Saskatchewan Student Aid and the $24,000 Graduate Tax Credit

Saskatchewan student funding for 2026 can combine several sources: provincial loans (interest-free while studying), the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship ($750/yr renewable), and the Graduate Retention Program tax credit (up to $24,000 over 7 years post-graduation) for students who stay and work in the province. Combined with federal Canada Student Grants ($4,200/yr) and university entrance awards, a Saskatchewan student who plans ahead can keep debt lower.

Saskatchewan funding stack at a glance:

The 2026-27 Saskatchewan budget provides $51.3 million in direct financial support to students. Saskatchewan has a smaller student population than Ontario or BC.

Want to see which awards match you? Take the 2-minute Funding Type Quiz. It asks about your education stage, province and funding situation, and shows you awards that match your answers. Free, no signup, results in about 2 minutes.

This guide covers every major Saskatchewan funding source for 2026: provincial loans and grants, the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, the Graduate Retention Program, university and polytechnic entrance awards, federal grants, community scholarships, and tax benefits.

Saskatchewan Student Aid: Loans and Grants

Saskatchewan Student Aid is the provincial student financial assistance program. Like other provinces, it integrates with the federal Canada Student Financial Assistance Program so that a single application covers both provincial and federal funding. You apply once, and both levels of government assess your eligibility simultaneously.

How Saskatchewan Student Aid Works

When you submit a Saskatchewan Student Aid application, the system evaluates your financial need based on your educational costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment), your living costs (whether you live at home or away from home), your income and assets, your parents' income and assets (for dependent students), your spouse's income (if applicable), and your course load and program length.

Based on that assessment, Saskatchewan Student Aid calculates a total funding package that may include:

• Saskatchewan Student Grant (provincial, non-repayable)
• Canada Student Grant (federal, non-repayable)
• Saskatchewan Student Loan (provincial, repayable)
• Canada Student Loan (federal, repayable)
• Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship (provincial, non-repayable)

You do not choose how the funding is split. The system determines this based on your assessed need and current policy rules. An important feature: Saskatchewan allows you to apply for grants only, declining the loan portion if you do not want to take on debt. This grants-only option lets eligible students receive free money without any repayment obligation.

Saskatchewan Student Loans

Saskatchewan student loans carry strong borrower protections:

• Interest-free while studying: You pay no interest on your Saskatchewan student loan while enrolled in full-time studies
• Six-month grace period: After you leave school, you have six months before repayment begins
• Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): If your income is low after graduation, RAP can reduce or eliminate your monthly payments
• Interest adds up during the grace period: You do not have to make payments during the six month grace period, but interest does build up on the Saskatchewan portion of your loan. You can pay that interest off as a lump sum before regular payments start or let it be added to the balance, which makes the loan cost more overall.

Full-time students can receive substantial combined provincial and federal loan amounts based on their assessed need. The Saskatchewan portion is administered alongside the Canada Student Loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

Saskatchewan Student Grants

The Saskatchewan Student Grant is the provincial grant component -- free money you do not repay. Part-time students may receive up to $800 per academic year through the Saskatchewan Student Grant for Part-Time Students. Grant amounts for full-time students are determined through the needs assessment process and are disbursed automatically as part of your funding package.

Canada Student Grants (Federal)

Through your Saskatchewan Student Aid application, you are also assessed for federal Canada Student Grants:

• Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students: Up to $4,200 per year (approximately $525 per month of study). This reflects a temporary 40% increase over the pre-pandemic level of $3,000, extended through the 2026-2027 academic year
• Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $2,520 per academic year
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants: An additional $280 per month per dependant (up to $2,240 per year per dependant)
• Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants: Up to $2,688 per academic year for students with one or two dependants; up to $2,688 per year (at $84 per week) for students with three or more dependants
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities: Up to $2,800 per academic year
• Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities: Up to $20,000 per school year to cover disability-related educational costs

These federal grants are non-repayable and are included automatically in your Saskatchewan Student Aid assessment.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Saskatchewan Student Aid website. Each loan year covers programs starting on or after August 1. The application period for that year opens the previous June. Check the Saskatchewan Student Aid website for the loan year that matches your start date. Apply early -- processing takes several weeks, and you want funding confirmed before classes start.

