Program

JSGS does not recommend graduate certificate programs to international students for the following reasons:

  • The certificates are only 3 courses (9 credit units) in length, and to be considered a full-time student, you must register in 6 credit units (2 courses) per term.
    • For example, if a graduate certificate student wants to maintain full-time status, the maximum time in the graduate certificate program would be 6 months if starting in January (encompasses winter and spring terms), or 8 months if starting in May (encompasses spring and fall terms) or September (encompasses fall and winter terms), and a student would need to take a fourth course and pay additional tuition to have full-time status in each term.
  • JSGS cannot guarantee that courses required for our graduate certificate programs will be available each term.
  • If a required course is unavailable, it can affect the opportunity for full-time studies.
ProgramExpected LengthProject and/or thesisCourse based
Graduate certificate in Public Policy Analysis6 months minimum (full-time)

The Public Policy Analysis Certificate provides students with a foundation in public policy analysis, development, and implementation. Throughout the program, students develop analytical skills and gain a solid understanding of the basics of public policy development and implementation. This certificate is designed for those directly involved in policy analysis development or those involved in policy decisions, who want to increase their understanding of overall policy processes.

All students must complete one of the following courses (three credit units):

All students must complete two of the following elective courses (six credit units):

The JSGS certificate programs at the University of Saskatchewan schedules an academic break during the Summer term, which runs July through August. There are no course offerings available during this time.

Online option

This certificate program can also be taken fully online. The online tuition can be found in the tuition table below.

Please note that only those registered in the Graduate certificate in Public Policy Analysis will earn the certificate. The certificate can be taken as a stand-alone program and the courses can be applied to the completion of the Master of Public Administration (MPA).

About the School

Located at both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy has swiftly become one of Canada’s leading policy schools for educating graduate students and public servants interested in improving public management and creating public value. Committed to providing a relevant, theoretical and competency based education, the school draws on the expertise of leading scholars and former senior public servants to inform classroom discussions on issues that are important to our communities.

Tuition

If you are offered admission into this program, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $1,000 CAD is required to save your seat. The non-refundable deposit must be paid within 30 days of the offer of admission being made. If you enroll in the program consistent with the terms of the offer, the $1,000 deposit will be applied to your student account. If you do not enroll, the deposit is retained by JSGS.

Program Canadian students International students
JSGS Graduate Online Certificates (Public Management; Economic Analysis for Public Policy; Public Policy Analysis)  per course $2,977.50 CAD $5,210.62 CAD

Tuition is assessed at a rate of $2,977.50 per 3 credit unit course for domestic students.
*International students pay a rate of $5,210.62 per 3 credit unit course. 
JSGS Graduate Certificates (Indigenous Nation Building; Social Economy, Co-operatives, and Nonprofit Sector; Public Policy Analysis; Public Management; Economic Analysis for Public Policy; Science and Innovation Policy)  per course $1,725.87 CAD $3,020.27 CAD

Tuition is assessed at a rate of $1,725.87 per 3 credit unit course for domestic students.
*International students pay a rate of $3,020.27 per 3 credit unit course. 

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

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 minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
  • A four-year honours degree, 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)

Application deadlines

Applications to Graduate Certificate programs are accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed in the order in which they are completed. Therefore, it is to your advantage to submit a completed application as early as possible, as enrollment is limited. The admission process is competitive and late application submissions may be at a disadvantage.

Entry is possible in any term (September/Fall, January/Winter, and May/Spring).

  • The latest application deadline for Fall Term entry is May 1.
  • The latest application deadline for Winter Term entry is October 1.
  • The latest application deadline for Spring Term entry is February 1.

To meet these deadlines, all components of your application must be received by the dates above. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.

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

Please also upload the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae or resume that includes background and relevant employment history
  • Statement/letter of intent, two pages maximum, that outlines your purpose in applying to the Certificate program

Contact

Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Diefenbaker Building
101 Diefenbaker Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B8

Graduate Chair
Michelle Prytula
Email: jsgs@usask.ca

Graduate Administrator
Email: jsgs@usask.ca