Nothing testifies to a university’s quality and prestige like a long list of highly acclaimed graduates. Strong academic programs, accomplished faculty and modern facilities are all part of the equation, but the best metric by which prospective students can gauge a school’s clout is its alumni.

The University of Saskatchewan is a good example of this. It is a medium-sized institution with a student body of about 15,000 full-time students. But the list of graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to society is substantial. To date, U of S claims two Nobel Prize winners, one Canadian prime minister, an Oscar winner, and four Olympic gold medalists.

University of Saskatchewan

Pic: University of Saskatchewan.

This Canadian university is also a leading destination for international students, particularly those from Asia who are looking for a high-value option in North America.

Value for Money
Studying in North America is expensive – disproportionately so for international students enrolling in US universities. Studying in Canada is an affordable alternative for those seeking the North American experience without the hefty US price tag. On average, a bachelor’s degree from the US costs about 30 percent more than it would in Canada. Furthermore, Canadian universities offer international student tuition fees below those found in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Cast in this light, it is easy to make a case for Canada as the premier value-for-money option for international students.

At the University of Saskatchewan, semester charges range between CA$11,000 and CA$26,000, depending on the individual. This includes tuition, student fees, books and supplies, housing and a few other miscellaneous expenses.

There’s also plenty of financial aid on offer. Incoming students are automatically considered for Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships, which range from CA$500 to CA$3,000. In addition, those transferring from other universities may qualify for between CA$1,000 and CA$2,000. Finally, international students with high marks and notable achievements may receive International Student Renewable Entrance Scholarships. These add up over time, offsetting expenses by as much as CA$45,000 over a four-year period.

Academics
In all, the University of Saskatchewan offers around 200 programs spanning the arts and sciences. This is also the only English speaking university in Canada to offer such a diverse range of studies. Areas of expertise include pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and arts and sciences. It is particularly well-known for its teaching programs and research offerings and ranks in the top-10 medical doctoral universities in the country according to Maclean’s Guide to Canadian Universities.

Research offerings
U of S is one of Canada’s top-tier research universities, and has been home to notable advances in science and medicine. The school encourages hands-on participation and actively supports students’ ideas. David Asper’s accomplishments are a good example of this. While still a student at U of S, he invented a vaccine that made water and food cleaner for human consumption. His vaccine targeted certain bacteria within cattle that can be dangerous to humans. By supporting the research efforts of its students, U of S enables major scientific breakthroughs.

U of S research facilities are impressive. In particular, the campus’ synchrotron Canadian Light Source is a one-of-a-kind facility in Canada. Students carry out important research here in the nation’s only nuclear and biotechnology research institute. Other notable research offerings include the Crop Development Centre, Innovation Place (an important research park) and a partnership with the International Vaccine Centre.

The Arts
Several important artists and authors have graduated from U of S. One famous alumnus is Guy Vanderhaeghe, author of literary masterpieces The Englishman’s Boy and The Last Crossing. Vanderhaeghe has since returned to U of S as a professor of creative writing. The university also commissioned the launch of the Clarion Project. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for artists to creatively collaborate through the use of performance venues, classrooms and a digital research centre.

University of Saskatchewan

Pic: University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan Campus
Saskatoon is a lively but safe city, with plenty of recreational activities on tap. Known as “The Paris of the Prairies,” Saskatoon offers big-city attractions in a friendly small-town atmosphere. The Saskatchewan River is dotted with popular restaurants, modern malls, trendy coffee shops and plenty of other entertainment outlets.

The campus itself has plenty to offer. The park-like grounds are dotted with greystone architecture. Many of the buildings are interconnected by sky bridges and hallways, which make getting to class much easier on rainy days.

Students find everything they need for daily life and studying right on campus. Free broadband wireless Internet broadcasts across campus. There are also eight different libraries housing a total of more than 2 million resources and connections to e-resources and international databases. Over 60 computer labs on campus are open 24 hours a day.

You can also connect with the University of Saskatchewan on Facebook and Twitter