We see you are about to make the big decision of institutions to attend and possible programs of study. There are several things you should consider when you make decisions about your post-secondary studies. In brief, your choice of institution and program will be based on the credential you are looking to pursue, a previous field of study/qualifications, the tuition you can afford, career opportunities of the program, and your preferred city in Saskatchewan (due to cost of living). Let’s break the above down to questions you should ask yourself and have real answers to.
- Does the program suit my interests and career goals?
- Do I have the time, energy and financial resources required to be successful in the program?
- Is the institution a pleasant and comfortable place to spend my time in?
- What are the pre-requisites for admission?
- How many students apply for the course or program and how many are accepted?
- Do I need to take a test to be considered for acceptance? If so, what score do I need to achieve to be considered?
- Are there waitlists for the program or courses I am interested in?
- Is the tuition cost of one program much more or less than a similar program I have encountered? If so, why is it?
- Are books and equipment included in the tuition fee?
- Is it possible for me to borrow resource materials, or do they need to be purchased?
- If I need to repeat a course or subject, will I have to pay for it?
- What are the institution’s policies for refunding tuition in case of withdrawal or dismissal?
- What is included in the price of tuition? What other costs are necessary for me to complete the program?
- Are grants, bursaries or scholarships available?
- Beyond the costs of tuition, what can I expect my cost of living expenses to be while I am attending school?
- Will there continue to be opportunities in the field I have chosen?
- Will the institution arrange a practicum for me or am I expected to do it myself?
- Does the institution have any transfer arrangements with other institutions?
In addition to the above, you should be aware that there are several types of post-secondary institutions located in Saskatchewan. They include:
Universities
There are two world-class, publicly-funded, government-accredited universities in Saskatchewan, The University of Regina and The University of Saskatchewan. With 10 faculties and 25 academic departments that have earned reputations for excellence and innovation, the University of Regina is an ideal place for international students to study for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. A member of U15 – a group of top research universities in Canada – the University of Saskatchewan offers 58 kinds of degrees, diplomas and certificates at bachelor, master and doctoral levels, and in more than 100 academic programs.
the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan
Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnics provide students with opportunities for applied learning, enabling them to acquire marketable skills that are needed in business and industry. A member of Polytechnics Canada, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the province’s primary post-secondary institution for technical education and skills training. With its multiple campuses – in Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon, as well as distance education – the Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers 150 certificate, diploma and degree programs.
Regional Colleges
Saskatchewan’s regional colleges are institutions designed to offer courses and programs in trades, skills training and academic studies that lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These regional colleges also provide adult “basic education” to prepare adult learners for post-secondary studies. Many of the regional colleges offer programs with links to Saskatchewan Polytechnic and first year university studies that allow students to transfer into one of the province’s universities. Some of the regional colleges that are designated for international students include; Parkland College, Cumberland College, Great Plains College, North West College, and Southeast College.
Career Colleges
Otherwise known as private vocational schools, Saskatchewan’s Career Colleges offer non-degree, vocational training programs which prepare students for employment in a “specific occupation”. The programs are available in various fields including business, office administration, healthcare careers, and fashion design. Some of these vocational schools are: Academy of learning, Academy of Fashion Design, CDI College, Regency College
For instance, if you’d like to study fashion designing, the Academy of Fashion Designing would seem a better choice compared to University of Regina. Also, engineering programs and graduate programs tend to have higher tuitions. A diploma program would also be best studied in polytechnics and colleges. If you are satisfied with your findings on a school, the next thing to do will be to apply for admission.
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