Make a plan.

The first step to obtaining graduate funding is to talk to your program's Graduate Administrator or Graduate Chair to see what awards are available. Do your research and find awards that may apply to you here.

Get informed.

Awards calls are circulated via email directly to students three times per year one month before the term starts with reminders of upcoming dates in every monthly newsletter and the college calendar.  Read the terms of reference and read the fine print.

The basics of graduate student funding

Graduate students have a wide range of funding sources to explore ranging from government programs at the federal and provincial levels to contributions from generous donors and alumni, as well as the centralized graduate funding programs offered by CGPS that are designed to acknowledge and support your academic accomplishments, research capabilities, and community involvement. 

It is essential to stay informed about the various scholarships and awards available to you as a graduate student, as they can play a significant role in shaping your academic journey and future opportunities. Take the time to research and apply for these funding opportunities, as they can not only provide financial support but also recognition for your achievements and contributions to your academic community.

Calls for scholarship and award applications are distributed 30 days before the start of every term in August, December & April and sent directly to your USask email. Review opportunities and how to apply by term below.

Upcoming Opportunities

Applying for awards

The process of applying for awards at all levels can be confusing. If you have questions about an award application, reach out to the CGPS' Scholarships & Awards team for help.

Eligibility

Students may be eligible to apply for most award funding once they have applied for a graduate program and paid their application fees, even if they have not yet been accepted to the program. Be sure to read the eligibility of the award before you apply.

Fine print

Always read the fine print. Some awards have different guidelines, some are renewable and some are not, your year in program is usually a factor, etc. Students can not hold two major internal institutional scholarships at the same time, (<= $17,500 per year.) Talk to CGPS' scholarships and awards team about options.

Transcripts

You can request up-to-date USask transcripts via PAWS. For awards applications, your transcripts must reflect your current status, whether or not you are registered in any courses.

Award Maintenance

Maintaining your scholarship is crucial to ensuring there is no interruption to funding payments. Here are some essential tips:

Payroll occurs twice each month, on the 15th & the last day of the month. To avoid delays please ensure you submit all required documentation and are registered in your graduate program at least one week before the beginning of the term.

If you have not previously been paid by the university you may need to submit documentation. You can submit your documents via our JIRA e-form. Documents may include:

  • direct deposit form
  • study permit (international students only)
  • SIN (employment only)
  • Canadian residential address

Unless otherwise stated in your award letter, you are responsible for paying your tuition and fees. Failure to pay tuition will result in a student no longer being considered in good standing with the University, resulting in automatic termination of award payments.

Students must be registered as a full-time graduate student for the funding period. To be considered a full-time graduate student, you must be registered for classes in all three terms of the academic year: Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April) and Spring/Summer (May to August).

Students must be registered by the last working day of the month before the start of a term for payroll to be submitted on time. Failure to register in time will result in automatic termination of award payments.

Students who are on a leave of absence are not normally eligible to receive scholarship funding.  Find further information about leaves and related procedures in the CGPS Policies and Procedures Manual.

If you complete your degree program prior to the end date of your scholarship, you will receive a tuition rebate based on the number of months left in the term. However, if you complete your degree requirements in the last month of a term you will receive a final scholarship payment in lieu of a tuition rebate.

If you receive a payment in error, you must notify the Graduate Awards office immediately. You will be required to pay the amount back in full. Our office will consult with ConnectionPoint to arrange a repayment schedule on your behalf.

Income tax is not withheld from scholarship awards.

USask will provide a T4A form at the end of the calendar year for all award payments received during the calendar year. Students can download T4A from PAWS.

Students are responsible for filing income tax returns on these awards.