Program

ProgramExpected LengthProject and/or thesisCourse based
G.Cert.1 year

Attention to substance use health and wellbeing is growing among the Canadian public, health practitioners, and service providers.

Professionals in public health and related disciplines require enhanced training opportunities that deepen knowledge and bridge the gaps between the latest evidence-based understanding of substance use health, and professional policy and practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Health and Wellbeing at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), offered by the School of Public Health, will bolster your professional understanding of this area, and will empower you to assist health systems change that may have a tangible impact on the wellbeing of individuals and communities in the province and across Canada.

The certificate is open to students and professionals from allied health fields, including medicine, nursing, social work, dentistry, psychology, and law, and for those who want to advance their competency in recognizing substance-related health outcomes spanning through policy, research, and medical practice standards.

The certificate program consists of 12 credit units.

Tuition

Program Canadian students International students
Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Health and Wellbeing  per credit unit $361.22 CAD $812.74 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 and deadlines

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% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e., 60 credit units), where applicable
  • A four-year degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study OR a diploma in a human services field and at least two-years of working experience OR one year of post-secondary training and at least three-years of working experience OR Five-years of working experience in a human service field. Applicants will be considered using a holistic admissions approach and should demonstrate a strong potential for success in the program through previous education and/or work experience
  • A two-page letter of intent outlining how their work and personal experience prepares them for successful performance in the certificate program
  • Current CV or resume

Application deadlines

You are highly encouraged to gather and submit all supporting documents as quickly as possible to ensure an admission review and decision is reached in a timely manner. Incomplete applications missing supporting documents will not be reviewed.

The deadline to apply for: Fall 2025 is Feb. 1, 2025.

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.
  • 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:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume that includes background and relevant employment history
  • A statement/letter of intent, two pages maximum, that outlines how your work and personal experience prepares you for a successful performance in the certificate program

Contact

School of Public Health
5D40 Health Sciences
107 Wiggins Road
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5

Graduate Programs Assistant
Jackie Hendrickx
Email: sph.admissions@usask.ca

Assistant Professor, SPH, USask
Dr. Barb Fornssler