Saskatchewan student funding for 2026 stacks higher than most provinces realize: provincial loans (interest-free while studying), the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship ($500/yr renewable), and the Graduate Retention Program tax credit (up to $24,000 over 7 years post-graduation) for students who stay and work in the province. Combined with federal Canada Student Grants ($4,200/yr) and university entrance awards, a planned Saskatchewan student can graduate with debt well below the national average.
Saskatchewan funding stack at a glance:
| Source | Maximum Value | Repay? | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan + Canada Student Loans | Up to ~$15,000/yr (combined, need-based) | Loans (Saskatchewan zero-interest while studying) | Saskatchewan resident, full-time at approved institution |
| Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship | $500/yr (up to $2,000 lifetime) | No | Saskatchewan high school grad with 75%+ avg, attending Sask post-secondary |
| Canada Student Grant | Up to $4,200/yr (full-time) | No | Federal, family-income tested |
| Graduate Retention Program | Up to $24,000 lifetime tax credit (7 years) | No (tax credit) | Stay in Saskatchewan + work after graduation |
| USask / URegina entrance scholarships | $500 to $24,000+ (varies by school + program) | No | High school average + program-specific criteria |
In 2025-2026, the Saskatchewan government is providing $46.5 million in direct financial support to over 24,000 students: $34.4 million in grants and loans and $12.1 million in scholarships and bursaries. Smaller student population than ON or BC = better chance of capturing funding.
Want a personalized Saskatchewan funding roadmap? Take the 60-second Funding Type Quiz. It reads your situation (Saskatchewan resident, school choice, family income) and lays out the specific Sask Aid package + Advantage Scholarship + GRP + entrance awards most likely to apply to you. Free, no signup, results in 60 seconds.
This guide covers every major Saskatchewan funding source for 2026: provincial loans + grants, the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, the Graduate Retention Program, university and polytechnic entrance awards, federal grants, community scholarships, and tax benefits.
Saskatchewan Student Aid: Loans and Grants
Saskatchewan Student Aid is the provincial student financial assistance program. Like other provinces, it integrates with the federal Canada Student Financial Assistance Program so that a single application covers both provincial and federal funding. You apply once, and both levels of government assess your eligibility simultaneously.
How Saskatchewan Student Aid Works
When you submit a Saskatchewan Student Aid application, the system evaluates your financial need based on your educational costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment), your living costs (whether you live at home or away from home), your income and assets, your parents' income and assets (for dependent students), your spouse's income (if applicable), and your course load and program length.
Based on that assessment, Saskatchewan Student Aid calculates a total funding package that may include:
- Saskatchewan Student Grant (provincial, non-repayable)
- Canada Student Grant (federal, non-repayable)
- Saskatchewan Student Loan (provincial, repayable)
- Canada Student Loan (federal, repayable)
- Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship (provincial, non-repayable)
You do not choose how the funding is split. The system determines this based on your assessed need and current policy rules. An important feature: Saskatchewan allows you to apply for grants only, declining the loan portion if you do not want to take on debt. This grants-only option lets eligible students receive free money without any repayment obligation.
Saskatchewan Student Loans
Saskatchewan student loans carry strong borrower protections:
- Interest-free while studying: You pay no interest on your Saskatchewan student loan while enrolled in full-time studies
- Six-month grace period: After you leave school, you have six months before repayment begins
- Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): If your income is low after graduation, RAP can reduce or eliminate your monthly payments
- No interest during grace period: Unlike some provinces, Saskatchewan does not charge interest during the six-month non-repayment period on provincial loans
Full-time students can receive substantial combined provincial and federal loan amounts based on their assessed need. The Saskatchewan portion is administered alongside the Canada Student Loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).
Saskatchewan Student Grants
The Saskatchewan Student Grant is the provincial grant component -- free money you do not repay. Part-time students may receive up to $800 per academic year through the Saskatchewan Student Grant for Part-Time Students. Grant amounts for full-time students are determined through the needs assessment process and are disbursed automatically as part of your funding package.
