Awards and Scholarships

Undergraduate Students

The following is a list of undergraduate scholarships available through the Department of Computer Science.

Please note that equity-based awards will require verification.

DESCRIPTION As a legacy to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Department of Computer Science in 1988, the Fund for Excellence was established as an advancement fund to be supported by the Department's Alumni.
VALUE $1000
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS Offered annually to a graduating undergraduate student for leadership recognition and carrying out duties above and beyond of what was expected of him and her. The award is chosen by a committee consisting of the Department Head, Undergraduate Chair and Department Faculty. If it is felt there isn't a suitable student, no award is granted for the year.
DONOR The Fund for Excellence
HOW TO APPLY Students do not need to apply directly. Successful candidate will be chosen by the Undergraduate Chair. The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

DESCRIPTION Endowed by Mr. Andrew Stepaniuk (B.Comm. 1992) in memory of his wife, Bhupinder Kaur Basran, this scholarship recognizes the academic excellence of a student pursuing an Honours degree in Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan.
VALUE $2500
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS Open to full-time students entering their 4th year of study in a four year Bachelor of Science Honours degree specializing in Computer Science.

Selection will be based on academic achievement; preference will be given to female candidates.
DONOR Andrew Stepaniuk (BComm '92)
HOW TO APPLY Contact the Department of Computer Science to apply, including the name of the award you are applying for. The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

DESCRIPTION Professor Tremblay received his Doctoral degree from the Case Institute of Technology in 1969. He has been associated with the Department of Computer Science (formerly Computational Science) since the 1970-1971 academic year. He was tenured in the Department in 1971 and promoted to Full Professor in 1974. A prolific author of Computer Science text books used world wide, he became a Professor Emeritus when he retired in 2005.
VALUE Approximately $200 in books from Pearson Education
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS Awarded annually to an undergraduate student who has completed second year computer science classes. Selection will be based on academic achievement.
DONOR Pearson Education
HOW TO APPLY Students do not need to apply directly. Successful candidate will be chosen by the Undergraduate Chair. The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

DESCRIPTION Calian Canadian advanced technology company specializing in space and communications engineering and custom electronics manufacturing. This company has extensive expertise in space, communications, satellite test and control and defense systems engineering and in custom electronic system manufacturing.
VALUE $1000
NUMBER Two (2)
CONDITIONS
  • One for a Computer Science student proceeding from third to fourth year.
  • One Employment Equity Scholarship to an employment equity target-group student proceeding from the second to the third year toward a four-year degree in Computer Science. The equity group given preference will be specified by Calian each year.
  • High school taken in Saskatchewan.
DONOR Calian, Advanced Technologies
HOW TO APPLY Students do not need to apply directly. Successful candidate will be chosen by the Undergraduate Chair. The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

DESCRIPTION The Women in Computer Science Scholarship was established to encourage female students to pursue a major in Computer Science.

At the date of this agreement, women are considered a disadvantaged group requiring special action under programs established by the University to meet educational equity goals, as stated in the University's Mission Statement and as permitted under current human rights legislation. If in the future the University determines that the disadvantaged position is no longer present, either generally or in specific disciplines, it reserves the right to alter the term to ensure compliance with legislation and current public policy.

Should federal or provincial legislation place the University in the position where it could no longer adhere to one or more terms of this agreement, the University has the right to alter the term(s) to ensure compliance with the legislation and current public policy.
VALUE $1000
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS This scholarship is open to female students entering the second year of a degree program in either the College of Arts and Science or Edward's School of Business with a major in Computer Science. Students must enroll in 12 credit units of Computer Science at a 200-level as determined by the Selection Committee and described in the guidelines.

Applicants may not hold a recognized degree with an accredited university.

Selection will be made on the basis of academic achievement as determined by the Selection Committee.
DONOR Alumni and Faculty of the Department of Computer Science
HOW TO APPLY Contact the Department of Computer Science to apply, including the name of the award you are applying for. The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

DESCRIPTION To support and recognize the community service, volunteerism and leadership of female students who are majoring in Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan.
VALUE $1000
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS
  • Open to female students in their third, fourth or fifth year who are majoring in Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan.
  • To accept the award, students must have a minimum overall academic average of 70 percent.
DONOR zu
HOW TO APPLY
  • Contact the Department of Computer Science to apply, including the name of the award you are applying for.
  • Submit a statement of no more than 300 words describing your community involvement, such as volunteerism, youth coaching, fundraising, serving as a committee member, or any other activities that may help in developing leadership skills.
  • The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

DESCRIPTION To support and to recognize female students in the 3rd year or entering the 3rd year of a degree program in the College of Arts & Science at the University of Saskatchewan who are majoring in computer science.
VALUE $3000
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS
  • Open to female students in the 3rd year or entering the 3rd year of a degree program in the College of Arts & Science at the University of Saskatchewan who are majoring in computer science.
  • To be eligible, students must have graduated from a high school in the province of Saskatchewan
DONOR Linda Carmichael
HOW TO APPLY
  • Contact the Department of Computer Science to apply, including the name of the award you are applying for.
  • Submit a statement of no more than one page detailing why you chose computer science as a vocation and how that has informed your career plans.
  • The award is presented during the spring graduation banquet.

