Program
Applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming Spring (May) term. The deadline for international students to apply by is November 30th. The deadline for domestic students is January 31st. All applications must be submitted prior to the deadline and be marked "Complete" to be considered. All Incomplete applications will be declined. Your application will be marked as 'Complete' once all required supplemental items, excluding English Test Results, and all 3 letters of recommendation are received. Outcomes will be communicated to applicants approximately two months after the deadline.
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Eng. | 2 years | ||
| M.Sc. | 2 years | ||
| Ph.D. | 4 years |
This research-based program will allow you to conduct original research with access to state-of-the-art facilities, research centres, and labs. Our faculty have a focus on the following research areas:
Biochemical engineering
Research in the area of biotechnology involves the studies of biodegradation, biofilms, bioreactor design, drying of spores, gasohol purification, VOC bioremediation, recombinant fermentation, and metabolic engineering and functional genomics.
Corrosion
Predictive modelling and experimental studies are underway relating to corrosion in a wide range of industrial systems.
Fluid mechanics
Multiphase pipeline flow, rheology and fluidization are at the centre of both experimental and theoretical studies of fluid mechanics
Reaction engineering
In the area of chemical reaction engineering, conversion of biomass and other waste materials to synthesis gas and value-added bioproducts, biodiesel production and utilization, alkylation and isomerization to value-added bio-products, hydrotreating of heavy gas oil, conversion of mercaptans and hydrogen sulphide on carbon catalysts, production and utilization of activated carbon and production and applications of carbon nano-tubes, the development of renewable source of energy and chemicals from biomass-derived oils under catalytic reaction conditions was studied. The role of catalysts in the abatement of gaseous pollutants from coal-fired power plants has also been examined.
Thermodynamics
The phase equilibria of industrially important systems have been studied with a view to improving existing process design.
Dual degree option
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan has partnered with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology – Roorkee, to offer a Dual PhD Program in Chemical Engineering. This innovative program leverages the strengths of both institutions by offering PhD students an opportunity to acquire two PhD’s simultaneously.
A dual PhD program is a partnership between two institutions that allows students to complete a portion of their program at each institution. Students enrolled in dual degree programs are co-supervised by faculty members from each institution, and therefore develop a diversified skill set and enhanced academic/research network. Upon fulfilling the program requirements of both institutions, the student will receive a PhD from each institution.
Research supervisors
This program requires you to have a supervisor. Gaining entrance into this program is a competitive process and we recommend that you reach out to potential supervisors directly.
| Name | Research areas |
|---|---|
| Hemodialysis membranes; Membrane science and nanotechnology for energy & water sustainability; Biomimetic and bioinspired nanomaterials for biomedical applications and advanced technologies; Process modeling, simulation and optimization of complex systems | |
| Cellulose-based biomaterials, biochemicals and nanocomposites; Thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies | |
| Hydrometallurgy; Mineral Processing; Metals Recovering / Recycling; Biosorption; Biomaterials; Waste / Residue Treatment; Acid Mine Drainage (AMD); Prcoess Modelling; Process Flow sheet Development; Process Optimization | |
| Efficient Extraction of Bioactive Components; Radio Frequency Heating; Food and Biomaterial Processing; Heat and Mass Transfer; Reaction Kinetics; Ultrasound, Pulsed Electric Field; Process Design and Optimization; Food Safety and Quality | |
| Chemical Reaction Design; Heterogeneous Catalysis; Biomass and Bioenergy; Petroleum Processing; Materials Synthesis and Characterization; Gas Processing; Hydrotreating; Sustainable Energy; Value-added processing; Nanotechnology; Gasification; Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis | |
| Modelling Localized Corrosion; Particle Technology; Torrefaction; Measurement of Protective Film growth and Damage on Metals; Heat and Moisture Transfer in Granular Media; Product Quality of Granular Fertilizers; Fuel Cells | |
| Molecular Biochemical Engineering; Fermentation; Bioethanol; Fuel Alcohol; Biotechnology; Bioprocess Development; Applied Bioinformatics; Yeast; Baker's Yeast; Microbiology | |
| Post-Harvest Processing; Food / Bio-process Engineering; Bioproducts and Biomaterials; Techno-economics and LCA for Circular Economy; Technology Entrepreneurship | |
| Engineering economics; Biomass, conversion technology, bioproducts, bioprocesses; Biosystems technoeconomic analysis, engineering economics; Biosystems life cycle assessment; Circular economy; Technology entrepreneurship: emerging technologies for bioproducts | |
| Environmental Bioengineering; Biochemical Engineering; Bioremediation; Microbial Fuel Cell Technology; Napthenic Acids; Oil Sand Tailing; Sulfur and Nitrogenous Pollutants; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs); Biocorrosion; Bioreactor | |
| Biosorption and Adsorption; Biopesticide Production; Fuel Alcohols Dehydration; Biochemical Separation; Industrial Effluent Treatment and Metal Recovery; Gas Purification | |
| Improvement in indoor air quality and reduction of odour and gaseous emissions from pig barns | |
| Agricultural machinery, virtual prototyping, crop/soil flow modelling | |
| Environmental catalysis, Catalytic ozonation, Application of ultrasound in wastewater treatment, Multiphase reactors, Novel sorbents and catalysts | |
| Value-added Processing; Storage and Drying of Crops; Biomass; Pelleting; Forage Process Engineering; Biofuels; Feed Processing; Post-harvest Technology | |
| Heterogeneous Catalysis; Reaction Engineering; Separation Engineering; Sulphur Removal; Hydrogen Production; Sustainability Development; Process Design; Catalysis Studies Using Synchrotron Beams; Catalysts and Absorbents Material Development; Carbon dioxide Reforming; Hg Emission Control | |
| Fluidization and Multiphase Flow Systems; Clean Energy and Sustainability; Biomass and Bioenergy; Reaction Engineering; Electrostatics in Particulate System Handling; Process Intensification; PEM Fuel Cells; Green Polymers; Particle Technology |
Tuition and funding
Funding
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering has a number of graduate teaching or research opportunities available and your supervisor may have funding from their research grants for eligible students. When you speak with potential supervisors about the research you would like to do, ask about funding opportunities.
Most thesis-based graduate students in the College of Engineering receive funding during their studies (e.g., scholarships, stipends, awards, research fellowships and teaching assistantships). Some typical funding levels are:
Stipends and scholarships:
- $14,000-$18,000/year (M.Sc.)
- $18,000-$22,000/year (Ph.D.)
Teaching assistantships (employment governed by the PSAC agreement):
- Average of $2,500/student/year (50% of students receive teaching assistantships)
College of Engineering awards:
- Average of $3,500/student/year (10% of students receive awards)
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Note that M.Eng. students are not eligible for funding.
Tuition
Master’s students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
Master’s project-based (M.Eng.) program
| Program | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Engineering per term |
Master’s thesis program
Graduate students in a thesis 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
- 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
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
- A master's degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline to the proposed field of study
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units)
- Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research
With the recommendation of the unit, direct entry Ph.D. admission is available to exceptionally strong students, who show great promise in terms of academic accomplishments and potential for research.
- 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 80% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of full-time undergraduate study (i.e. 60 credit units of course work)
- A four-year honours, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
Application process
Before you apply
Please visit our department's website to familiarize yourself with the program details.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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
Contact
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Engineering Building Room 2B60
57 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9
Graduate Chair
Lifeng Zhang
Email: engr.CHEgradchair@usask.ca
Graduate Administrator
Graduate Commons
Email: engrgrad.inquiries@usask.ca
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements