USask reaches record enrolment

More students are choosing USask to learn, to grow as leaders, and to make new knowledge as innovators and researchers. 

As of the first day of classes, on Wednesday, Sept. 6, enrolment at the University of Saskatchewan has increased by almost three per cent compared to the first day of fall classes last year. 

Included in that is a 1.8 per cent increase in self-declared Indigenous students, as well as a six per cent increase in international student enrolment. The number of new students beginning their studies at USask has also increased by nine per cent compared to last year. 

“It’s great to see more students choosing USask,” said Dr. Jerome Cranston (PhD), vice-provost, students and learning. “We are committed to creating a teaching and learning environment that is welcoming and inclusive so all students can succeed academically and socially.” 

An increase of new and international students corresponds with USask’s University Plan 2025, which outlines a goal for growth in both undergraduate and graduate students, to help foster an inspired global community made up of well-rounded learners who are ready to tackle challenges, solve problems, and become graduates the world needs.  

Academic year numbers for the previous academic year (2022/23) were released earlier this summer, and compared to the 2021/22 academic year, overall enrolment remained stable at 26,165. In the 2022/23 academic year, approximately 14 per cent of undergraduate students and nine per cent of graduate students self-declared as Indigenous.  

The USask community is local to the province and also diverse. During the 2022/23 academic year, 65 per cent of USask students were from Saskatchewan, while 18 per cent came from other parts of Canada, and approximately 17 per cent were classified as international. India was the largest country of origin for international students at the undergraduate level, followed by Nigeria and China. Iran was the largest country of origin of USask international graduate students, followed by China and India. 

“Welcoming these new students is part of the transition back to what looks more like traditional university life pre-pandemic,” noted Cranston.  

Moving toward 2025, USask is following both the university and Learning, Teaching and Student Experience plans that include goals related to the number of students, the program level students enter, as well as the diversity of students the university hopes to attract and retain.  

“Every student at this university has the potential to be what the world needs – for Saskatchewan and from Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Airini (PhD), provost and vice-president academic. “We have exceptional and world-class educators and researchers here and are so excited to welcome in and welcome back each student this fall term. Together we are the university the world needs.” 

For more information on the latest USask academic year enrolment numbers, review the USask 2022/23 Academic Year Snapshot.