Program
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Scholarship competitions are held in April each year.
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. | 2 years | ||
| Ph.D. | 4 years |
Our department has active research programs in a diverse range of sub-disciplines. We have three areas of particular focus and strength:
- Structure and function
- Biodiversity and evolution
- Ecology and the environment
This program encourages collaboration with other colleges in our university such as the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Medicine, or the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. We also have close connections with government institutions located on campus such as the Prairie and Northern Wildlife Centre and the Plant Biotechnology Institute. At the University of Saskatchewan, you will have the opportunity to both access world class research facilities and engage with local communities when conducting your research.
Research supervisors
We recommend that you contact the faculty that are doing research in an area that interests you before beginning a formal application.
| Name | Research areas |
|---|---|
| Actin; cell adhesion; cell biology; cell division; cell wall; cytoskeleton; endomembrane; imaging; microtubule | |
| Plasmodiophora brassicae; clubroot disease; molecular biology; plant; plant cell biology; plant ribosome | |
| Biotechnology; endocrinology; gene; ovary; pituitary | |
| Ectoparasites; endosymbiotic and pathogenic bacteria; nematodes; population genetics; ticks | |
| Amphibians; behavioural ecology; chemical ecology; fish; freshwater; marine; predator/prey interactions | |
| Cactaceae; Natural History Collections; Plant Systematics; Reproductive and Pollination Biology | |
| Botany; developmental biology; ecology; palynology; pollen | |
| C. elegans; aging; chromosome; epigenetics; genetics; germline | |
| Animal behaviour; Biorobotics; Insect; Neuroethology; Neurophysiology; Neuroscience | |
| Cell imaging; Nutrient-stress signaling; Phloem; Plant physiology; Plant vascular system; Plasmodesmata; Protein biochemistry; RNA signaling; Root system architecture; Xylem | |
| Aquatic biogeochemistry; Aquatic ecosystems; Aquatic nutrients; Climate change; Elemental cycling; Food webs; Lakes and rivers; Plankton; Reservoirs; Ultraviolet Radiation; Water; Water quality | |
| Climate change; Hibernation; Phenology; Quantitative genetics; Wild mammal | |
| Animal; biology; bird; corticosterone; endocrinology; energy; feather; growth; hormone; physiology; stress; vertebrate; zoology | |
| Animal ecology; behaviour; biodiversity; caribou; evolution; habitat selection; horse; mammals; morphology; natural history; natural selection; population-level ecological genetics | |
| Agriculture; birds; ecology; ecophysiology; ecotoxicology; environment; environmental pollution; industrial pollutants; insects and insectivores; migration; pesticides; river; water; wetlands | |
| Animal Physiology; Environmental Toxicology; Impacts of Industrial Metal Pollution; Metal Bioavailabilty and Toxicity; Physiology of Metal Uptake and Homeostasis | |
| Arabidopsis; abiotic stress; molecular biology; nitrogen metabolism; plant biochemistry; plant biology; plant development; plant physiology; soybean | |
| Biomineralization; crepidula; evo-devo; mollusca; snail | |
| Fungi; molecular plant pathology; pathogenomics; plant; viral | |
| Algae; biodiversity; bioenergetics; genomics; molecular biology; photosynthesis |
The above list does not include adjunct and associate professors who may also be able to supervise students in this program. Visit the Department of Biology's website for a full listing of all faculty members.
Tuition and funding
Funding
Funding is not guaranteed for this program. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis based on nominations from supervisors. When you speak with potential supervisors about the research you would like to do, ask about funding opportunities.
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
Thesis or project-based master's program
Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
| Term | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | ||
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | ||
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | ||
| Total per academic year |
Doctoral program
Doctoral students pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program. Both international and domestic Ph.D. students pay the same rate.
| Term | |
|---|---|
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| Total per academic year | $5,178.00 CAD |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
- Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
- Master's degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in master's program)
- Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research
Application process
Find a supervisor
Using the list above, find a potential supervisor, read about the work they are currently doing and their past publications. If you think you'd like to work with them, contact them and describe your research interests and past academic experience. If they are accepting students, they will instruct you to begin a formal application.
Submit an online application
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed a relevant test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
In addition to the above official documents, please upload the following documents:
- A statement/letter of intent outlining your research interests
- A curriculum vitae or resume
Contact
Department of Biology
112 Science Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2
Contact
Email: biology.dept@usask.ca
Graduate Chair
James Benson
Email: james.benson@usask.ca
- Department of Biology
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements