For the second consecutive year, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has held firm in the prestigious 351-400 tier of the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. This sustained achievement highlights the institution’s growing prominence in global education and research.
USask first reached this milestone in 2023, marking its highest-ever placement after a significant rise from the 501-600 bracket. Leaders at the university view the steady ranking as proof of their long-term commitment to academic and research excellence.
Research Excellence as a Driving Force
According to USask’s Vice-President of Research, Dr. Baljit Singh, the university’s leap in the 2023 rankings was not a one-off success. Singh emphasized that research and scholarly endeavors remain central to USask’s mission to meet global needs.
“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,” Singh noted.
The latest rankings indicate that USask’s research quality continues to improve, with all metrics under this category showing higher scores this year. Dr. Singh believes this consistency underlines the university’s focus on producing impactful research year after year.
High Scores Across Five Key Pillars
The THE World University Rankings measure institutional performance through five pillars:
- Teaching: Evaluates the learning environment and resources.
- Research Environment: Assesses research productivity and culture.
- Research Quality: Examines publications, citations, and innovation.
- Industry Impact: Measures engagement with industries and real-world applications.
- International Outlook: Looks at diversity in staff, students, and research collaborations.
USask’s teaching scores saw meaningful gains this year, further reinforcing the university’s mission to create a top-tier learning environment for students.
| 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 |
University officials are particularly proud of improvements in research quality, which align with the institution’s strategy to deliver results that matter both locally and internationally.
Another Milestone: Record Research Funding
On the heels of the ranking announcement, USask celebrated another achievement: a record $417 million in awarded research funding for the 2023/24 academic year. This funding further solidifies USask’s position as a leading research institution in Canada, contributing to the university’s continuous growth and global recognition.
“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,” said Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic, Vince Bruni-Bossio.
With a solid foundation in both teaching and research, USask continues to attract talented faculty and students from around the globe. The administration aims to build on these accomplishments by fostering an environment where education, innovation, and community engagement thrive.
A Bright Future Backed by Global Recognition
The university’s leadership remains optimistic about the future, despite the competitive landscape of global higher education. With growing recognition from international rankings and record-breaking research funding, USask shows no signs of slowing down.
The recent accolades reflect not only the university’s academic prowess but also its ability to evolve and excel in an ever-competitive environment.
University officials encourage students, alumni, and community members to celebrate the continued success and play an active role in maintaining momentum. USask’s leadership firmly believes that collaboration and public support will enable the institution to climb even higher in the coming years.
