University of Regina: Tuition, Scholarships & Saskatchewan Co-op Guide for International Students

The University of Regina is a public university in Regina, the capital of the province of Saskatchewan on the Canadian Prairies, known for its co-operative education and internship programmes, which place over 900 undergraduate and graduate students per year across numerous academic disciplines and faculties. A significant and important recent development at the University of Regina is that international undergraduate tuition is rising meaningfully, with the university confirming a 3.0% general tuition increase for 2026-27 alongside a specific increase in the undergraduate international tuition multiplier from 3.0 to 3.5, a change worth understanding carefully before you commit. This guide covers what University of Regina international students should know: this tuition multiplier change, English requirements, a genuinely valuable automatic entrance scholarship, its strong co-op earnings, and Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit rules specific to Saskatchewan.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: the University of Regina, a public university in Regina, Saskatchewan
• QS World University Rankings 2026: ranked #1001-1200, a decline from #951-1000 in 2025
• Tuition for 2026-27: overall tuition rising by 3.0%, with the undergraduate international tuition multiplier specifically increasing from 3.0 to 3.5, a change that meaningfully raises the effective cost gap between domestic and international students
• Reported fee range: CAD 15,264 to CAD 17,892 per semester for undergraduate programmes and CAD 3,576 to CAD 5,612 per semester for graduate programmes
• IELTS requirement: generally 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, though Education and Nursing programmes require IELTS 7.0
• Entrance scholarship: all international students applying to an undergraduate degree programme directly from high school are automatically considered for $5,000 in tuition credit for their first term, rising to up to $20,000 over four years if renewal conditions are met each year
• Co-op earnings: participating students earn on average $3,200 per month, totalling $12,000 to $14,000 for each four-month co-op or internship placement, a genuinely strong figure that can meaningfully offset tuition costs
• PGWP eligibility: all Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D programmes are currently eligible, provided the programme is more than 8 months long at this designated learning institution

Rankings and reputation

A QS World University Rankings 2026 position of #1001-1200, a decline from #951-1000 in 2025, reflects a modest downward shift for the University of Regina, though this should be weighed honestly against its genuinely strong practical co-op programme, which places over 900 students annually with average earnings of $3,200 a month. Given the rising international tuition multiplier increasing from 3.0 to 3.5 for 2026-27, prospective students should factor this cost trend into their decision alongside the university's ranking trajectory. Judge the University of Regina on the specific value of its co-op earnings potential and automatic scholarship against the rising cost, rather than the ranking figure alone.

Academics and signature programs

The University of Regina teaches across business, engineering, arts, science, education, and nursing, with a particular institutional strength in co-operative education and internships that place over 900 undergraduate and graduate students annually across numerous disciplines. Education and Nursing programmes specifically require a higher IELTS 7.0 standard, reflecting their more demanding communication requirements for professional practice. Ask which faculty and specific co-op programme options exist for your intended field of study.

Admissions and international eligibility

The University of Regina admits students based on academic results, and international applicants applying to an undergraduate degree programme directly from high school are automatically considered for the university's entrance scholarship without a separate application, a genuinely valuable and low-friction benefit. After admission, students apply for a Canadian study permit, and many undergraduate applicants may need a provincial attestation letter given Canada's current study permit caps.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is required for most programmes
• Education and Nursing programmes specifically require the higher standard of IELTS 7.0
• Other tests such as TOEFL and PTE Academic are generally accepted, though confirm exact equivalent scores
• Confirm the requirement for your specific programme, particularly if considering Education or Nursing

Application checklist

A typical application includes secondary school or university transcripts, English results, and passport details. Because the automatic entrance scholarship applies specifically to students applying directly from high school, confirm with the University of Regina whether transfer students or those with prior post-secondary study have access to equivalent or different scholarship opportunities.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

The University of Regina has confirmed a significant and specific tuition change for 2026-27: overall tuition rising by 3.0%, alongside an increase in the undergraduate international tuition multiplier from 3.0 to 3.5, which meaningfully widens the fee gap between domestic and international students beyond the general increase. Reported figures put undergraduate fees at CAD 15,264 to CAD 17,892 per semester and graduate fees at CAD 3,576 to CAD 5,612 per semester, but given the specific multiplier increase, request the University of Regina's exact, current official fee schedule for your programme rather than relying on these figures alone.

