Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to global engagement, which includes providing opportunities for Sask Polytech students to participate in global study abroad opportunities. In addition to technical skills, employers are increasingly looking for graduates with global skills. Studying abroad can provide you with improved intercultural communication, greater flexibility and increased global knowledge. These are all things that employers are seeking and will continue to seek in the future.
International study abroad opportunities
China
Short-term study abroad to Shenzhen Polytechnic
Shenzhen Polytechnic is the number one ranked technical college in China. Shenzhen is considered the Silicon Valley of Asia, and is home to many prominent Chinese industries. Shenzhen Polytechnic develops students with applied professional talents, high standards and qualifications to support the growing manufacturing and technology industries in China.
The program visit includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Chinese language course for beginners
- Local crafts, kung fu, Chinese cuisine and traditional culture
- Training in engineering and computer science
- Joint activities with Chinese students
- Participate and engage with Chinese businesses (Huawei and Xiaomi)
- Shenzhen Polytechnic will provide the participant with a certificate of achievement
- Open to students of any engineering or computer technology-related programs, registered as full-time students and completed at least one semester of study.
- To be determined.
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, China
- Approximate cost $3,200 - $3,500 CAD. Travel awards available through Sask Polytech.
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
- BioScience Technology
- Business Information Systems
- Chemical Technology
- Civil Engineering Technologies (Civil Construction option or Water Resources option)
- Cloud Computing and Blockchain
- Computer Automated Systems Technician
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Networking Technician
- Computer Systems Technology
- Cyber Security
- Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
- Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
- Environmental Engineering Technology
- Graphic Communications
- Innovative Manufacturing
- Instrumentation Engineering Technology
- Interactive Design and Technology
- Library and Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Media Production
- Mining Engineering Technology
- Power Engineering Technology
- Software Developer
- Technology Management
Cuba
School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sustainability ecological restoration study tour
Eligible students:
- Open to full-time students in the School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sustainability
- Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
- April 26 - May 11, 2024
- La Havana, Cuba
- Approximately $6,000 CAD
Mexico
Business Management study tour at Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
Eligible students:
- Open to full-time students in the Business diploma program (all specialities, any campus)
- Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
- May 10-20, 2024
- Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
- Approximately $4,700 CAD
Learn more about the Business diploma program.
Library and Information Technology intercultural study tour to Mexico City
Eligible students:
- Open to full-time students in the Library and Information Technology diploma.
- Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
- May 17-25, 2024
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Approximately $4,000 CAD
United Kingdom
Architectural Technologies at Cardiff and Vale College, London, United Kingdom
Eligible students:
- Open to full-time students in the Architectural Technologies diploma.
- Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
- September 2024
- London, United Kingdom.
- Approximately $6,000 CAD
Learn more about the Architectural Technologies diploma.
Architectural Technologies at London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Eligible students:
- Open to Architectural Technologies program students. Students are selected based on academic and practical progress in the program.
- July 24 - August 3, 2023
- London, United Kingdom
- Approximate cost $5,000 - $7,000 CAD. Travel awards are available through Sask Polytech.
Hairstyling program at Cardiff and Vale College, Wales, United Kingdom
Eligible students:
- Open to full-time students in the Hairstyling diploma. Selection process will run during Summer and Fall 2024.
- Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See Funding section for more information.
- February 2025
- Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Approximate cost $4,700 CAD. Travel awards are available through Sask Polytech.
Learn more about the 2023 study tour experience that was funded by the Global Skills Opportunity and the Sask Polytech International Mobility Award.
Justice Studies at Cardiff and Vale College, Wales, United Kingdom
Eligible students:
- Open to Justice Studies program students. Students are selected based on academic and practical progress in the program.
- To be determined.
- Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Approximate cost $3,000 - $5,000 CAD. Travel awards are available through Sask Polytech.
Students in this program experienced a 2023 study tour funded by the Global Skills Opportunity and the Sask Polytech International Mobility Award and a 2022 study tour.
Funding
Global Skills Opportunity
Global Skills Opportunity is the Government of Canada’s national outbound student mobility pilot program. It aims to empower post-secondary institutions to increase the participation of Canadians in international learning opportunities, especially underrepresented students such as indigenous students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds who have traditionally faced barriers to participation.
Global Skills Opportunity is an integral component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy. It is administered jointly by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada. Projects are designed, implemented, and managed by participating universities, colleges and institutes across the country. This decentralized approach allows post-secondary institutions to create projects that best serve the needs of their students and their communities.
The award is designed to defray the travel-related costs of an international experience.
Application deadline:
- Three to six months prior to travel.
Eligibility criteria
- The award is open to all Saskatchewan Polytechnic students in good standing, enrolled in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic or collaborative partner’s certificate, diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate program.
- The student must be a Canadian citizen or holding permanent resident status.
- Be an Indigenous student, or
- Be a low-income student (for the purpose of this application, your annual income must be less than $32,102; and less than $45,399 in case you have one or more children)
Note: Students who do not identify as Indigenous or low-income students may apply for partial coverage of their international mobility-related expenses
- The student must have completed at least one semester of their program and have a minimum grade point average of 65% in the previous term of study, and be in good academic standing at the time of application.
- Students can receive only one time the Global Skills Opportunity Award for the whole duration of their academic program.
Selection criteria:
- Global Skills Opportunity International Mobility Award is given to students who have demonstrated the potential benefit of the travel experience and are in good academic standing.
- The selection committee will consider only complete application packages from those
applicants that have fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
- Essay of 250 - 500 words describing the purpose of travel and how it will benefit the student’s social, academic, and professional development.
- Program endorsement via completed International Mobility Participant Confirmation form.
- Engaging in credit-bearing courses in another country, participating in a student exchange, or participating in an international student competition.
- Student must agree to provide a report upon return which may be used for Sask Polytech promotional purposes, internally or to the public.
- Two recommendation letters from past or current instructors or from student advisors.
- The applicant must hold valid travel documents at the application submission and must be valid throughout the exchange period. (e.g., Passport and visa or study permit if required).
- Hold international health insurance that covers illness, accidents, repatriation, hospitalization, quarantine, prescriptions, etc. (proof required).
- Interview with the selection committee.
- Have submitted a complete application package.
- Note: Students must meet pre-departure training and clearance (e.g., passport) before final approval.
Sask Polytech International Mobility Award
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award provides financial assistance to students participating in an international study and/or work experience as part of their studies. The award is intended to encourage and facilitate international experiences for Saskatchewan Polytechnic students to gain international exposure, enrich their learning, broaden their cultural understanding, and see the global reach of their field of study. The award is designed to defray the travel-related costs of an international experience.
Application deadlines:
- Three to six months prior to travel.
Eligibility criteria:
- The award is open to the following Saskatchewan Polytechnic students:
- The award is open to all Saskatchewan Polytechnic students in good standing, enrolled in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic or collaborative partner’s certificate, diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate program.
- The student must be a Canadian citizen or holding permanent resident status.
- The student must have completed at least one semester of their program and have a minimum grade point average of 65% in the previous term of study and be in good academic standing at time of application.
- Students can receive only one Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award per academic year of their program.
Selection criteria:
- The International Mobility Award is given to students who have demonstrated the potential benefit of the travel experience and are in good academic standing.
- The selection committee will consider only complete application packages from those
applicants that have fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
- Essay of 250 - 500 words describing the purpose of travel and how it will benefit both the student’s academic program and professional development.
- Program endorsement via completed International Mobility Participant Confirmation form (included in the application form).
- Engaging in credit-bearing courses in another country, participating in a student exchange, or participating in an international student competition.
- Student must agree to provide a report upon return which may be used for Sask Polytech promotional purposes, internally or to the public.
- The applicant must hold valid travel documents at the application submission and must be valid throughout the exchange period. (e.g., Passport and visa or study permit if required).
- Hold international health insurance that covers illness, accidents, repatriation, hospitalization, quarantine, prescriptions, etc. (proof required).
- Have submitted a complete application package.
- Note: Students must meet pre-departure training and clearance (e.g., passport) before final approval.
Pre-departure support
Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the challenges? Sask Polytech offers pre-departure support to ensure you're prepared for cultural and linguistic differences, as well as travel and safety tips and document preparation. Our comprehensive training before you travel equips you with the skills to succeed and thrive in a new environment. Discover the world with confidence. This training was developed with support from Global Skills Opportunity Innovation Fund.
Apply now
Submit application and funding form
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact internationalmobility@saskpolytech.ca.
External opportunities are not managed by Sask Polytech. To apply, connect directly with external managing agencies.
For questions about pre-departure orientation, the International Travel Registry and available funding, please feel free to reach out to us at internationalmobility@saskpolytech.ca.