Take the 2-minute quiz to see which Saskatchewan awards and aid programs you may qualify for before you apply.

Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship

The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship (SAS) is a provincial scholarship that provides $750 per year, to a lifetime maximum of $3,000, to eligible Saskatchewan grade 12 graduates attending post-secondary institutions in the province.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the SAS, you must:

• Have graduated from grade 12 in Saskatchewan (or completed an equivalent credential such as Adult Basic Education on or after January 1, 2012)
• Demonstrate financial need when assessed for Saskatchewan Student Aid
• Be enrolled at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution in a program recognized for Saskatchewan Student Aid (certificate, diploma, or degree programs)

How to Apply

You do not submit a separate application. You are automatically assessed for the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship when you apply for full-time or part-time Saskatchewan Student Aid. You do not need to accept a student loan to receive the scholarship -- you just need to apply to determine eligibility.

Important Restrictions

Students attending post-secondary institutions outside of Saskatchewan are generally not eligible for the SAS. Exceptions exist for Lakeland College and specific specialized health program seats. If you are planning to study out of province, you will not receive this scholarship.

This restriction makes in-province study financially advantageous for Saskatchewan students. Combined with lower tuition at Saskatchewan institutions and the Graduate Retention Program (covered below), the financial case for staying in-province is strong.

Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program

The Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program (GRP) rewards graduates who stay in the province. It provides a non-refundable income tax credit of up to $24,000 for graduates who live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after graduation.

How It Works

When you graduate from an eligible post-secondary program, you apply for a GRP certificate through the Advanced Education Student Portal. The certificate entitles you to claim a non-refundable tax credit on your Saskatchewan income tax return over a period of up to seven years after graduation.

For graduates who completed their program on or after October 1, 2024, the maximum credit was increased from $20,000 to $24,000. If you graduated before that date, the maximum remains $20,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Have graduated from an eligible post-secondary program at a recognized institution (the program does not need to be in Saskatchewan, but you must live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after graduation)
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number
• File a Saskatchewan income tax return

Claiming the Credit

You claim the GRP credit when you file your annual income tax return. If your credit exceeds your tax payable in a given year, the excess carries forward to future years. The credit is spread over seven years (10% of your eligible tuition in each of the first four years, 20% in each of the next three), and CRA says any unused credit can be carried forward for nine years after the year you graduate.

This program effectively reimburses a substantial portion of your tuition costs over your early career. For a student who completes a four-year degree and stays in Saskatchewan, the GRP can return thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to taxes, making it a powerful incentive to study and build your career in the province.

University of Saskatchewan (USask) Scholarships

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes academic excellence with a robust entrance scholarship program. USask awards entrance scholarships to approximately 600 high-achieving entering students each year.

Prestige Entrance Scholarships

USask offers several tiers of top entrance awards:

• George and Marsha Ivany President's First and Best Scholarships: Valued at $40,000 ($10,000 per year over four years). These are USask's most prestigious entrance awards
• Chancellors' Scholarships: Valued at $30,000 ($7,500 per year over four years)
• University of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarships: Valued at $30,000 ($7,500 per year over four years)

Standard Entrance Scholarships

Beyond the prestige tier, USask awards entrance scholarships valued at $5,000 each to a large pool of high-achieving incoming students. These are one-time awards based on your admission average.

College-Specific Scholarships

Individual colleges within USask offer their own entrance awards:

• Torvald and Margaret Tollefson Renewable Entrance Scholarships (College of Agriculture and Bioresources): Valued at $12,000 ($3,000 per year over four years)
• Various faculty-specific awards in Engineering, Arts and Science, Edwards School of Business, and other colleges

Continuing Student Awards

After your first year, USask offers hundreds of undergraduate awards for continuing students based on academic performance, program of study, and other criteria. These are administered through the Student Awards Office.

How to Apply

To be considered for USask entrance scholarships, submit your online application for admission (including the application fee) by February 15 and ensure your transcript and other admission documents are submitted by March 1. Most entrance scholarships are automatically considered based on your admission average.

