Program

Application deadline

Admissions open on January 20, 2025. Application deadline is May 31 for Canadian students and March 31 for international students*.

*International students please note:
Edwards School of Business does not recommend this graduate certificate program to international students for the following reason: the certificate is only 3 courses (9 credit units) in length and offered over a period of 9 months across 3 terms. To be considered a full-time student, you must register in 6 credit units (2 courses) per term.

ProgramExpected LengthProject and/or thesisCourse based
G.Cert.9 months

People from all disciplines and all work environments benefit from leadership skills. The Graduate Certificate in Leadership emphasizes the development of basic and essential leadership skills, including self-awareness, personal development, and emotional intelligence. Students in the program will gain an understanding of contemporary leadership issues that will help them increase their leadership potential in either formal or informal leadership roles.

This certificate program will be attractive to emerging leaders looking to enhance their skillset and grow professionally. The program supports current and emerging professionals from all backgrounds who want to elevate their careers and be effective leaders locally and globally. We do this by providing a high-quality education in a diverse classroom environment over four or nine months. Classes are scheduled in the late afternoons and one full Saturday per course.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Leadership can apply the completed courses to the Master of Business Administration program.

Tuition and funding

Funding

Certificate programs are not eligible for scholarship; however, industry professionals may have access to professional development funds through their employers.

Tuition

Program Canadian International
Graduate Certificate in Leadership per credit unit $673.46 CAD $1,218.96 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 2021 Winter 2022 Spring 2022 Summer 2022
Student fees $759.62 CAD $300.59 CAD $27.50 CAD $27.50 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

Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.)

  • 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% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
  • A four-year degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university
    • Applicants with three-year degrees and strong demonstrable potential for success in the program may be considered for admission. All applicants will be considered using a holistic admissions approach.
  • Statement of intent: Applicants must provide a written statement of intent (1000-word maximum) describing why they want to undertake the program and how their expertise, work and/or volunteer experience make them an ideal candidate for the program and their chosen field of study. This statement is a key component in adjudicating each applicant's suitability to the program. An interview may also be required to assess language proficiency.
  • Current resume detailing positions held and a description of responsibilities
  • Two years of leadership experience*
    • Emerging leaders who have fewer than two years of leadership experience who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential through their professional and life experiences, are preparing for further leadership roles, and otherwise meet the standard admissions criteria, are encouraged to apply. Please ensure that you demonstrate your leadership experience in your detailed resume and statement of intent.
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation (minimum one academic)

*Leadership experience could include (but is not limited to) one or more of the following:

  • Formal leadership role within an organization or volunteer group
  • Extensive, high-level supervisory experience
  • Experience in consulting or negotiating change in a complex environment
  • Experience leading others to shared outcomes (informal leadership experience)

Applicants are assessed on a holistic basis for admission purposes. We look at a variety of factors when making admission decisions including undergraduate degree, grade point average, work experience, and reference letters. Applicants whose qualifications do not meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to contact the Edwards graduate programs office to discuss potential opportunities for admission.

Applicants whose qualifications do not meet the minimum requirements or whose academic qualifications are difficult to assess may be admitted on a probationary status to a program. Applicants in this category will be required to participate in an interview with the Edwards MBA Admissions Committee and may be required to take certain preparatory courses to improve their qualifications. In this case they will be required to pay additional fees. The student's status will be reviewed after a specified amount of academic work is completed. If progress is satisfactory, the Edwards MBA Admissions Committee may recommend to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS) that the student be considered fully qualified. Students who do not achieve the probationary conditions may withdraw voluntarily or, failing this, will be required to discontinue. In certain exceptional situations, the academic unit may extend the probationary period with a new set of conditions, agreed to by the student and by CGPS.

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.

Uploading documents

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.

Uploading documents

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

  • Statement of Intent: Applicants must provide a written Statement of Intent (1000-word maximum) describing why they want to undertake the program and how their expertise, work and/or volunteer experience make them an ideal candidate for the program and their chosen field of study. This statement is a key component in adjudicating each applicant's suitability to the program.
  • Current resume detailing positions held and a description of responsibilities
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation (minimum one academic)

Contact

Edwards Graduate Programs
Room 185 Edwards School of Business
25 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A7

Admissions Officer
Chandra Kretzer
Email: gcl@edwards.usask.ca