Program Overview

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Introduction to the Plant Sciences Graduate Program

The University of Saskatchewan's Plant Sciences graduate program offers students the opportunity to engage in applied and fundamental research, driving innovation in crop development, land management, and sustainable agriculture. The program is housed in the state-of-the-art Agriculture Building, featuring 180 research labs and a 30,000 sq. ft. controlled environment facility.

Program Overview

The Plant Sciences graduate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in plant sciences, with a focus on research and innovation. The program offers two degree options: Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Why Choose USask for Plant Sciences?

• Study in a state-of-the-art Agriculture Building featuring 180 research labs and a 30,000 sq. ft. controlled environment facility
• Access 25,000 sq. ft. of nearby greenhouses and nearly 2,000 hectares of land dedicated to plant research
• Contribute to the development of new crop varieties tailored to Western Canada’s short, dry growing season and global market demands
• Work alongside expert faculty committed to solving real-world agricultural challenges

Quick Facts

• Expected Length:
  • M.Sc.: 2 years
  • Ph.D.: 4 years
• Degree Requirements:
  • M.Sc.: Thesis-based
  • Ph.D.: Thesis-based
• Class Delivery: In-person
• Supervisor Approval: Required to apply
• Deadlines and Admission: Details below

Leaders in Crop Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture

The Plant Sciences graduate program is driving discovery from molecular genetics to field-based solutions that enhance crop resilience, land stewardship, and global food security. Students will contribute to research that empowers producers, protects ecosystems, and advances sustainable farming systems across the Canadian Prairies and beyond.

Additional Program Opportunities

Work-Integrated Learning Concentration

Students who wish to complete a full-time work internship during their AgBio graduate degree can apply to the Work-Integrated Learning Concentration. This concentration is subject to consent by the research supervisor and academic unit.

Dual Ph.D. Degree Program

The program offers a dual degree program at the Ph.D. level in collaboration with the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences (Japan). Students will be awarded Ph.D. degrees in the field of plant science from each university after fulfilling all requirements.

Plant Sciences Master's and Ph.D. Research Areas

The program offers a unique, integrated research environment that connects agronomy, horticulture, ecology, and crop science with lab, field, and breeding programs. Research areas include:

• Sustainable Systems: Improving crop production while supporting soil health, organic practices, and ecosystem resilience
• Molecular Genetics and Crop Improvement: Advancing plant breeding and genomics using prairie-adapted germplasm and interdisciplinary approaches
• Crop Protection: Safeguarding crops through research in plant pathology, weed science, and pest management
• Environmental Physiology: Studying plant responses to stressors like drought and frost to enhance crop resilience under prairie conditions

Research Supervisors

Potential students should informally contact potential supervisors from within their area of research interest to determine availability of positions and interest. A list of research supervisors and their areas of specialization is available.

Tuition and Funding

Funding

The Department of Plant Sciences administers a number of scholarships, which are offered annually on the basis of a competition open to students registered in a M.Sc. or Ph.D. program in the department. The majority of incoming students will be offered funding through a research stipend from their supervisor's research funds.

Tuition and Fees

• Master of Science (M.Sc.):
  • Canadian students: $2,086.00 CAD per term
  • International students: $4,694.00 CAD per term
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.):
  • Canadian students: $2,066.00 CAD per term
  • International students: $2,066.00 CAD per term
• Student fees:
  • Fall 2025: $578.45 CAD
  • Winter 2026: $804.73 CAD
  • Spring 2026: $36.75 CAD
  • Summer 2026: $36.75 CAD

Admission Requirements

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

• 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
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study

Doctor of Philosophy

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
• Master’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study

Application Process and Deadlines

Deadlines and Important Dates

Applications are accepted on a year-round, continual basis with no application deadline. Initial enrolment will start at the beginning of term in September, January, or May.

Find a Supervisor

Potential students must identify a supervisor willing to provide a confirmed commitment that a research project and funding are in place before an application can be processed.

Submit an Online Application

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You will need to pay a non-refundable application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students.

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.

Transcripts

• Preliminary Statement of Marks: Upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended
• Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission

Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required)

• 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

Additional Documents

• A curriculum vitae or resume
• A statement/letter of intent

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