Canada Student Grants (Federal)
Through your Saskatchewan Student Aid application, you are also assessed for federal Canada Student Grants:
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students: Up to $4,200 per year (approximately $525 per month of study). This reflects a temporary 40% increase over the pre-pandemic level of $3,000, extended through the 2026-2027 academic year
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $2,520 per academic year
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants: An additional $280 per month per dependant (up to $2,240 per year per dependant)
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants: Up to $2,688 per academic year for students with one or two dependants; up to $2,688 per year (at $84 per week) for students with three or more dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities: Up to $2,800 per academic year
- Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities: Up to $22,000 per academic year to cover disability-related educational costs
These federal grants are non-repayable and are included automatically in your Saskatchewan Student Aid assessment.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025-2026 loan year are submitted online through the Saskatchewan Student Aid website. The application period opened in June 2025 for students starting programs on or after August 1, 2025. Apply early -- processing takes several weeks, and you want funding confirmed before classes start.
Use the FundMyCourse Funding Calculator to estimate your total Saskatchewan Student Aid package before you apply.
Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship
The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship (SAS) is a provincial scholarship that provides $750 per year, to a lifetime maximum of $3,000, to eligible Saskatchewan grade 12 graduates attending post-secondary institutions in the province.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SAS, you must:
- Have graduated from grade 12 in Saskatchewan (or completed an equivalent credential such as Adult Basic Education on or after January 1, 2012)
- Demonstrate financial need when assessed for Saskatchewan Student Aid
- Be enrolled at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution in a program recognized for Saskatchewan Student Aid (certificate, diploma, or degree programs)
How to Apply
You do not submit a separate application. You are automatically assessed for the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship when you apply for full-time or part-time Saskatchewan Student Aid. You do not need to accept a student loan to receive the scholarship -- you just need to apply to determine eligibility.
Important Restrictions
Students attending post-secondary institutions outside of Saskatchewan are generally not eligible for the SAS. Exceptions exist for Lakeland College and specific specialized health program seats. If you are planning to study out of province, you will not receive this scholarship.
This restriction makes in-province study financially advantageous for Saskatchewan students. Combined with lower tuition at Saskatchewan institutions and the Graduate Retention Program (covered below), the financial case for staying in-province is strong.
Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program
The Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program (GRP) is one of the most generous post-graduation incentives in Canada. It provides a non-refundable income tax credit of up to $24,000 for graduates who live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after graduation.
How It Works
When you graduate from an eligible post-secondary program, you apply for a GRP certificate through the Advanced Education Student Portal. The certificate entitles you to claim a non-refundable tax credit on your Saskatchewan income tax return over a period of up to seven years after graduation.
For graduates who completed their program on or after October 1, 2024, the maximum credit was increased from $20,000 to $24,000. If you graduated before that date, the maximum remains $20,000.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Have graduated from an eligible post-secondary program at a recognized institution (the program does not need to be in Saskatchewan, but you must live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after graduation)
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number
- File a Saskatchewan income tax return
Claiming the Credit
You claim the GRP credit when you file your annual income tax return. If your credit exceeds your tax payable in a given year, the excess carries forward to future years. You have up to ten years from graduation to fully utilize your tuition rebate entitlements.
This program effectively reimburses a substantial portion of your tuition costs over your early career. For a student who completes a four-year degree and stays in Saskatchewan, the GRP can return thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to taxes, making it a powerful incentive to study and build your career in the province.
University of Saskatchewan (USask) Scholarships
The University of Saskatchewan recognizes academic excellence with a robust entrance scholarship program. USask awards entrance scholarships to approximately 600 high-achieving entering students each year.
Prestige Entrance Scholarships
USask offers several tiers of top entrance awards:
- George and Marsha Ivany President's First and Best Scholarships: Valued at $40,000 ($10,000 per year over four years). These are USask's most prestigious entrance awards
- Chancellors' Scholarships: Valued at $30,000 ($7,500 per year over four years)
- University of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarships: Valued at $30,000 ($7,500 per year over four years)
Standard Entrance Scholarships
Beyond the prestige tier, USask awards entrance scholarships valued at $5,000 each to a large pool of high-achieving incoming students. These are one-time awards based on your admission average.
College-Specific Scholarships
Individual colleges within USask offer their own entrance awards:
- Torvald and Margaret Tollefson Renewable Entrance Scholarships (College of Agriculture and Bioresources): Valued at $12,000 ($3,000 per year over four years)
- Various faculty-specific awards in Engineering, Arts and Science, Edwards School of Business, and other colleges
Continuing Student Awards
After your first year, USask offers hundreds of undergraduate awards for continuing students based on academic performance, program of study, and other criteria. These are administered through the Student Awards Office.
How to Apply
To be considered for USask entrance scholarships, submit your online application for admission (including the application fee) by February 15 and ensure your transcript and other admission documents are submitted by March 1. Most entrance scholarships are automatically considered based on your admission average.
Schulich Leader Scholarships at USask
USask is a Schulich Leader partner university. These national STEM awards are valued at up to $120,000 (Engineering) or $100,000 (Science and Math) over four years. Candidates must be nominated by their high school.
University of Regina Scholarships
The University of Regina offers automatic entrance awards based on your admission average -- no separate application is required.
Domestic Student Entrance Awards
All undergraduate students who apply for Fall admission are automatically considered for entrance scholarships based on their admission average:
- Chancellor's Scholarship: Awarded annually to 14 undergraduate students with a minimum admission average of 95%. Valued at $3,000 to $80,000 depending on the specific award tier
- Additional entrance awards are available at various admission average thresholds
Faculty-Specific Awards
The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and other faculties offer their own entrance and continuing awards. Check with each faculty for specific programs and deadlines.
Continuing Student Awards
URegina administers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and awards for continuing students. These are distributed through the Student Awards and Financial Aid office and are based on academic achievement, financial need, program of study, and other criteria.
How to Apply
Simply apply to the University of Regina and submit your transcripts. You are automatically considered for entrance awards based on your admission average. No separate scholarship application is required for the automatic awards.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Scholarships and Bursaries
Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) awards up to $2 million to students each year through a combination of scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, or both, along with criteria such as volunteer work and community leadership.
How to Apply
Sask Polytech uses an online General Application system. Sign in using your Saskatchewan Polytechnic student login and complete the General Application, which automatically matches you to many student award opportunities. The application schedule for 2025-2026 is:
- Summer: July 15 to September 15, 2025 (for students attending in the Fall)
- Fall: October 1 to October 31, 2025
- Winter: January 10 to February 15, 2026
- Apprenticeship: September 15, 2025 to June 15, 2026
Notable Programs
- Mining Engineering Technology Entrance Awards: Eight entrance awards covering one year's tuition and books for Indigenous students enrolled full-time in Mining Engineering Technology
- Early Childhood Education Bursaries: Funded through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement, available through March 2026
- Emergency Bursaries: Available to students facing temporary and urgent financial hardship. Speak with a student counsellor or Indigenous student advisor
External Awards
Sask Polytech maintains a list of additional external award, funding, and scholarship opportunities from community organizations, industry partners, and other sources. Check the Additional Awards page on the Sask Polytech website for opportunities beyond the institutional awards.
Federal Scholarships and National Awards
Saskatchewan students are eligible for all national scholarship programs open to Canadian students. These are often the largest awards available and are highly competitive.
Schulich Leader Scholarships
The Schulich Leader Scholarship is one of Canada's most prestigious STEM entrance awards. It is offered at partner universities including the University of Saskatchewan. Awards are valued at up to $120,000 over four years for Engineering students and $100,000 for Science, Technology, or Mathematics students.
Candidates must be nominated by their high school. If you are a Grade 12 student with strong academic performance and leadership in STEM, ask your school guidance counsellor about the nomination process.
Loran Scholars Foundation
The Loran Award provides up to $100,000 over four years, including tuition, living stipend, and summer internship funding. It recognizes character, service, and leadership potential. Applications open in the fall for the following year's entry class.
TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
TD awards up to 20 scholarships of $70,000 each year to students who demonstrate community leadership. These are open to all Canadian students, including those attending Saskatchewan institutions.
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
This national award provides $28,000 over four years (renewable) and recognizes students involved in humanitarian and voluntary activities. Saskatchewan students are eligible.
Browse our full scholarship database to find national awards you qualify for.
Community and External Scholarships
Beyond government and university funding, hundreds of community-based scholarships are available to Saskatchewan students. These tend to be smaller individually (typically $500 to $5,000) but they add up, and competition is often lower because fewer students apply.
Where to Look
- Your high school guidance office: Most schools maintain a list of local scholarships with deadlines throughout the spring
- Your parents' employers: Many companies offer dependent scholarships
- Community organizations: Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, cultural associations, Indigenous organizations, and faith-based groups all offer awards
- Professional associations: If you are entering a specific field (engineering, nursing, agriculture, trades), check the relevant professional association for student awards
- SGI scholarships: Saskatchewan Government Insurance offers scholarships to Saskatchewan students
Industry-Specific Saskatchewan Scholarships
Saskatchewan's economy creates unique scholarship opportunities:
- Agriculture scholarships: Saskatchewan is Canada's largest agricultural province, and organizations like the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and various crop development associations fund student awards
- Mining and resource scholarships: Potash, uranium, and other resource companies operating in Saskatchewan offer student awards
- Trades scholarships: Saskatchewan's demand for skilled trades means apprenticeship awards and trades-specific funding are available
- Co-operative sector awards: Saskatchewan has a strong co-operative tradition, and organizations like Federated Co-operatives Limited offer student awards
Use the FundMyCourse scholarship search to filter for Saskatchewan-specific awards matching your profile.
Savings Programs: RESP, CESG, and CLB
If you are a parent planning ahead, or a student whose family started saving early, registered savings programs can be a major source of funding.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
An RESP is a tax-sheltered savings account specifically for post-secondary education. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment growth inside the account is tax-deferred. When funds are withdrawn for education, the growth portion is taxed in the student's hands (usually at a very low rate, since most students have little income).
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)
The federal government matches RESP contributions through the CESG: 20% on the first $2,500 contributed each year, up to a maximum of $500 per year and a lifetime maximum of $7,200 per child. Lower-income families may qualify for an additional CESG of up to $100 per year.
Canada Learning Bond (CLB)
The CLB provides up to $2,000 for children from lower-income families, deposited directly into an RESP. No family contribution is required. The CLB provides $500 in the first year and $100 each subsequent year until the child turns 15. Many eligible families do not claim this benefit -- check your eligibility on the Canada.ca website.
For a detailed breakdown of RESP strategies, see our RESP and CESG Guide.
Student Tax Credits and Benefits
Tax benefits are the most overlooked source of student funding. They do not put cash in your pocket today, but they reduce your tax burden during and after school.
Tuition Tax Credit
The federal tuition tax credit allows you to claim the eligible tuition fees you paid during the tax year. The credit is calculated at 15% of your tuition. If you cannot use the full credit in the current year, you can carry it forward to future years (indefinitely) or transfer up to $5,000 of the current year's credit to a parent, grandparent, or spouse.
Saskatchewan does not offer a separate provincial tuition tax credit, but the federal credit remains valuable -- and the Graduate Retention Program effectively serves as Saskatchewan's version of a tuition rebate, but far more generous than a standard tax credit.
Student Loan Interest Deduction
Interest paid on government student loans (both Saskatchewan and Canada) is eligible for a 15% non-refundable federal tax credit. You can claim the interest in the year you paid it or carry it forward for up to five years.
GST/HST Credit
Full-time students aged 19 or older who file a tax return may qualify for the GST/HST credit, which provides quarterly payments of up to several hundred dollars per year based on your income. Saskatchewan also has the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit, which provides additional quarterly payments to lower-income residents.
Funding for Specific Groups
Indigenous Students
Indigenous students in Saskatchewan have access to additional funding sources:
- Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP): Funding provided through Indigenous Services Canada to eligible First Nations and Inuit students. Contact your band council or Inuit organization for application details
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic Indigenous awards: Including Mining Engineering Technology entrance awards covering tuition and books
- USask Indigenous awards: Various scholarships and bursaries specifically for Indigenous students
- Indspire: A national Indigenous organization that awards millions in bursaries and scholarships annually
- Gabriel Dumont Institute: Provides bursaries and educational support for Metis students in Saskatchewan
Students with Disabilities
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities: Up to $2,800 per year
- Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities: Up to $22,000 per year for disability-related educational costs
- Saskatchewan Student Aid disability supports: Additional funding for students with documented permanent disabilities
Mature and Part-Time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $2,520 per year
- Saskatchewan Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $800 per year
- Saskatchewan Student Aid accepts applications from part-time students through a separate application stream
- Many institutional bursaries and scholarships are open to part-time and mature students -- check with your school's awards office
Building Your Saskatchewan Funding Stack
The students who pay the least out of pocket are the ones who layer multiple funding sources. Here is a practical approach for Saskatchewan students:
Step 1: Apply for Saskatchewan Student Aid
This is your foundation. One application covers both provincial and federal loans and grants, plus the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship. Apply as early as possible once the application opens for your study period. Remember: you can choose the grants-only option if you do not want loans.
