Saskatchewan Regulations 28/2026, issued under The Student Assistance and Student Aid Fund Act, 1985, amend The Saskatchewan Student Direct Loans Regulations to refine how post-secondary and vocational institutions are recognized and managed within the province’s student financial assistance framework.

A key change is the addition of a new definition of “private vocational school,” which now explicitly references The Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995. This formalizes the link between student loan eligibility rules and the regulatory framework governing private vocational education providers in Saskatchewan, ensuring consistency across legislative regimes.

The regulations substantially replace section 18, which previously governed the designation of educational institutions eligible for participation in student loan programs. The revised section 18 expands and clarifies the Minister’s authority to approve, revoke, or maintain the designation of educational institutions. It also explicitly allows the Minister to consider whether a private vocational school may retain its designation following ownership transfers, certificate changes, or significant internal restructuring, provided those changes fall under definitions in The Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995.

The amended framework emphasizes administrative efficiency and alignment between Saskatchewan’s student loan system and federal Canada Student Financial Assistance programs. In particular, the Minister is directed to consider whether an institution is already designated for federal Canada direct loans under sections 3 and 4 of the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, thereby encouraging harmonization between provincial and federal eligibility systems.

The criteria for designation are also expanded and made more detailed. Institutions must generally offer programs leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate, with a minimum duration of at least 12 weeks within a 15-week period. For vocational or technical programs, a minimum of 20 hours per week of student engagement or instruction is required. Institutions must also demonstrate operational stability by having been in existence for at least 18 months and having graduated at least one cohort of students from each eligible program. In addition, they must be properly authorized under applicable legislation and must have entered into an agreement with the Minister setting out terms and conditions for maintaining designated status under both provincial and federal student aid frameworks.

The amendments introduce a public interest consideration specifically for private vocational schools. In assessing designation or continued designation, the Minister may evaluate the conduct of owners, operators, directors, or officers of the institution, regardless of jurisdiction.

Saskatchewan (28/2026) May 12, 2026
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