Estimated living costs

• Regina offers a lower cost of living compared with Toronto or Vancouver, typical of Saskatchewan's Prairie cities
• Winters in Regina are genuinely cold, so budget for proper winter clothing and heating-related costs
• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• Public transit serves Regina, though many students find a bicycle or car useful for getting around in warmer months
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules

Scholarships

The University of Regina's automatic entrance scholarship is genuinely notable: all international students applying to an undergraduate degree programme directly from high school are automatically considered, receiving $5,000 in tuition credit applied to their first registered term, with the possibility of up to $20,000 in tuition credit over four years if renewal conditions are met every year of the degree. The university also offers merit-based scholarships worth up to CAD 80,000 for exceptional students. Ask the University of Regina exactly what the annual renewal conditions require, since maintaining this scholarship over four years depends on meeting specific ongoing academic standards.

Campus life and student support

Regina's campus offers a typical Canadian Prairie university setting, with a genuinely strong co-operative education infrastructure that places over 900 students annually across numerous disciplines, connecting students directly to Saskatchewan employers during their studies. The city itself is smaller and more affordable than Canada's largest metropolitan areas, though winters are notably cold. Ask about specific housing options near campus and how the university supports international students adjusting to Prairie winters.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Saskatchewan's economy includes agriculture, mining, energy, and a growing technology sector, and the University of Regina's co-op programme is a genuine strength, with participating students earning on average $3,200 per month, totalling $12,000 to $14,000 for each four-month placement, a meaningful sum that can offset a significant portion of annual tuition costs. All Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D programmes are currently PGWP-eligible provided the programme exceeds 8 months, so ask the University of Regina's international office for the current PGWP eligibility status of your specific programme.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

Understanding the international tuition multiplier increase

The University of Regina's confirmed change in the undergraduate international tuition multiplier from 3.0 to 3.5 for 2026-27, on top of the general 3.0% tuition increase, means international students specifically will see their fees rise by more than domestic students in percentage terms. This is a genuinely important detail to understand precisely, so request the University of Regina's exact current fee schedule reflecting this multiplier change rather than relying on any previously reported figure.

Maximising co-op earnings and the entrance scholarship together

With co-op placements earning on average $3,200 a month, totalling $12,000 to $14,000 per four-month term, and an entrance scholarship worth up to $20,000 over four years if renewal conditions are met, a student who secures both benefits could meaningfully offset a significant portion of their total degree cost. Ask the University of Regina specifically which programmes offer the strongest co-op placement rates and how to plan your degree to maximise both benefits.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

Using the higher end of the reported semester fee range at about CAD 17,892 per semester, two semesters would total roughly CAD 35,784 a year before the 3.0% general increase and the tuition multiplier change for 2026-27 are factored in, so request the exact updated figure. Co-op earnings of $12,000 to $14,000 per four-month placement could meaningfully offset this cost if your programme includes co-op terms, while the automatic entrance scholarship of $5,000 to $20,000 over four years provides additional relief for eligible students.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the exact, current tuition figure for my programme after the 2026-27 increase and the multiplier change from 3.0 to 3.5?
• Am I automatically eligible for the entrance scholarship, and what are the specific annual renewal conditions to receive the full $20,000 over four years?
• Does my programme include co-op placements, and what is the typical earnings and placement rate?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter, and does the University of Regina help arrange it?
• Is my specific programme currently PGWP-eligible, given it must be more than 8 months long?
• What IELTS score does my programme require, particularly if I am considering Education or Nursing?

Who U of R suits best

The University of Regina suits students who want a genuinely valuable automatic entrance scholarship and strong co-op earning potential to help offset costs, and who are comfortable with Saskatchewan's Prairie winters and the confirmed rising international tuition trend for 2026-27. It may suit less well students seeking Canada's most internationally recognised universities or a milder climate, or those concerned about the recent QS ranking decline and tuition multiplier increase.

University of Regina compared with other Canadian universities

The University of Regina offers a strong automatic entrance scholarship and notably high co-op earnings compared with many Canadian universities, but a recent QS ranking decline and a confirmed tuition multiplier increase for international students specifically. Compare the total verified cost after the multiplier change, the scholarship value, and co-op earning potential against other options.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Frequently asked questions