University of Saskatchewan

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

The University of Saskatchewan, established on March 19, 1907, is a public research university located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was founded through a provincial act to provide higher education opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, creed, or religion. The university began as an agricultural college and quickly expanded, establishing the first Canadian university-based department of extension in 1910. Initially, 120 hectares were allocated for university buildings and 400 hectares for agricultural fields, with the total campus eventually covering 981 hectares, along with 200 hectares dedicated to the Innovation Place Research Park. The university offers over 200 academic programs and is recognized as one of Canada’s top research institutions, being a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and hosting numerous Canada Research Chairs. Significant research contributions include the development of sulphate-resistant cement, cobalt-60 cancer therapy, and DNA-enhanced vaccines through its Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization. The university also houses the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, a major scientific investment. Modeled on the American state university system, the University of Saskatchewan emphasized extension work and applied research to meet the needs of the largely agrarian province. Its governance structure, inspired by the University of Toronto Act of 1906, created a bicameral system with a senate responsible for academic policy and a board of governors overseeing financial matters, with the president serving as a link between the two. Saskatoon was chosen as the university’s location in 1909, and the first buildings opened in 1912, the same year the first students were admitted and the first degrees awarded. Over time, the university expanded professional education beyond traditional fields, offering specialized graduate training and research opportunities across arts, science, agriculture, engineering, law, medicine, and other disciplines. The University of Saskatchewan continues to serve as a leading institution for higher education and research in Canada, combining practical education, innovation, and community engagement to support provincial and national development.