USask Announces Modest Tuition Hikes for 2026/27 Amid Affordability Concerns
The University of Saskatchewan (USask), one of Canada's leading research-intensive institutions, has approved tuition rates for the 2026/27 academic year, marking an average increase of 2.8 percent for domestic undergraduate programs and 4.6 percent for graduate programs. This move comes as the province's post-secondary sector navigates financial sustainability under a new multi-year funding agreement with the government. While university leaders emphasize that the additional revenue will bolster student supports and programming, the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU) highlights the growing strain on students already grappling with elevated living costs in Saskatoon.
Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Patti McDougall noted that tuition decisions are guided by principles of accessibility, affordability, and comparability to peer institutions in the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. The increases, capped at three percent for most domestic programs per the provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU2), aim to maintain high-quality teaching, experiential learning, and research opportunities without disproportionately burdening learners.
Detailed Breakdown of Tuition Changes Across Programs
Tuition varies by program category, with per-credit-unit rates forming the basis for full-time loads typically comprising 30 credit units annually for undergraduates. For domestic students in Arts and Science (Category 1), the rate rises from $258.50 to $266.20 per credit unit—a $7.70 increase—or about $8,059 for a full Bachelor of Arts load, up $233 from last year. Engineering (Category 7) sees $339.30 per credit unit (up $9.80), totaling around $12,269 annually.
Professional programs face higher absolute jumps: Medicine increases to $22,773 (plus $876), Dentistry (in-province) to $44,928 (plus $663), and Veterinary Medicine to $16,228 (plus $772). Graduate thesis-based master's programs climb to $5,706 annually (up $270), while PhD rates reach $5,637 (up $201). International undergraduates pay approximately 4.84 times the domestic rate, pushing a Bachelor of Arts to $39,007 (up $1,128), and master's to $12,839 (up $608). Notably, international PhD students continue to benefit from domestic rates since 2022 to attract global talent.
- Arts/Science: Domestic $8,059 (+2.8%), International $39,007 (+3.0%)
- Engineering: Domestic $12,269 (+2.9%), International $59,383 (+2.9%)
- Business: Domestic $10,110 (+2.2%), International $48,932 (+2.2%)
- Nursing: Domestic $9,980 (+2.2%), International $48,305 (+2.2%)
New offerings like the Master of Public Health Nursing (thesis) start at $2,200 per term domestic, reflecting investments in health sciences amid provincial priorities.
Provincial Funding Boost Provides Context for Controlled Increases
Saskatchewan's 2026 budget allocates $847.1 million to post-secondary education—a 7.5 percent rise—with USask receiving $346 million in operating funds (up $18.3 million), including expansions in medical and nurse practitioner training. The MOU2, signed in November 2025, commits to three percent annual operating grant hikes and tuition caps of zero to three percent for most domestic programs, exempting graduate, international, and select professional fees to ensure competitiveness.
This framework balances fiscal responsibility with accessibility, as tuition comprises just 28 percent of USask's operating revenue. Capital investments, like $25.8 million province-wide (up $3.7 million), support infrastructure such as veterinary expansions, indirectly easing pressure on tuition dependency.
University's Plan: Reinvesting in Student Success and Supports
USask commits the new revenue to "strengthening the academic programs and student supports that matter most," including over $61 million annually in scholarships, bursaries, tuition waivers, and crisis aid for all students. Funds target experiential learning—such as co-ops and research assistantships—and well-being services, helping mitigate economic barriers.
Dr. McDougall stressed ongoing student consultations, including surveys, modules on university finances, and direct meetings, which have evolved over five years. This transparency ensures voices like the USSU's shape allocations, with priorities like mental health resources and career advising prioritized amid rising demands.
Photo by Tandem X Visuals on Unsplash
Student Voices: The Real Squeeze from Cumulative Costs
While increases are modest, the USSU warns of a "perfect storm" with Saskatoon's housing crisis, inflation, and stagnant wages. Students report working 20+ hours weekly, skipping meals, or delaying studies. International learners face steeper hikes, with some tuition nearly doubling since 2022 despite caps on new visas reducing revenue.
"Higher tuition and living costs force tough choices between rent, food, and books," echoed USSU representatives. National data from Statistics Canada shows average undergraduate tuition at $7,362 nationally for 2025/26, but Saskatchewan's below-median rates ($6,000-$8,000) still burden low-income families, exacerbating debt loads averaging $28,000 upon graduation.
USask's Robust Affordability Measures and Financial Aid
To counter impacts, USask offers needs-based bursaries, entrance scholarships up to $120,000 over four years, and emergency funds. Over 40 percent of students receive aid, with $20 million+ in waivers. The Student Employment Centre connects learners to on-campus jobs paying $16-$20/hour, while work-study programs integrate paid research.
Advice for applicants: Apply early for Saskatchewan Student Aid (loans/grants up to $420/week) and USask's Excellence Entrance Awards. Budgeting tools on students.usask.ca estimate full costs at $20,000-$25,000 annually including residence and meals.
Comparisons: How USask Stacks Up Nationally
Saskatchewan tuition remains competitive: USask's $8,000-$12,000 undergrad averages trail Ontario ($8,000-$14,000) and British Columbia ($7,000-$10,000) but exceed Newfoundland ($3,000-$6,000). StatsCan reports a 0.9 percent national grad increase to $7,978, with internationals at $29,000+ amid federal caps curbing enrollment 35 percent.
| Province | Avg Domestic Undergrad | Intl Multiple |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan (USask) | $8,500 | 4.8x |
| Ontario Avg | $10,200 | 4-5x |
| Alberta Avg | $8,200 | 4x |
| National Avg | $7,362 | 5.2x |
Source: Universities Canada and StatsCan 2025/26 data, projected.
Broader Challenges: Enrollment Drops and Economic Pressures
Federal international student caps have slashed USask's foreign enrollment 57 percent, losing $10 million and prompting domestic hikes. Demographic cliffs and inflation amplify pressures, with 25 percent of students citing finances as dropout risks per CAUT reports. Yet, USask's economic impact—$3.5 billion annually—underscores its role in provincial growth.
Statistics Canada's tuition analysis highlights widening gaps, urging more grants.
Photo by Tandem X Visuals on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Sustainability and Advocacy
With MOU2 through 2029, expect stable 0-3 percent hikes, but USSU pushes for interest-free loans and expanded aid. USask eyes micro-credentials and online programs for affordability. Students: Leverage provincial aid and part-time roles via the university's portal.
Actionable Steps for Students Facing Rising Costs
- Budget via USask's estimator: Factor tuition, fees ($1,331 undergrad), residence ($6,000-$10,000).
- Apply for 5,000+ scholarships; 70 percent auto-considered on admission.
- Explore co-ops earning $20,000+ yearly.
- Join USSU advocacy for policy change.
- Consider flexible programs like part-time or transfers.
Balanced hikes and robust supports position USask for resilient growth, but collective action ensures equity.
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