Step 2: Apply for University or Polytechnic Awards
Complete the scholarship application at your chosen institution. At USask, ensure your admission application and transcripts are submitted by the February 15 and March 1 deadlines. At Sask Polytech, complete the General Application to be matched with available awards.
Step 3: Search for External Scholarships
Use the FundMyCourse scholarship database to find community, industry, and national awards matching your profile. Apply to at least ten. The smaller awards ($500 to $2,000) often have fewer applicants and better odds.
Step 4: Maximize Savings and Tax Benefits
If you have an RESP, coordinate withdrawals for maximum tax efficiency. File your tax return every year, even if your income is zero, to claim tuition credits and qualify for the GST/HST credit and Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit.
Step 5: Plan for the Graduate Retention Program
If you plan to stay in Saskatchewan after graduation, the GRP can return up to $24,000 in tax credits over seven years. Factor this into your long-term financial planning -- it effectively makes your total cost of education significantly lower than the sticker price.
Key Deadlines for 2026
| Funding Source | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Student Aid (2025-2026) | Apply early; processing takes several weeks |
| Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship | Automatic with Student Aid application |
| USask Admission Application | February 15, 2026 |
| USask Transcript Submission | March 1, 2026 |
| URegina Entrance Awards | Automatic with admission application |
| Sask Polytech General Application | Varies by term (see schedule above) |
| Graduate Retention Program | Apply after graduation through Student Portal |
| Schulich Leader Nominations | Typically fall of Grade 12 year |
| Loran Award | October (of Grade 12 year) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I get from Saskatchewan Student Aid?
Saskatchewan and Canada Student Loans combined can total up to approximately $15,000 per year (need-based). The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship adds $500 per year (up to $2,000 lifetime) for Saskatchewan high school grads with 75%+ averages attending Saskatchewan post-secondary. The federal Canada Student Grant adds up to $4,200 per year. The Graduate Retention Program offers a separate tax credit worth up to $24,000 over 7 years post-graduation.
What is the Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program tax credit?
The Graduate Retention Program is a tax credit, not a grant or scholarship. It returns up to $24,000 over 7 years post-graduation to graduates who stay in Saskatchewan and work after graduation. The credit applies against Saskatchewan provincial income tax owing. Eligibility requires graduating from an approved Saskatchewan post-secondary program AND filing Saskatchewan tax returns annually after graduation.
Are Saskatchewan student loans interest-free?
Only while you study. Saskatchewan provincial loans are zero-interest during your full-time studies. Interest begins accruing on the provincial portion during the six-month grace period after you leave school and is added to your outstanding balance. The federal Canada Student Loan portion is currently at 0% interest under federal policy. Check the Saskatchewan Student Aid website for the current provincial interest rate.
Do I need to attend a Saskatchewan school to qualify for Saskatchewan Student Aid?
You need to be a Saskatchewan resident, but you do not have to attend a Saskatchewan school. Saskatchewan Student Aid covers Saskatchewan residents attending approved institutions in Saskatchewan or in other Canadian provinces. The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship does require attending a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution. The Graduate Retention Program requires graduating from a Saskatchewan program.
What if I cannot repay my Saskatchewan student loan?
Apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan. RAP can defer or adjust your monthly payments based on your income. Both Saskatchewan and federal portions of your loan are eligible. Repayment begins six months after you complete your studies. If you remain in Saskatchewan and work after graduation, the Graduate Retention Program tax credit can offset a significant portion of your repayment burden.
Final Thoughts
Saskatchewan students have access to a funding ecosystem that punches well above its weight: interest-free provincial loans, automatic grants and scholarships through the Student Aid application, strong university entrance awards, one of the most generous graduate retention programs in Canada, and all the federal grants and national scholarships available to every Canadian student.
The key is not to leave money on the table. Apply for Saskatchewan Student Aid (even if you only want grants). Complete your institution's scholarship application. Search for external awards. File your taxes. And if you stay in Saskatchewan after graduation, claim the Graduate Retention Program credit every year.
Start your search today with the FundMyCourse scholarship database and use our Funding Calculator to build your personalized funding plan.