Program
SENS Information Session: Join SENS faculty and staff for an upcoming information session and learn more about the MWS program.
Make a difference with the Master of Water Security (M.W.S.) program at the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS), which prepares graduates to protect water resources and support sustainable development wherever their careers take them.
Why study Water Security at USask?
- Gain real-world skills from leading water professionals.
- Collaborate with partners who are addressing water challenges in communities across Canada and around the globe.
Quick facts
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Expected Length Project-based Course-based MWS 24 months - Degree requirements
- Class delivery hybrid (in-person and online)
- Supervisor not required to apply
- Deadlines and admission details below
Water security for a changing world
The world needs people ready to solve the biggest water challenges of our time. From drought and flooding to pollution and climate change, graduates of the MWS program are equipped to take action and lead in a field that’s increasingly in demand.
Master of Water Security
This 24-month program is delivered in partnership with the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS)—one of the world’s leading research centres tackling water issues from every angle. Learn from world-class experts and benefit from one of the largest groups of water researchers anywhere. The University of Saskatchewan offers unparalleled, hands-on training that connects science, policy, and real-world solutions.
Learn more about this program and potential career opportunities in our Major Map document.
Tuition and fees
This program is 36 credit units.
| Program | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Water Security (USask Campus) per credit unit |
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 2025 | Winter 2026 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $578.45 CAD | $804.73 CAD | $36.75 CAD | $36.75 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.
MWS students taking ENVS 806 will be required to pay an excursion fee.
Admission requirements
Master of Water Security (M.W.S.)
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units)
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A four-year degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
- For all students, a written statement of why they want to join the program; and an online or other interview may also be required
- Students must have completed a course at the undergraduate level (100-level or equivalent) in both mathematics and statistics with at least 70% (USask grade system equivalent)
Application process and deadlines
Deadlines and important dates
The Master of Water Security (MWS) has one intake per year—September.
| Start Term | Application Deadline | International Deadline |
| September 2026 | April 30, 2026 | January 31, 2026* |
*The deadline for international applications has been extended.
Submit an online application
International Students - Master’s and doctoral students applying for a study permit do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma students, as well as Visiting Research students studying over six months, still need a PAL. Review federal international study permit policies before you apply.
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 application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Note: Any application documents that are intended to be personal statements (e.g., Statement of Intent, Statement of Research, etc.) must be written by the applicant. Any such documents that appear to be produced by generative artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT) may be rejected.
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.
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.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- Completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required 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.
You may be required to submit the following documents:
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- A statement/letter of intent (one to two pages in length) that includes:
- Specific areas of interest that could lead to a project topic
- A description of why the applicant wants to pursue professionally-oriented graduate study in the interdisciplinary context of the School of Environment and Sustainability
- A description of any employment or study experiences that relate to the professional interests described
Contact
School of Environment and Sustainability
Room 326 Kirk Hall
117 Science Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8
Program Director
Dr. Karl-Erich Lindenschmidt
Email: karl-erich.lindenschmidt@usask.ca
SENS Admissions Team
Email: sens.info@usask.ca
Telephone: 306-966-1985
- School of Environment and Sustainability
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements