University of Saskatchewan
The Prairies' comprehensive research university - world-class in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and synchrotron science.
The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon is the Prairie provinces' most comprehensive research university alongside U of A. USask is home to the Canadian Light Source synchrotron - the most powerful scientific facility in Canada - and has world-leading programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and Indigenous studies. Saskatoon is an affordable, growing city with a genuine tech and biotech economy emerging.
What average do you need to get into USask?
There is no single USask acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Medicine (MD) require high 90s + MCAT + interview, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most USask programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Saskatoon, SK
- Founded: 1907
- Students: 26,000
- Maclean's ranking: #14
- QS World ranking: #378
- Approximate domestic tuition: $8000/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Medicine
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Indigenous Studies
- Synchrotron Science
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for USask programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Medicine (MD) — admission average: high 90s + MCAT + interview (Serves Saskatchewan and Northern communities, strong rural health focus.)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — admission average: high 90s + experience (One of Canada's 5 vet schools - USask is one of the most accessible for Prairie students.)
- Pharmacy (PharmD) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (One of Canada's respected pharmacy programs.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s (Strong clinical placements in Saskatoon City Hospital and RUH.)
- Agricultural Sciences — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (USask is globally respected for agriculture - one of the world's best.)
- Animal Biosciences — admission average: high 80s (Strong pre-vet pathway and unique animal science research.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Growing program, Saskatoon tech sector expanding.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong mining, energy, and resource sector connections.)
- Geological Engineering — admission average: high 80s (One of Canada's strongest geological engineering programs - mining industry ties.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good co-op outcomes in Prairie manufacturing and resources.)
- Business (Edwards School) — admission average: high 80s (Well-regarded Prairie business school with resource sector focus.)
- Law (JD) — admission average: LSAT + GPA dependent (Strong Indigenous law program, respected in Western Canada.)
- Indigenous Studies — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Deep community engagement with First Nations of Saskatchewan.)
- Kinesiology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong sports science and physiotherapy pathway.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (Large Saskatchewan teacher training program.)
Things to Know
- The Canadian Light Source synchrotron on campus is a genuinely world-class research facility - available to undergrads in certain programs.
- USask's agricultural and veterinary programs are among the best in the world, not just Canada.
- Saskatoon is a growing city with a lower cost of living than most Canadian university cities.
- Indigenous programs have deep and genuine community partnerships across Saskatchewan First Nations.
Notable Alumni
- Joni Mitchell (attended briefly)
- Edward Llewellyn
- Murray Doehler