award | International undergrads | $10,000 | No (automatic) |
| University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) | Master’s & PhD students | Up to $30,000/yr + tuition | Departmental nomination |
| Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship | International PhD students | Varies | Yes |
| Global Engagement Scholarship | All enrolled students | Up to $2,500 | Yes |
Undergraduate Scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan
If you are heading into your first undergraduate year, USask rewards academic excellence generously — and automatically. Most entrance awards do not require a separate scholarship application. Here are the most important undergraduate scholarships at USask:
1. USask Entrance Scholarships — $5,000
Each year, the University of Saskatchewan recognizes 600 high-achieving entering students with $5,000 USask Entrance Scholarships. Students entering direct-entry degree programs across the Colleges of Agriculture and Bioresources, Arts and Science, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, and Edwards School of Business are considered automatically — no separate application is required. Your admission file is your scholarship application.
To qualify, submit your online admission application by February 15 annually and ensure all transcripts and admission documents reach the Admissions Office by March 1.
2. Chancellors’ Scholarships — $30,000 Over Four Years
One of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships at USask, the Chancellors’ Scholarship awards $7,500 per year over four years to exceptional incoming students from Canadian high schools. Two of these scholarships are Circle of Honour awards, preferentially designated for Indigenous students. Selection is competitive and based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. A Best and Brightest application through PAWS is required.
3. University of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarships — $30,000 Over Four Years
Similar in structure to the Chancellors’ award, these $7,500-per-year renewable scholarships are automatically considered for entering students in direct-entry programs. Two of these scholarships are also Circle of Honour awards designated for Indigenous students. Submit your admission application and supporting documents by the stated deadlines to be automatically considered.
4. Edwards Undergraduate Scholarships — $36,000 Over Four Years
The Edwards Undergraduate Scholarship is one of the highest-value undergraduate scholarships at USask, worth $9,000 per year over four years. It is designated for outstanding students entering the Edwards School of Business. A competitive application through the Best and Brightest process in PAWS is required. Deadline for consideration is December 1 annually.
5. International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards — $20,000
For students completing the IB Diploma Programme, USask automatically considers all applicants for a $20,000 one-time IB Excellence Award upon admission. A separate pool of four $20,000 awards is available exclusively for international students completing the IB programme. No separate scholarship application is needed — simply apply for admission by February 15.
6. International Excellence Award — $10,000
Each year, USask awards a number of $10,000 one-time International Excellence Awards to international students entering any direct-entry degree program based on academic performance. No separate form is required. This award can be received alongside the USask Entrance Scholarship, effectively combining two awards simultaneously for greater total funding.
7. Schulich Leader Scholarships
Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarship, the Schulich Leader Scholarship, is available annually at USask. Each year, 100 Schulich Leader Scholarships are awarded to entrepreneurial high school graduates entering a science, technology, engineering, or math program at partner universities including USask. Every high school in Canada may nominate one graduating student, and USask can provide between two and ten Schulich Leader Scholarships each year to its incoming students.
8. Transfer Scholarships
Students transferring to USask from another post-secondary institution may be eligible for Transfer Scholarships, applied directly to your student account for tuition and fees. Enrollment in a minimum of 18 credit units in the Fall and Winter Terms is required to receive the award.
Master’s Scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan offers substantial master’s scholarships and funding packages for graduate-level study. Here is what is currently open each year:
University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) — Master’s Level
The University Graduate Scholarship is USask’s flagship graduate award. For master’s students, it provides up to $25,000 per year plus full tuition coverage for up to 2.5 years. Students must be full-time, fully qualified graduate students in the first 36 months of their master’s program. Departmental nomination is required — awards are not open directly to all departments, so contacting your graduate chair immediately upon admission is essential.
Global Engagement Scholarship — Up to $2,500
Currently open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the Global Engagement Scholarship provides up to $2,500 to USask students participating in approved international study, research exchange, or conference travel experiences. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis each year until annual funds are exhausted. Students nominated for a Student Exchange are automatically eligible to apply.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Master’s (CGRS M)
While administered at the federal level by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, this powerful scholarship is held at Canadian universities including USask and supports up to 3,298 master’s students across Canada annually. It provides $27,000 for 12 months in support of thesis-based research programs. Applications are due each year on December 1. This is one of the most valuable master’s scholarships you can stack alongside USask’s own institutional awards.
International Visiting Research Student Scholarships
Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), these scholarships support 4–6 month research placements at USask for international visiting research students. Awards range from $8,200 to $15,900 CAD and may cover living expenses, local transportation, and research materials. Applications are highly competitive, quota-limited, and require nomination through a bilateral exchange agreement with your home institution.
