Application deadline:
Feb. 1 is the deadline to apply to begin the program in September. (Application must be complete and all documents uploaded.)
An applicant's suitability will be evaluated by the admissions committee based on background, marks, and space available.
Program
The term starts in September. International applications should be completed (and student accepted) at least three months prior to the start of the term to allow time for processing of student visa documents.
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| P.G.D. | 1 year |
Food and Bioproduct Sciences (FABS) has a well-designed multi-disciplinary program that encompasses the knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, engineering and technological processes into the production of food and bioproducts from plants, animals and microorganisms.
A key objective of this program is to provide advanced knowledge and training in the development and application of the aforementioned disciplines in pre- and post-harvest agriculture, thereby adding value to primary agriculture products. The P.G.D. in FABS program concentrates on the understanding of how to use various bioresources to produce healthy foods and consumer-acceptable bioproducts to support our health, the environment and a sustainable bioeconomy.
Faculty expertise in the Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences includes, but is not limited to:
- Value-added crop utilization
- Lipid quality, utilization and biotechnology
- Food nanotechnology
- Food enzymology
- Meat quality
- Functional foods, nutraceuticals and nutrigenomics
- Microbial bioproducts and biotechnology
- Fermentation and formulation technologies
- Food and environmental microbiology
- Carbohydrate quality and utilization
- Protein quality and utilization
- Biocontrol of molds and mycotoxins
- Mycology
FABS' driving force includes innovation and entrepreneurship with a long history of successful collaboration and effective knowledge transfer to industry partners, institutions and organizations, and generally ensuring foods, food ingredients and bioproducts are functional, safe and meet the requirements for human and animal health and nutrition.
The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences is housed in the state-of-the-art College of Agriculture and Bioresources building, a prominent edifice on the beautiful University of Saskatchewan campus. This research-driven unit focuses on small class size, ready access to—and help from—faculty supervisors, and hands-on experiential training in numerous high-caliber facilities with modern science laboratories in: food and bioproduct chemistry and analysis; food microbiology; molecular and environmental microbiology; product development and sensory evaluation; biotechnology; food and bioproduct processing along with pilot plant facilities in the areas of food/meat processing, bioprocessing and fermentation.
Spring/summer registration during program
The FABS PGD program at the University of Saskatchewan schedules an academic break during the spring and summer terms, which runs May through August. During this term, some courses may be offered, and the students can opt to take them to fulfil their study.
Tuition and funding
Funding
Students accepted into the P.G.D. program must be able to support themselves through their entire program; no financial support is available. P.G.D. students are ineligible to apply for academic awards.
Tuition
Course-based master's or postgraduate diploma program
Students in course-based programs pay tuition for each class they take. Every class is assigned a number of credit units (usually three) which determines their cost. If a student is not enrolled in any classes for a term, they will need to register in a 'Maintenance of Status' class that is assessed tuition equivalent to 3 credit units to stay in their program.
Graduate students in course-based programs registered in any undergraduate classes will be assessed tuition for these classes at the undergraduate rate. International graduate students in these programs registered in undergraduate courses, whether or not the classes are part of their program of study, will also be assessed the undergraduate international differential rate of 4.84.
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per graduate credit unit | ||
| Maintenance of Status course | ||
| Cost per 3 credit unit graduate class |
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
Postgraduate Diploma (P.G.D.)
- 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 65% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 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
Application process
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.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved 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:
- Statement/letter of intent
- Curriculum vitae or resume
Contact
Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences
51 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Graduate Chair
Supratim Ghosh
Email: supratim.ghosh@usask.ca
PGD Program Assistant
Ann Harley
Email: fabs.gradstudies@usask.ca
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements