Program

All Master of Nursing Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program and Postgraduate Degree Specialization Certificate Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program applications and supplemental documents for September start are due January 5.

PhD program, Master of Nursing Thesis program and Master of Nursing Professional Practice program applications and supplemental documents for September start are due February 2.

There is only one intake for all programs a year (September).

Admission to all programs is competitive. Meeting admission requirements does not guarantee entry to the program.

Please note that currently the PGDSC and Master of Nursing Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs are only able to accept a small number of out-of-province applicants due to limited availability of clinical placements. Given the unique licensing conditions in Quebec, applicants residing and planning to work in Quebec are encouraged to enroll in an NP program in their home province.

 Please note, the College of Nursing will not be accepting applications to the direct entry PhD option for admission to the 2024–2025 academic year.

ProgramExpected LengthProject and/or thesisCourse based
M.N.2 years
M.N. - Professional Practice2 years
M.N. - Nurse Practitioner2 years
Ph.D.4 years
G.Cert. - Foundations for Registered Nurse Specialty Practice8 months
P.G.D.S.C.2 years

Learn Where YOU Live. The College of Nursing uses a distributed learning approach, enabling students to learn where they live within North America. We also have campuses in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Courses are distributed using a variety of flexible and innovative methods, such as, web conferencing, Web-Based Learning Management System (LMS), synchronous and asynchronous online seminars. With five programs to choose from and the largest cluster of health science disciplines in Canada, the University of Saskatchewan is a great place to take your practice to the next level.

Master of Nursing

We offer both a course-based and thesis-based master's program, both delivered by distance learning within North America. Both programs prepare students for leadership roles in health care or education fields as well as for further study at the doctoral level. These programs can be completed full-time in two years or part-time within four years.

Master of Nursing - Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner

We offer Registered Nurses an opportunity to pursue a Master of Nursing degree, with an advanced clinical practice focus. Students are required to complete 36 credit units of study, as well as a minimum of 720 practicum hours. Courses are designed so students can complete the program over two or three years. Graduates will be eligible to write the approved licensing exam in the provincial jurisdiction.

Post Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate

This program allows registered nurses who already have a Master of Nursing degree an opportunity to pursue a Nurse Practitioner certificate. Students are required to complete 30 credit units of study and a minimum of 720 practicum hours. Courses are designed so students can complete the program over two or three years. Graduates will be eligible to write the approved licensing exam in the provincial jurisdiction.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program prepares nurse scholars to become leaders that advance nursing as an academic, research and practice discipline. During this program, doctoral students will participate in critical appraisal, knowledge generation, research synthesis and knowledge transfer. As graduates, these nurse scientists will contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities with recognition of their diversities, vulnerabilities and their environments for health and care.

Foundations for Registered Nurse Specialty Practice

The College of Nursing offers registered nurses the opportunity to advance their knowledge and to pursue a certificate with a focus on advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapy knowledge.

The certificate program consists of 4 courses (12 credit units), completed over 2 academic terms. Upon successful completion of the certificate, students are eligible to apply to the MN Nurse Practitioner program and complete the remaining 24 credit units for the Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner degree. Students in the certificate program who choose to apply for the MN-NP program must meet the program admission requirements and all applications will be considered competitively.

Research supervisors

It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. To view a list of faculty in the College of Nursing please visit the faculty and staff page.

Tuition and funding

Funding

There are excellent funding support systems, such as financial assistant programs and specific graduate level scholarships and bursaries available for students in College of Nursing graduate programs.

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, 2023 $1,644.00 CAD $3,699.00 CAD
January 1 - April 30, 2024 $1,644.00 CAD $3,699.00 CAD
May 1 - August 31, 2024 $1,644.00 CAD $3,699.00 CAD
Total per academic year $4,932.00 CAD $11,097.00 CAD

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 4.2.

Canadian students International students
Cost per graduate credit unit $265.80 CAD $598.05 CAD
Maintenance of Status course $797.40 CAD $1,794.15 CAD
Cost per 3 credit unit graduate class $797.40 CAD $1,794.15 CAD

Doctoral program

Doctoral students pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program. Both international and domestic PhD students pay the same rate.