PhD Scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top medical/doctoral research universities, and its PhD scholarships reflect that standing. Here is the latest update on what is available for doctoral students each year:
University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) — PhD Level
For doctoral students, the UGS provides up to $30,000 per year plus full tuition coverage for up to four years — making it one of the most comprehensive PhD scholarships in Canada. Students must be in the first 48 months of a doctoral program. A $5,000 travel allowance is also included, usable over the life of the award. Departmental nomination is required.
Guaranteed PhD Funding Package — $20,000 per Year
Each year, a majority of USask’s PhD programs offer a guaranteed funding package of $20,000 annually for four years for newly admitted PhD students. This commitment provides financial stability so doctoral students can focus entirely on research and academic output rather than financial uncertainty. Prospective PhD applicants should confirm the guaranteed package with their intended department’s graduate administrator.
Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship for International Students
This competitive scholarship is designated specifically for international PhD students at USask. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 80%, have completed a doctoral graduate program no more than 24 months before applying, and submit a proposed research outline (maximum two pages), bibliography (maximum five pages), official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and three confidential letters of recommendation to [email protected].
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
For doctoral students with exceptional academic excellence, research potential, and demonstrated leadership, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship — administered federally and held at Canadian institutions including USask — provides $50,000 per year for up to three years. This is among the most prestigious PhD scholarships available in Canada and is currently open annually to both domestic and international applicants.
University of Saskatchewan Scholarships for International Students
International students are considered for University of Saskatchewan scholarships upon admission. Unless otherwise noted, most awards are open to international applicants, and several awards are designated exclusively for international students. Here is a focused summary:
| Award | Eligibility | Value | Application Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB Excellence Award (International) | International students completing IB Diploma | $20,000 | No (automatic) |
| International Excellence Award | All international undergraduate applicants | $10,000 | No (automatic) |
| Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship | International PhD students only | Varies | Yes |
| University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) | International graduate students (dept. nominated) | Up to $30,000/yr + tuition | Departmental |
| GAC Visiting Research Scholarships | International research students via bilateral exchange | $8,200–$15,900 | Yes |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | International PhD students | $50,000/yr (up to 3 yrs) | Yes |
For international students who are not IB graduates, the International Excellence Award and University Graduate Scholarship provide two powerful pathways to funded study at USask — both currently open each year as part of the standard admissions process.
Eligibility Requirements
While specific requirements vary by award, these are the core eligibility criteria that apply to most University of Saskatchewan scholarships:
For Undergraduate Awards: You must be entering a direct-entry degree program at USask for the first time. A strong admission average is essential — awards are highly competitive and distributed based on academic performance. International students must meet English language proficiency requirements through IELTS, TOEFL, or recognized equivalents. IB students must be completing or have completed the full IB Diploma Programme. Domestic students must apply for admission by December 1 (for competitive awards) or February 15 (for automatic entrance awards).
For Graduate Awards (Master’s and PhD): You must be a full-time, fully qualified student admitted to or continuing in an eligible graduate degree program. For the UGS, you must be within the first 36 months of a master’s program or first 48 months of a doctoral program. Acceptable academic standing must be maintained for award renewal. For the Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship, a minimum cumulative GPA of 80% is required and applicants must be international students.
For International Students Generally: Applicants must hold a nationality other than Canada for international-specific awards. A strong academic record (typically 80% or above) is expected across most competitive awards. English proficiency documentation is required. A non-refundable admission application fee of approximately CAD $120 applies.
How to Apply for University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
The application process is conducted primarily online through the PAWS web portal. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Apply for Admission Submit your online application for admission at USask, including the non-refundable application fee. Most entrance scholarships are triggered automatically when you apply for admission.
Step 2: Submit All Required Documents on Time Ensure transcripts, English proficiency results, and all other required admission documents are received by the Admissions Office by the stated deadlines (typically March 1 for most undergraduate entrance awards).
Step 3: Log In to PAWS After applying, you will receive a PAWS log-in ID and temporary password. Open the Scholarships and Bursaries channel to check which additional scholarship applications may apply to your profile.
Step 4: Complete the Best and Brightest Scholarships Application (If Applicable) For competitive awards like the Chancellors’ Scholarship, Edwards Undergraduate Scholarship, and Torvald and Margaret Tollefson Renewable Entrance Scholarships, complete the Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships application form inside PAWS. This includes short- and long-answer essay questions. Write your responses outside the portal first and save them externally to prevent accidental loss.
Step 5: Graduate Students — Contact Your Department Immediately Master’s and PhD students should speak directly with the graduate chair or administrator in their intended department as soon as admission is offered. Many of the highest-value graduate scholarships are managed entirely at the departmental level and require departmental nomination — you cannot apply independently.
Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents for Competitive Awards For awards like the Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship and University Graduate Scholarship, submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and three confidential letters of recommendation to [email protected]. Referees must include the scholarship name and student’s name in the first paragraph of each letter.
Step 7: Accept Your Award Offer Promptly Competitive Entrance Award offers are sent by email starting April 1 and finishing by July 1 each year. Only students selected for an award receive notification. Once you receive an offer, you have two weeks to accept it through the My Awards section in the PAWS Scholarships and Bursaries channel.
Key Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by award. Here is a general annual guide for the most important dates:
| Award | Domestic Deadline | International Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| USask Entrance Scholarships | Feb 15 (application); Mar 1 (documents) | Feb 15 (application); Mar 1 (documents) |
| Best and Brightest Application | December 1 | December 1 |
| IB Excellence Awards (Both Pools) | February 15 | February 15 |
| International Excellence Award | February 15 | February 15 |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Master’s) | December 1 | December 1 |
| Graduate Department-Based Awards | Varies by department | Varies by department |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Check official portal | Check official portal |
Always verify the latest deadlines on the official USask admissions and graduate studies websites, as dates are subject to change each application cycle.
Top USask Scholarships Side by Side
| Scholarship | Level | Total Value | Renewable? | Open to International? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USask Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | $5,000 | No | Yes |
| Chancellors’ Scholarship | Undergraduate | $30,000 (4 yrs) | Yes | No (Canadian HS) |
| Edwards Undergraduate Scholarship | Undergraduate | $36,000 (4 yrs) | Yes | No |
| IB Excellence Award (International) | Undergraduate | $20,000 | No | Yes |
| International Excellence Award | Undergraduate | $10,000 | No | Yes |
| Schulich Leader Scholarship | Undergraduate | Varies (STEM) | No | No (Canadian HS) |
| UGS — Master’s | Master’s | $25,000/yr + tuition | Yes (36 months) | Yes |
| UGS — PhD | PhD | $30,000/yr + tuition | Yes (48 months) | Yes |
| Guaranteed PhD Package | PhD | $20,000/yr × 4 yrs | Yes | Yes |
| Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship | PhD | Varies | No | International only |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS M) | Master’s | $27,000 (12 months) | No | Limited |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | PhD | $50,000/yr × 3 yrs | Yes | Yes |
What People Also Ask
Q: Does the University of Saskatchewan give scholarships to international students? Yes. International students are automatically considered for University of Saskatchewan scholarships upon admission. Awards specifically for international students include the International Excellence Award ($10,000), the IB Excellence Award for International Students ($20,000), the Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship for international PhD students, and the University Graduate Scholarship for graduate students. Most awards are currently open to applicants of any nationality.
Q: What GPA do you need for a scholarship at the University of Saskatchewan? For most automatic entrance scholarships, a higher admission average increases your competitiveness. For the Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship, a minimum cumulative GPA of 80% is required. For the University Graduate Scholarship (UGS), you must maintain acceptable academic standing as defined by your graduate program.
Q: How much is the University of Saskatchewan scholarship? University of Saskatchewan scholarships range widely. Undergraduate entrance scholarships start at $5,000. Competitive awards like the Chancellors’ Scholarship go up to $30,000 over four years, and the Edwards Undergraduate Scholarship reaches $36,000 over four years. Graduate scholarships through the UGS provide up to $25,000 (master’s) or $30,000 (PhD) per year plus tuition, plus a $5,000 travel allowance.
Q: Is the University of Saskatchewan scholarship fully funded? The University Graduate Scholarship at the PhD level is effectively a fully funded award — covering up to $30,000 per year in stipend plus full tuition for up to four years. The guaranteed PhD funding package provides $20,000 per year for four years. Undergraduate scholarships are partial awards but can be stacked with external scholarships for greater total funding.
Q: Can I apply for multiple University of Saskatchewan scholarships at the same time? Yes. Students can be considered for and receive multiple awards simultaneously. For example, international undergraduate students can receive both the USask Entrance Scholarship and the International Excellence Award at the same time. Graduate students can hold a UGS while also applying for federal awards like the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship or Vanier CGS.
Q: Is a separate application required for University of Saskatchewan scholarships? For most entrance-level undergraduate scholarships, no separate application is required — your admission application automatically triggers consideration. For competitive awards like the Chancellors’ Scholarship and Best and Brightest awards, a separate application through PAWS is required. Graduate students must typically be nominated by their department for the UGS.
Q: Is the University of Saskatchewan a good university? Yes. The University of Saskatchewan is consistently ranked among the top 500 universities globally according to QS World Rankings and is recognized as one of Canada’s leading research universities. Its alumni include Nobel Prize winners, Rhodes scholars, Olympic athletes, and a Canadian Prime Minister.
Q: What is the application fee for University of Saskatchewan scholarships? There is no separate fee to apply for USask scholarships. However, the non-refundable admission application fee — which triggers automatic scholarship consideration — is approximately CAD $120.
Pro Tips to Win a University of Saskatchewan Scholarship
Applying early is one of the single most powerful strategies for securing a University of Saskatchewan scholarship. Many awards are distributed each year on a first-come, first-served basis until annual funds are exhausted. Here are the most important strategies:
Apply for admission as early as possible. Most undergraduate scholarship consideration is triggered automatically upon receiving your complete admission application. Submitting in the fall before your intended start year puts you in the strongest position.
Target multiple awards simultaneously. Build a complete list of every award you qualify for — automatic entrance scholarships, competitive PAWS awards, and external scholarships stackable at USask (like Schulich Leader or Vanier). The more you apply for, the more funding you can potentially receive.
Perfect your Best and Brightest essays. For competitive awards requiring essays, write your responses outside the PAWS portal, revise multiple times, and have at least one person review your draft before submission. Generic, unrevised essays are routinely filtered out by selection committees.
For graduate students: contact your department immediately. Many of the highest-value USask graduate scholarships are department-managed. Your department must nominate you. Making contact with the graduate chair before — or at the moment of — receiving your admission offer puts you significantly ahead of most applicants.
Maintain your GPA throughout your degree. Most renewable USask scholarships require a minimum academic average (typically 75%–80%) over a defined number of credit units each year. Dropping below this threshold can result in immediate withdrawal of your award.
For a complete strategy guide on winning competitive scholarships globally, read our Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Scholarships guide on LicensureHub.
Related Posts
If you found this guide on University of Saskatchewan scholarships helpful, explore these related resources on LicensureHub:
- UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: 7 Powerful Funding Opportunities You Must Know — A comprehensive look at University of British Columbia scholarships, including automatic entrance awards and graduate funding for both domestic and international students.
- UVic Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Funding — Everything you need to know about University of Victoria scholarships, from entrance awards to graduate fellowships worth up to $20,000 per year.
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets — An in-depth guide to securing one of Canada’s most competitive graduate research scholarships, which can be held at USask alongside institutional awards.
- Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Scholarships — Proven strategies that apply directly to your USask scholarship applications, from crafting winning essays to securing powerful recommendation letters.
- Undergraduate Scholarships — Browse all currently open undergraduate scholarship opportunities, updated regularly on LicensureHub.
- Master’s Degree Scholarships — A curated list of fully funded master’s degree scholarships available each application cycle.
- PhD Scholarships for International Students — Explore the best doctoral funding opportunities globally, including fully funded PhD programs in Canada.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on University of Saskatchewan scholarships, consult these official sources:
- University of Saskatchewan Admissions — Scholarships Page: https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php — The official source for all undergraduate entrance scholarships, PAWS application portal, and annual deadlines.
- USask College of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies — Funding Page: https://grad.usask.ca/funding/scholarships.php — Official graduate scholarship information, including the UGS, departmental awards, and the $14 million annual graduate funding program.
- Government of Canada — Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Master’s): https://nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/funding-opportunity/canada-graduate-research-scholarship-masters-program — Official federal portal for the CGRS Master’s and Doctoral programs eligible to be held at USask.
Final Thoughts
University of Saskatchewan scholarships represent one of the most accessible and generous funding systems at any Canadian research university. Each year, millions of dollars in University of Saskatchewan scholarships flow to students at every academic level — from first-year undergraduates discovering Saskatoon’s vibrant campus life to advanced doctoral researchers making breakthrough discoveries.
Whether you are aiming for a $5,000 automatic entrance award or a fully funded PhD package worth $30,000 per year plus full tuition, the strategy is consistent: apply early, apply to multiple awards simultaneously, and invest real effort in the competitive essay-based applications that most students submit carelessly.
The latest update from USask confirms that international students have more scholarship options than ever before, and the process has never been more streamlined. Your admission application is often all you need to be automatically considered for significant funding.
Start your USask scholarship journey today — and use the related guides and undergraduate, master’s, and PhD scholarship resources on LicensureHub to build the strongest possible application portfolio.
Latest update: Always verify current deadlines and award values directly on the official University of Saskatchewan website before applying, as amounts and dates may be adjusted each year.
