Saskatchewan boosts investment to keep grads in province

Saskatchewan is adding to the sizeable amount it has already spent to entice graduates to stay in the province.

Through the Graduate Retention Program (GRP), the government is providing a rebate of up to $20,000 of tuition fees paid by eligible graduates who live in, or move to, the province and file a Saskatchewan income tax return.

Graduates receive income tax credits based on the tuition paid and credits are applied to income tax owed over a seven-year period, provided the graduate continues to file taxes in Saskatchewan. Graduates have up to 10 years after graduation to claim the GRP and/or apply for any unused credits.

"The Graduate Retention Program helps students ease the burden of financial strain after leaving university and encourages them to help grow Saskatchewan's economy," said Kyle Bye, University of Regina '24 graduate. "This program allows me to continue to grow connections in the province I love while helping keep life affordable."

Employee retention is a top concern for human resources professionals this year, according to a previous report.

Eligible for the GRP are those who graduated from an approved post-secondary program and applied within seven years of graduation, according to Saskatchewan.

Graduates from 2017 and earlier are no longer eligible to apply for the program. Meanwhile, graduates from 2018 have until April 30, 2025 to apply.

An approved program must:

• be equivalent to at least six months of full-time study at an eligible institution
• result in certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree; or
• provide journeyperson certification.

Master and PhD degrees are not eligible for the GRP.

Here’s how to apply for the program.

What is GRP Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan has provided $801 million in tuition tax credits to more than 85,000 post-secondary graduates living and working in Saskatchewan since the program’s inception in 2009.

"Today we have more post-secondary graduates living and working in Saskatchewan than ever before, thanks to the made-in-Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program," said Colleen Young, minister of advanced education.

"Our province has a strong economy and a bright future, and developing a knowledgeable and skilled labour force is key to that success continuing for generations to come."

Here’s why employee retention matters in an uncertain job market.