Schulich Leader Scholarships at USask

USask is a Schulich Leader partner university. These national STEM awards are valued at up to $120,000 (Engineering) or $100,000 (Science and Math) over four years. Candidates must be nominated by their high school.

University of Regina Scholarships

The University of Regina offers automatic entrance awards based on your admission average -- no separate application is required.

Domestic Student Entrance Awards

All undergraduate students who apply for Fall admission are automatically considered for entrance scholarships based on their admission average:

• Chancellor's Scholarship: Awarded annually to 14 undergraduate students with a minimum admission average of 95%. Valued at $3,000 to $80,000 depending on the specific award tier
• Additional entrance awards are available at various admission average thresholds

Faculty-Specific Awards

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and other faculties offer their own entrance and continuing awards. Check with each faculty for specific programs and deadlines.

Continuing Student Awards

URegina administers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and awards for continuing students. These are distributed through the Student Awards and Financial Aid office and are based on academic achievement, financial need, program of study, and other criteria.

How to Apply

Simply apply to the University of Regina and submit your transcripts. You are automatically considered for entrance awards based on your admission average. No separate scholarship application is required for the automatic awards.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Scholarships and Bursaries

Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) awards up to $2 million to students each year through a combination of scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, or both, along with criteria such as volunteer work and community leadership.

How to Apply

Sask Polytech uses an online General Application system. Sign in using your Saskatchewan Polytechnic student login and complete the General Application, which automatically matches you to many student award opportunities. The application windows follow the same schedule each award year:

• Summer: July 15 to September 15 (for students attending in the Fall)
• Fall: October 1 to October 31
• Winter: January 10 to February 15
• Apprenticeship: September 15 to June 15

Confirm the current dates on the Sask Polytech website before you apply.

Notable Programs

• Mining Engineering Technology Entrance Awards: Eight entrance awards covering one year's tuition and books for Indigenous students enrolled full-time in Mining Engineering Technology
• Early Childhood Education Bursaries: Funded through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement. That funding ran through March 2026, so check with Sask Polytech student awards for the current status
• Emergency Bursaries: Available to students facing temporary and urgent financial hardship. Speak with a student counsellor or Indigenous student advisor

External Awards

Sask Polytech maintains a list of additional external award, funding, and scholarship opportunities from community organizations, industry partners, and other sources. Check the Additional Awards page on the Sask Polytech website for opportunities beyond the institutional awards.

Federal Scholarships and National Awards

Saskatchewan students are eligible for all national scholarship programs open to Canadian students. These are often the largest awards available and are highly competitive.

Schulich Leader Scholarships

The Schulich Leader Scholarship is one of Canada's most prestigious STEM entrance awards. It is offered at partner universities including the University of Saskatchewan. Awards are valued at up to $120,000 over four years for Engineering students and $100,000 for Science, Technology, or Mathematics students.

Candidates must be nominated by their high school. If you are a Grade 12 student with strong academic performance and leadership in STEM, ask your school guidance counsellor about the nomination process.

Loran Scholars Foundation

The Loran Award is valued at about $150,000 over four years of undergraduate study, including a $12,000 annual stipend, a tuition waiver at one of Loran's partner universities, and funding for summer programs. It recognizes character, service, and leadership potential. For the 2027 cycle, applications close October 15, 2026 at noon ET.

Terry Fox Humanitarian Award

This national award provides $28,000 over four years (renewable) and recognizes students involved in humanitarian and voluntary activities. Saskatchewan students are eligible.

Browse our full scholarship list to find national awards you qualify for.

Community and External Scholarships

Beyond government and university funding, many community-based scholarships are available to Saskatchewan students. These tend to be smaller individually (typically $500 to $5,000) but they add up.

Where to Look

• Your high school guidance office: Most schools maintain a list of local scholarships with deadlines throughout the spring
• Your parents' employers: Many companies offer dependent scholarships
• Community organizations: Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, cultural associations, Indigenous organizations, and faith-based groups all offer awards
• Professional associations: If you are entering a specific field (engineering, nursing, agriculture, trades), check the relevant professional association for student awards
• SGI scholarships: Saskatchewan Government Insurance offers scholarships to Saskatchewan students

Industry-Specific Saskatchewan Scholarships

Saskatchewan's economy creates unique scholarship opportunities:

• Agriculture scholarships: Saskatchewan is Canada's largest agricultural province, and organizations like the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and various crop development associations fund student awards
• Mining and resource scholarships: Potash, uranium, and other resource companies operating in Saskatchewan offer student awards
• Trades scholarships: Saskatchewan's demand for skilled trades means apprenticeship awards and trades-specific funding are available
• Co-operative sector awards: Saskatchewan has a strong co-operative tradition, and organizations like Federated Co-operatives Limited offer student awards

Use the FundMyCourse scholarship search to filter for Saskatchewan-specific awards matching your profile.

Savings Programs: RESP, CESG, and CLB

If you are a parent planning ahead, or a student whose family started saving early, registered savings programs can be a major source of funding.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

An RESP is a tax-sheltered savings account specifically for post-secondary education. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment growth inside the account is tax-deferred. When funds are withdrawn for education, the growth portion is taxed in the student's hands (usually at a very low rate, since most students have little income).

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

The federal government matches RESP contributions through the CESG: 20% on the first $2,500 contributed each year, up to a maximum of $500 per year and a lifetime maximum of $7,200 per child. Lower-income families may qualify for an additional CESG of up to $100 per year.

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

The CLB provides up to $2,000 for children from lower-income families, deposited directly into an RESP. No family contribution is required. The CLB provides $500 in the first year and $100 each subsequent year until the child turns 15. Check your eligibility on the Canada.ca website.

For a detailed breakdown of RESP strategies, see our RESP and CESG Guide.

Student Tax Credits and Benefits

Tax benefits are another source of student funding. They do not put cash in your pocket today, but they reduce your tax burden during and after school.

Tuition Tax Credit

The federal tuition tax credit allows you to claim the eligible tuition fees you paid during the tax year. For the 2026 tax year the federal credit is 14% of your tuition (the lowest federal tax rate; it was 15% before 2025). If you cannot use the full credit in the current year, you can carry it forward to future years (indefinitely) or transfer up to $5,000 of the current year's tuition amount to a parent, grandparent, or spouse.

Saskatchewan does not offer a separate provincial tuition tax credit, but the federal credit remains valuable -- and the Graduate Retention Program effectively serves as Saskatchewan's version of a tuition rebate, but far more generous than a standard tax credit.

Student Loan Interest Deduction

Interest paid on government student loans (both Saskatchewan and Canada) is eligible for a non-refundable federal tax credit at the lowest federal rate (14% for 2026). You can claim the interest in the year you paid it or carry it forward for up to five years.

GST/HST Credit

Full-time students aged 19 or older who file a tax return may qualify for the GST/HST credit, which provides quarterly payments of up to several hundred dollars per year based on your income. Saskatchewan also has the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit, which provides additional quarterly payments to lower-income residents.

Funding for Specific Groups

Indigenous Students

Indigenous students in Saskatchewan have access to additional funding sources:

• Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP): Funding provided through Indigenous Services Canada to eligible First Nations and Inuit students. Contact your band council or Inuit organization for application details
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic Indigenous awards: Including Mining Engineering Technology entrance awards covering tuition and books
• USask Indigenous awards: Various scholarships and bursaries specifically for Indigenous students
• Indspire: A national Indigenous organization that awards millions in bursaries and scholarships annually
• Gabriel Dumont Institute: Provides bursaries and educational support for Metis students in Saskatchewan

Students with Disabilities

• Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities: Up to $2,800 per year
• Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities: Up to $20,000 per school year for disability-related educational costs
• Saskatchewan Student Aid disability supports: Additional funding for students with documented permanent disabilities

Mature and Part-Time Students

• Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $2,520 per year
• Saskatchewan Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $800 per year
• Saskatchewan Student Aid accepts applications from part-time students through a separate application stream
• Many institutional bursaries and scholarships are open to part-time and mature students -- check with your school's awards office

Building Your Saskatchewan Funding Stack

Layering several funding sources can lower what you pay out of pocket. Here is a practical approach for Saskatchewan students:

Step 1: Apply for Saskatchewan Student Aid

This is your foundation. One application covers both provincial and federal loans and grants, plus the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship. Apply as early as possible once the application opens for your study period. Remember: you can choose the grants-only option if you do not want loans.