Term
January 1 - April 30, 2024 $1,644.00 CAD
May 1 - August 31, 2024 $1,644.00 CAD
September 1 - December 31, 2023 $1,644.00 CAD
Total per academic year $4,932.00 CAD

Programs assessed a single flat/program fee

Program Canadian students International students
Postgraduate Degree Specialization Certificate: Nurse Practitioner $11,220.00 CAD $25,245.00 CAD
Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner $13,463.00 CAD $30,291.75 CAD

Programs assessed per credit unit

Program Canadian students International students
Graduate Certificate in Foundations for Registered Nurse Specialty Practice  per credit unit $373.97 CAD $841.43 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 2023 Winter 2024 Spring 2024 Summer 2024
Student fees $497.88 CAD $659.51 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

Thesis-based

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
  • A bachelor's degree in Nursing, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant 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 (i.e. 60 credit units)
  • Current registration as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse from any country
  • The equivalent of three credit units in each of Statistics and Research Methods at the undergraduate level

Course-Based - Professional Practice

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
  • A bachelor's degree in Nursing, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant 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 (i.e. 60 credit units)
  • Current registration as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse from any country
  • The equivalent of three credit units in each of Statistics and Research Methods at the undergraduate level
  • A Bachelor's degree in Nursing, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant 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 (i.e., 60 credit units)
  • The equivalent of three credit units in each of physical assessment, pharmacology, physiology, statistics, and research methods at the undergraduate level
  • Current licensure as a registered nurse in a Canadian province or territory
  • 3600 hours of clinical practice as a Registered Nurse in the last five years
  • Current CPR certificate at health care provider level
  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
  • Meet the requirements for admission to the MN Nurse Practitioner Option
  • Completion of master's or PhD in Nursing or in a related discipline (education, health administration, public health) from a recognized university with a 70% average within that degree
  • Three credit units in each a graduate research methods and a graduate statistics course
  • Current registration as a nurse or psychiatric nurse.
  • 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
  • Previous research experience, through completion of a thesis or other research experience
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least a 80% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in master’s program)
  • Have completed at least one course in each of statistics, research methods, and nursing theory

With the recommendation of the unit, direct entry PhD admission is available to exceptionally strong students, who show great promise in terms of academic accomplishments and potential for research.

  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 80% in the last two years of undergraduate study (i.e. 60 credit units of course work)
  • A four‐year bachelor of science in Nursing degree, or equivalent, in a relevant field of study.
  • Current registration as a nurse or psychiatric nurse
  • Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and independent research
  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
  • The equivalent of 3 credit units in each of statistics and research methods at the undergraduate level
  • a bachelor's degree in Nursing from a Canadian college or university.
  • Proof of Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in a Canadian Jurisdiction; applicants must submit a copy of their RN licensure (in good standing) from a Canadian nursing regulatory body.
  • a cumulative weighted average of 65% or higher (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of post-secondary study (i.e. 60 credits). Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary education programs where they have completed course work.
  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
  • the equivalent of three credit units in each of: health/physical assessment, pharmacology, and physiology at the undergraduate level.
  • Letter of recommendation: Letters of recommendation: (1) from your supervisor, (1) clinical recommendation and (1) academic reference must be submitted. If less than three letters of recommendation are submitted, your application will not be accepted.

Application process

 Please note, the College of Nursing will not be accepting applications to the direct entry PhD option for admission to the 2024–2025 academic year.

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

Send in supplementary documents

In addition to the above official documents, you will need to upload the following. The exact documents needed will depend on the program you have applied to.

Proof of Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

You must submit a copy of your RN licensure (in good standing) from a nursing regulatory body.

Statement/letter of intent

Please submit a statement/letter of intent, no more than three pages in length.

The goal of this statement/letter of intent is to give you an opportunity to submit a sample of your writing in order to help us to better understand your interests, past experiences, and ability to critically analyze an issue or area of research in nursing. The statement/letter of intent must use APA style formatting, citations and reference list at the end of your document (not included in the word count).

Outline:

  1. How will completing a Master of Nursing degree at the University of Saskatchewan advance your career goals?
  2. What has been your experience in nursing practice, research and/or teaching thus far? Please include any publications, conference presentations, Research Assistant positions, leadership in Nursing organizations and Canadian Nurse Association specialty certificates you currently have.
  3. What is an issue in nursing practice, or an area of research you are interested in learning more about? (please cite a minimum of five scholarly references)

Letters of recommendation

Three letters of recommendation from academic referees should be provided by members of the faculty from the institution that you completed your Bachelor of Science in Nursing or master's degree. Be sure to contact faculty members who have taught you in theory courses and can attest to your ability to do well in a master's program. In some cases, two academic referees and one clinical referee will be accepted. If less than two academic letters of recommendation are submitted, your application will not be considered for admission.

Proof of Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

You must submit a copy of your RN licensure (in good standing) from a Canadian nursing regulatory body. If you are registered in Saskatchewan, you do not need to submit a copy of your RN license as it can be accessed online. If you are registered outside of Saskatchewan, submit a screen shot of your current RN license from your nursing regulatory body.

Statement/letter of intent

Please submit a statement/letter of intent of no more than three pages in length. The goal of this writing sample is to present your clinical interests and nursing employment experiences, as well as your interest in becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Include a short presentation on current literature that supports the integration of your clinical interest in Nurse Practitioner practice and/or critically analyze an issue or area of Nurse Practitioner practice. The statement/letter of intent must use APA style citations and reference list at the end of your document (may be included as page four).

Outline:

1. What are your clinical interests and nursing employment experiences, and why are you interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner?

2. Why are you interested in beginning a Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Saskatchewan? Have you explored potential clinical placements and funding opportunities or financial support to assist in the completion of the nurse practitioner program?

3. What current literature supports the integration of your clinical interest and Nurse Practitioner practice OR critically analyze an issue in or area of Nurse Practitioner practice and how this issue or area could be addressed. (please cite a minimum of 5 scholarly references)

Letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from academic referees and one clinical recommendation must be submitted. If less than two academic letters of recommendation are submitted, your application will not be considered for admission.

Proof of Clinical Practice Hours

Please provide a letter from your employer reporting a minimum of 3600 hours of Registered Nursing experience within the last five years.

Indigenous ancestry

Dedicated seats in the program are reserved for persons of Indigenous ancestry. Applicants of Indigenous descent may compete with this category, rather than within the entire applicant pool. Applicants should identify themselves as Indigenous on the supplemental application form and proceed by completing the verification process led by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee by the document deadline. Please visit the Indigenous Membership/Citizenship Verification channel in PAWS and proceed through the verification system.

Supplemental Application Form

The form will be sent within 2 business days after the application is submitted.

Applicants may be required to participate in an interview by Skype or other means (in-person is not required).

Proof of Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

You must submit a copy of your RN licensure (in good standing) from a nursing regulatory body.

Curriculum vitae or resume

Writing Sample

Submit a proposal about your research area of interest. Please follow the following format:

  • Cover page
  • Proposal (maximum four pages double-spaced).

Organize your material under the following headings:

  • Background
  • Research question
  • Methodology
    • Sample and setting
    • Data collection
    • Ethical considerations
    • Analysis
  • Relevance
  • Knowledge Translation
  • Reference list of cited, relevant, supporting literature.

Proposal must follow APA format

The admissions committee is looking for the proposal to be at a grade level of 75% or above according to the literal descriptors.

Letters of recommendation

Three letters of recommendation from academic referees should be provided by members of the faculty from the institution that you completed your Bachelor of Science in Nursing or master's degree. Be sure to contact faculty members who have taught you in theory courses and can attest to your ability to do well in a PhD program. In some cases, two letters of recommendation from academic referees and one clinical recommendation will be accepted. If less than two letters of recommendation from academic referees are submitted, your application will not be considered for admission.

Additional requirements

Interview

Applicants may be required to participate in an interview by Skype or other means (in-person is not required).

Proof of Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

You must submit a copy of your RN licensure (in good standing) from a Canadian nursing regulatory body. If you are registered outside of Saskatchewan, submit a screen shot of your current RN license from your nursing regulatory body.

Letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation: (1) from your supervisor, (1) clinical recommendation and (1) academic reference must be submitted. If less than three letters of recommendation are submitted, your application will not be accepted.

Contact

College of Nursing
104 Clinic Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4

Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research
Dr. Louise Racine
Email: nursing.advising@usask.ca
Telephone: 306-966-7861

Graduate Chair
Dr. Sithokozile Maposa
Email: nursing.advising@usask.ca
Telephone: 306-966-7861

Graduate Program Coordinators and Advisors
Email: nursing.advising@usask.ca
Telephone: 306-966-7861