Everything International Students Need to Know About Studying in Saskatchewan

For international students wondering about studying in Saskatchewan, it is one of the country’s sunniest provinces. Also, compared to the rest of the country, it boasts a lower cost of living.

But, before you make any decision, here’s an overview of the benefits of studying in Saskatchewan. This blog has a lot of useful information on notable schools, what the job market is like, how to apply for permanent residency, and more.

What is Living in Saskatchewan Like?

Geography

Saskatchewan is made up of grassland, aspen parkland, and forests. Along with Alberta, it is one of the only landlocked provinces in Canada.

Weather and Climate

Known as one of Canada’s sunniest provinces, Saskatchewan enjoys an annual average of 2,000-2,500 hours of sunshine. It is also one of the country’s coldest provinces, while still having warm and dry summers.

What Are The Largest Cities in Saskatchewan?

The largest cities in Saskatchewan are:

• Saskatoon - Standing on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional territory of Cree Peoples and the homeland of the Métis Nation, Saskatoon is the largest city in the province. Named after the saskatoon berry that flourishes in the region, it is known for its potash production.

• Regina - The capital city of Saskatchewan, Regina is also known as the Queen City. It is located in the middle of the plains and is home to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

• Prince Albert - Located on Treaty 6 territory, Prince Albert is home to 1500 lakes and is a primary service centre for central and northern Saskatchewan.

• Moose Jaw - Located on the Treaty 4 territory, the city is known for the Moose Jaw Tunnels, a tourist attraction centred around the legend of Al Capone.

Notable Colleges and Universities in Saskatchewan for International Students

According to Maclean’s renowned Top University rankings for 2023, based on factors regarding students, reputation, faculty, student support, and resources, the best universities for international students in Saskatchewan are:

• University of Saskatchewan - Ranked 22nd for Best Overall, 20th for Highest Quality, 22nd for Most Innovative, 22nd for Leaders of Tomorrow. Located in Saskatoon, University of Saskatchewan is considered among Canada’s top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities. It is also a leader in water, food security, and infectious disease research.

• University of Regina - Ranked 39th for Best Overall, 39th for Highest Quality, 35th for Most Innovative, 43rd for Leaders of Tomorrow. Known for innovative thinking, this university was the first in Western Canada to offer a co-op program. Majority of its co-op participants are students studying engineering and the sciences.

Other top universities in Saskatchewan for international students include:

• First Nations University of Canada - This unique institution focuses primarily on Indigenous studies, servicing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. It has campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.

• Luther College - Located at the University of Regina, this college offers degrees in liberal arts and the sciences with a focus on individual attention, global perspective, and quality education.

• Campion College - Also located at the University of Regina, this private Roman Catholic University follows the Jesuit philosophy of education, specializing in a unified focus on academic excellence and having a positive impact in the world.

• St. Thomas More College - A federated college of the University of Saskatchewan, this undergraduate Catholic Liberal Arts College offers education in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

The best colleges in Saskatchewan for international students include:

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative education, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the province’s leading public technical education institution. It has relationships with Dumont Technical Institute, First Nations University of Canada, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, University of Regina, and the University of Saskatchewan.

• Parkland College - Parkland College is in a coalition with Cumberland College and offers post-secondary education and skills training in partnership with the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and other provincial colleges.

• Cumberland College - Cumberland College is a small, rural college focused on providing personalized student support. It offers select university courses in partnership with University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.

• Great Plains College - A community-centric college focused on supportive, productive, and personalized learning, Great Plains College also offers university courses in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.

• College Mathieu - College Mathieu is the only French language college in the province. This technical vocational college offers a bilingual practical nursing program in response to an increased need for bilingual healthcare workers.

International students who study in Saskatchewan are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate work permit. If you decide to stay, work, and file income tax in the province after study, you may be eligible for tuition fee rebates up to $20K through the Graduate Retention Program.

How do International Students get a Study Permit in Saskatchewan?

Wondering about Saskatchewan student visa requirements? International students need to have a study permit or temporary resident visa to attend a university or college in the province.

If you are unable to obtain a temporary resident visa, you may apply for a study permit after you’ve been accepted by your school of choice. Once you receive your study permit, the Government of Canada will issue you a visa.

For more general information on study permits, visit Get a Study Permit via the Government of Canada.

For information on required documents, visit the Government of Canada’s Study Permit website here.

What is the Population of Saskatchewan Like?

Saskatchewan has a population 1.1 million people, with individuals of German descent making up the majority. There are 159,300 visible minorities and 6,900 international students in Saskatchewan. The province also has the second largest population of people of Indigenous descent in the country.

The largest visible minority groups in Saskatchewan are South Asian, Filipino, Chinese, Black, and Southeast Asian. Historically, the majority of visible minorities reside in Regina and Saskatoon.

What Can International Students do in Saskatchewan on Weekends?

Don’t miss these top sights if you decide to study in Saskatchewan. The province’s top five tourist attractions include:

1. Prince Albert National Park - Located north of Saskatoon, Prince Albert National Park is one of Saskatchewan’s treasures, showcasing the stunning ecological diversity the province has to offer.

2. Western Development Museum (WDM) - The largest human history museum in Saskatchewan, the WDM is a network of four different museums with 75,000 artifacts forming a record of the province’s social and economic impact.

3. Wascana Place - This urban park is located around the Wascana Lake in Regina and is larger than both New York’s Central Park and Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

4. Tunnels of Moose Jaw - Located under the city of Moose Jaw, these tunnels offer a peek into Canada’s history, including productions exploring Al Capone’s bootlegging days.

5. Royal Saskatchewan Museum - Saskatchewan’s first museum, The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is a world-class research institution with an impressive collection of exhibits spanning paleontology to Indigenous studies.

What is Saskatchewan’s Job Market and Local Economy Like?

According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and the Government of Saskatchewan’s Labour Projections for 2022-2026, here’s an overview of the Saskatchewan’s job market and local economy:

Regions of Saskatchewan with Largest Employment Growth

The regions of Saskatchewan that are experiencing the biggest increase in employment are:

• Saskatoon-Biggar

• Yorkton-Melville

• Regina-Moose Mountain

Top Industries Offering Employment in Saskatchewan

The five industry groups in Saskatchewan projected to have the largest job openings are:

1. Sales & Service

2. Trades/Transport/Equipment Operators

3. Natural Resources/Agriculture

4. Business/Finance/Administration

5. Education/Law & Social Community/Government

Top Education Levels and Skills Required by Manitoba Employers

It is forecasted that both higher-skilled and lower/semi-skilled workers will be sought after by employers from 2022 to 2026. 62% of jobs will require management experience or a post-secondary education.

The top education levels and skills required by the industries with the highest projected employment are:

Sales & Service

1. Less than high school training

2. High school/Occupation-specific training

Trades/Transport/Equipment Operators

1. Post-secondary diploma/certificate/apprenticeship training

2. High school/Occupation-specific training

Natural Resources/Agriculture

1. Management

2. High school/Occupation-specific training

Business/Finance/Administration

1. Post-secondary diploma/certificate/apprenticeship training

2. High school/Occupation-specific training

Education/Law & Social Community/Government

1. University degree

2. High school/Occupation-specific training

Can a Student Get Permanent Residency in Saskatchewan?

Yes! After graduation, students can apply for permanent residency through the Government of Canada’s Express Entry program or the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

Annually, an average of 14,000 people become permanent residents in Saskatchewan (2015-2022), with 20,500 people receiving permanent residency in 2022.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has four sub-categories:

• Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience
  For individuals or students with existing work permits or experience working for a Saskatchewan employer. The criteria for students who are recent graduates of a Saskatchewan institution are:

• Students:

• Full-time provincial work experience for a minimum of six months

• A valid post-graduation work permit or Open Work Permit

• Permanent full-time provincial job offer in your field of study from a Saskatchewan approved employer

• An SINP Job Approval Letter

• Minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4

• International Skilled Worker
  For international skilled workers with an employment offer or the skills, work history, and profile that satisfies in-demand jobs.

• Entrepreneur
  For recent graduates or international skilled workers who want to start a business in Saskatchewan.

• Farm Owner and Operator
  For farmers who want to move to the province and own a farm.

Last but not least, be careful of immigration fraud. Take advantage of the free resources from the Government of Canada and your university or college’s international student centre. Be vigilant about urgent requests for money or personal information, and always reach out to Immigration Services before complying.

Studying in Saskatchewan as an International Student

Deciding whether Saskatchewan is right for you is a personal choice and we hope this guide has given you some clarity.

Have more questions about studying in Canada as an international student? From fine-tuning your application to choosing the right courses, IDP Education Canada’s education counsellors are here to help! Book a free chat here.

For more tips and information about international student life in Canada, follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.