Step 2: Apply for University or Polytechnic Awards

Complete the scholarship application at your chosen institution. At USask, ensure your admission application and transcripts are submitted by the February 15 and March 1 deadlines. At Sask Polytech, complete the General Application to be matched with available awards.

Step 3: Search for External Scholarships

Use the FundMyCourse scholarship list to find community, industry, and national awards matching your profile. Apply to at least ten. Do not skip the smaller awards ($500 to $2,000). They add up.

Step 4: Maximize Savings and Tax Benefits

If you have an RESP, coordinate withdrawals for maximum tax efficiency. File your tax return every year, even if your income is zero, to claim tuition credits and qualify for the GST/HST credit and Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit.

Step 5: Plan for the Graduate Retention Program

If you plan to stay in Saskatchewan after graduation, the GRP can return up to $24,000 in tax credits over seven years. Factor this into your long-term financial planning -- it effectively makes your total cost of education significantly lower than the sticker price.

Key Deadlines for 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding can I get from Saskatchewan Student Aid?

Saskatchewan and Canada Student Loans combined can total up to approximately $15,000 per year (need-based). The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship adds $750 per year (up to $3,000 lifetime) for Saskatchewan grade 12 grads who show financial need and attend a Saskatchewan post-secondary school. The federal Canada Student Grant adds up to $4,200 per year. The Graduate Retention Program offers a separate tax credit worth up to $24,000 over 7 years post-graduation.

What is the Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program tax credit?

The Graduate Retention Program is a tax credit, not a grant or scholarship. It returns up to $24,000 over 7 years post-graduation to graduates who stay in Saskatchewan and work after graduation. The credit reduces Saskatchewan provincial income tax owing. To be eligible, you must graduate from an approved post-secondary program (it does not have to be in Saskatchewan), live in Saskatchewan, and file Saskatchewan income tax.

Are Saskatchewan student loans interest-free?

Only while you study. Saskatchewan provincial loans are zero-interest during your full-time studies. Interest begins accruing on the provincial portion during the six-month grace period after you leave school and is added to your outstanding balance. The federal Canada Student Loan portion is currently at 0% interest under federal policy. Check the Saskatchewan Student Aid website for the current provincial interest rate.

Do I need to attend a Saskatchewan school to qualify for Saskatchewan Student Aid?

You need to be a Saskatchewan resident, but you do not have to attend a Saskatchewan school. Saskatchewan Student Aid covers Saskatchewan residents attending approved institutions in Saskatchewan or in other Canadian provinces. The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship does require attending a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution. The Graduate Retention Program does not require a Saskatchewan program, but you must live in Saskatchewan and file Saskatchewan income tax after you graduate.

What if I cannot repay my Saskatchewan student loan?

Apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan. RAP can defer or adjust your monthly payments based on your income. Both Saskatchewan and federal portions of your loan are eligible. Repayment begins six months after you complete your studies. If you remain in Saskatchewan and work after graduation, the Graduate Retention Program tax credit can offset a significant portion of your repayment burden.

Final Thoughts

Saskatchewan students have access to a wide mix of funding: interest-free provincial loans, automatic grants and scholarships through the Student Aid application, strong university entrance awards, a graduate retention tax credit, and all the federal grants and national scholarships available to every Canadian student.

The key is not to leave money on the table. Apply for Saskatchewan Student Aid (even if you only want grants). Complete your institution's scholarship application. Search for external awards. File your taxes. And if you stay in Saskatchewan after graduation, claim the Graduate Retention Program credit every year.

Start your search with the Saskatchewan scholarship list, then take the 2-minute quiz to see which awards fit you.