For the second year in a row, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has solidified its position in the top 400 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. This consistent performance, coupled with a new record in research funding, underscores the university’s rising influence on the global stage. Leaders at the institution attribute this continued success to a deep-rooted commitment to high-impact research and a superior learning environment for students.
A Consistent Place Among the World’s Best
The University of Saskatchewan once again secured a spot in the prestigious 351-400 tier in the 2025 global rankings. This marks the second consecutive year the university has achieved this placement, its highest ever.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it follows a major leap from the 501-600 bracket just two years ago. University officials see this stability not as a plateau, but as a strong foundation for future growth.
According to Acting Provost Vince Bruni-Bossio, this sustained ranking is a clear indicator of the university’s progress. “It is heartening to see USask’s recent rise in rankings to our best-ever performance last year was not a one-time occurrence, but rather a sign of continued strength,” he said.
Research Excellence as the Driving Force
A significant factor behind the university’s strong showing is its unwavering focus on research. Dr. Baljit Singh, USask’s Vice-President of Research, emphasized that this success is the result of a long-term strategy.
“USask’s research excellence is not a short-lived success, and these results reflect our ongoing and unflinching commitment to superior research, scholarly and artistic works,” stated Dr. Singh.
The latest ranking data supports this claim, showing that the university’s research quality continues to improve. This year, all metrics under this category showing higher scores this year, reinforcing the institution’s reputation for producing research that addresses critical global challenges.
Strong Performance Across Key Pillars
The Times Higher Education rankings evaluate universities based on five core areas, and USask demonstrated notable progress across several of them. The institution’s scores for teaching quality saw significant improvement, reflecting its dedication to providing an exceptional learning environment.
The five pillars measured are:
- Teaching: The overall learning environment.
- Research Environment: The volume, income, and reputation of research.
- Research Quality: The impact and influence of citations and publications.
- Industry Impact: Innovation and knowledge transfer.
- International Outlook: The diversity of staff, students, and collaborations.
This balanced performance highlights a comprehensive approach to institutional excellence, ensuring that gains in one area are supported by strength in others. The university’s progress is summarized below.
| Pillars | 2024 Progress |
|---|---|
| Teaching | Improved significantly |
| Research Quality | Higher scores across metrics |
| Research Environment | Maintained strong position |
| Industry Impact | Steady contribution |
| International Outlook | Continuing collaborative growth |
Record-Breaking Funding Boosts Research Goals
Adding to the good news, USask also announced it has secured a record $417 million in awarded research funding for the 2023/24 academic year. This financial milestone further cements its position as one of Canada’s leading research universities.
This influx of funding is expected to fuel further innovation and discovery, enabling researchers to tackle complex problems and contribute to the university’s mission. The record amount is a testament to the quality and relevance of the research being conducted at USask.
This financial achievement, combined with the strong ranking, creates a powerful momentum. It helps the university attract and retain top-tier faculty and students from around the world, creating a vibrant academic community poised for even greater accomplishments. The university’s leadership is confident that these successes will pave the way for a bright and impactful future.