The Department of Computer Science is now accepting applications for NSERC and Departmental Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs), an opportunity for academically strong undergraduate students to get involved in computer science research activities within the Department, while at the same time providing summer employment from May to August.

This is great opportunity to be exposed to research in Computer Science. Driving a research project builds a lot of skills, is great for the resume, and can result in publications, which help with scholarships and applications to graduate school. But for those moving directly into the industry after graduation, the USRA is also a valuable opportunity. Managing a project and working on the cutting edge of computer science looks good to any employer.

Student Application Deadline: January 5, 2023

Eligibility Requirements

  • Completed at least 1st year by the time the award is activated
  • Must be a full-time student (students in their final year are eligible)
  • Grade average of at least 75% (but competition is such that will need at least 80%)

(Note: the USRAs provided by NSERC, but not those of the Department, have the additional requirement that applicants be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.)

Students will be contacted individually with instructions on how to apply. Additional information about NSERC can also be found on their website: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/UG-PC/USRA-BRPC_eng.asp.

If you have any questions, please email advising@cs.usask.ca with the following subject header: "Re: 2023 Summer NSERC/USRAs"

DESCRIPTION This prize is awarded in the memory of James E. Greer, U of S professor of computational sciences between 1988 and 2018. It is meant to capture the spirit and legacy of Jim's love for teaching, learning and research. There is no doubt that Jim would have wanted to continue to recognize excellence in students' work and encourage students' academic growth. 
VALUE $1000
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS
  • This prize is to open to undergraduate students who have undertaken research relevant to the field of teaching, learning, and technology.
  • To be eligible, students must have presented or published research in an undergraduate research forum. For example, USSU Undergraduate Project Symposium, University of Saskatchewan Undergraduate Research Journal, World Class Day, etc.
DONOR Family and friends of James E. Greer
HOW TO APPLY
  • To apply, complete the online application in the Scholarships and Bursaries channel in PAWS. You will be asked to submit a citation of research and a relevant curriculum vitae. As well, a letter of support from a faculty member is to be submitted to asg.studentawards@usask.ca.
  • For more information, contact Student Awards with the Administrative Support Group in the College of Arts and Science.

 

DESCRIPTION This prize is awarded to the undergraduate student who has achieved the highest mark in the Introduction to Computer Systems course (currently known as CMPT 215) in the Department of Computer Science, College of Arts and Science.
VALUE $1000
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS
  • This prize awarded to the student with the highest grade in CMPT 215, or successor course.
  • In the event of a tie between two or more students, the Award Committee, using its own discretion, will determine a process to break the tie using academic achievement as a guide. 
DONOR Dr. Rick Bunt
HOW TO APPLY Students do not need to apply. The prize will be chosen by the Award Committee.

 

DESCRIPTION In honour of Debra Lawrence, this award is intended to reward students in the Computer Science program who are in their last year of studies.
VALUE $500.00
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS
  • This award is open to 4th year undergraduate students the Department of Computer Science program
  • To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need.
DONOR Doug Lawrence
HOW TO APPLY
  • Contact the Department of Computer Science to apply, including your name, student number and  the name of the award you are applying for.
  • Include a statement of no more than 300 words describing how the award would alleviate your financial difficulties.

 

DESCRIPTION To provide financial support to a continuing undergraduate student pursuing study in the Department of Computer Science who identifies with, or is an ally to, the LGBTQ2S+commnunity, and to encourage those individuals to pursue a career in computer science.
VALUE $1,500
NUMBER One (1)
CONDITIONS
  • This award is open to continuing undergraduate students who are pursuing studies in a Computer Science Program.
  • To be eligible, students must submit a statement to self identify with the LGBTQ2S+commnunity. The statement should also include a description of the intent or interest to pursue a career in a computer science related field and how their studies have contributed to this goal.
DONOR Rahat Yasir
HOW TO APPLY
  • Contact the Department of Computer Science to apply, including your name, student number and  the name of the award you are applying for.
  • Include a statement of your eligibility for the award.
Selection Criteria Selection will be based on the merits of the submitted statement.

 

Computer Science students may also qualify for Arts and Science Scholarships and University Awards. They include:

  • Lucent Global Science Scholars
  • SAP Canada Scholarships
  • SaskEnergy Bursaries
  • SaskTel Scholarships
  • Shell Canada Scholarships
  • Squires Foundation Scholarships

Graduate Students

Every attempt will be made to provide some financial support to full-time graduate students. The following is a list of scholarships, grants and assistantships for which students may be eligible. Note that the Department of Computer Science will not provide scholarships beyond two years for a M.Sc. program or three years for a Ph.D. program.

DONOR Aaron Genest
ELIGIBILITY Open to women in a graduate program in Computer Science or Bioinformatics. To be eligible, students must have participated in Research Fest, "Women in Computer Science" category, coordinated by the Computer Science Graduate Student Council in partnership with the Department of Computer Science.
APPLICATION Selection of prizes will be made to the top three candidates in the "Women in Computer Science" research competition, as determined by Research Fest committee. The committee will recommend students for consideration to the department head of Computer Science (or designate), who will select the top three candidates. 
DEADLINE N/A
AWARD AMOUNT Three annual prizes of $500 each.

DONOR Kavita Jain
ELIGIBILITY Open to graduate students in the Department of Computer Science that are pursuing a MSc or PhD degree and working on an innovative solution to a problem confronting society; preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.
APPLICATION The award will be based on academic achievement and relevance of the area of research, as determined by the award committee. 
DEADLINE N/A
AWARD AMOUNT One annual award of $1,500. 

DONOR Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships
ELIGIBILITY Canadian citizens or landed immigrants
APPLICATION Students attending a Canadian university should submit their application form to their current department (or from which they have recently graduated). The Department's Graduate Committee must rank the students applying before sending these applications to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants not presently attending a Canadian university may apply directly to NSERC.
DEADLINE The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies must receive applications from the Department by mid-October and so should be in the hands of the Department's Graduate Chair by the third week of September. Applications that are sent directly to NSERC in Ottawa must be received by December 1st.
AWARD AMOUNT $17,500 for 12 months for M.Sc. (PGS M) and $21,000 for Ph.D. (PGS D) per annum for 2 or 3 years.
WHERE TENABLE At any Canadian University. These scholarships are awarded to first-class students subject to earlier qualifications. Providing they are able to find a supervisor for the summer period preceding their registration, NSERC holders may arrange to start their scholarship on May 1 or September 1. More details are available at the NSERC website.

DONOR Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Scholarships
ELIGIBILITY Canadian citizens or landed immigrants
APPLICATION Students attending a Canadian university should submit their application form to their current department (or from which they have recently graduated). The Department's Graduate Committee must rank the students applying before sending these applications to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants not presently attending a Canadian university may apply directly to NSERC.
DEADLINE The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies must receive applications from the Department by mid-October and so should be in the hands of the Department's Graduate Chair by the third week of September. Applications that are sent directly to NSERC in Ottawa must be received by December 1st.
AWARD AMOUNT $15,000 per annum plus minimum company contribution of $6,000 per annum.
WHERE TENABLE Only at the nominating university. Direct application to NSERC is not allowed. These scholarships are awarded to first-class students subject to earlier qualifications. This award is to be based on a specific research proposal involving a student, a faculty supervisor and a researcher from a collaborating company. The student is expected to spend a minimum of 20% of research time at the company on activities related to the thesis proposal. More details are available at the NSERC website.

DONOR University of Saskatchewan
ELIGIBILITY These scholarships, unlike NSERC scholarships, are open to all graduate students, regardless of nationality.
APPLICATION All applicants are automatically considered for these awards.
AWARD AMOUNT The minimum value is $20,0000 per annum for an M.Sc. candidate and $23,000 per annum for a Ph.D. candidate.
WHERE TENABLE Given satisfactory performance, graduate scholarships are normally renewable for two years for a M.Sc. and for three years for a Ph.D. As a condition of this award, you will be required to provide up to 4 hours of teaching/service per week.

DONOR University of Saskatchewan
ELIGIBILITY These scholarships, unlike NSERC scholarships, are open to all graduate students, regardless of nationality.
APPLICATION All applicants are automatically considered for these awards.
AWARD AMOUNT The value is $20,000 per annum for an M.Sc. candidate and $23,000 per annum for a Ph.D. candidate
WHERE TENABLE Given satisfactory performance, graduate scholarships are normally renewable for two years for a M.Sc. and for three years for a Ph.D. As a condition of this award, you will be required to provide up to 12 hours of teaching/service per week during the Fall/Winter session.

DONOR Computer Science faculty members at the University of Saskatchewan
ELIGIBILITY Research assistantships are available to students with high academic standing who do not normally hold any form of scholarship. Partial assistantships are awarded in certain special cases.
APPLICATION No special application is necessary
AWARD AMOUNT The value of a research assistantship is $20,000 M.Sc./$23,000 Ph.D. per annum
WHERE TENABLE In return for this support the student is expected to carry out specified research duties that may or may not be directly related to his/her thesis work. Research assistantships are assigned based on merit and available funds, and, like scholarships, are contingent on satisfactory academic performance by the student.

DESCRIPTION To reward the academic achievement of graduate students in Computer Science in the College of Arts & Science
DONOR Dr. Keith Geddes, Computer Science Alumnus
ELIGIBILITY Candidates must be a Computer Science graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan.
APPLICATION Application is not required. Nominations are submitted by the graduate student's supervisor.
AWARD AMOUNT Determined by the Award Committee
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Students website.