Launch Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools in Saskatoon
This page is your practical, no-nonsense guide to launching a College, University, or Professional School in Saskatoon (NAICS 611310). It breaks down what you need to get started, from the eight core requirements to the permits and approvals that show up along the way. You’ll get a clear view of the steps, costs, and realistic timelines so you can plan with confidence.
Eight requirements overview and what to expect: you’ll learn about licensing and permits, facility and zoning needs, program approvals, registrations and compliance, funding options, staffing and governance, and ongoing reporting. We’ll outline typical costs—from setup to ongoing operating expenses—and offer a practical timeline from early planning to first classes. The page also highlights permits you’ll likely need, such as occupancy, fire safety, and accreditation where applicable, and how to coordinate with Saskatoon and Saskatchewan authorities.
Why Saskatoon is a strong fit: the city already hosts a thriving education ecosystem with the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a growing private education sector, and a supportive local business climate. With steady student demand, access to talent, and a range of real estate options, Saskatoon can help you launch and scale your college or professional school more smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a college, university, or professional school in Saskatoon is Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC). This is a legal prerequisite—you cannot legally open or run the school under its name without registering. After that foundation, you’ll also need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes and a valid Business Licence from the local authority before you can start taking students. Other core registrations to consider early include Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration, depending on your chosen structure.
Mandatory operational requirements focus on health, safety, and permits. If you have employees, you must register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers’ compensation and ensure you have coverage for staff. You should also align with workplace health and safety rules and carry appropriate insurance. For payroll, plan ahead for Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA, and set up a compliant payroll process so you withhold and remit taxes correctly.
Business registration and tax numbers are the next key layer. In addition to the ISC name registration and BN, you may need GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or you choose to register voluntarily. Decide your legal structure: Partnership Registration if you operate as a partnership, or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration if you form a corporation. These registrations feed into your tax filings and regulatory reporting with federal and provincial authorities.
Next steps: outline your structure, confirm the required registrations, and start applying. Use the ISC and CRA guides, or talk to a local business advisor or regulatory official to map out the exact steps for your situation. With a clear plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll be on solid footing to launch a compliant, student-focused institution in Saskatoon.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a colleges, universities, and professional schools in Saskatoon:
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saskatoon. Apply to City of Saskatoon for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saskatoon Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your colleges, universities, and professional schools:
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Delivered via the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction (2024–25 to 2027–28). Total federal investment: over $1.4 billion over four years. Funding flows through provinces and territories to school boards and post-secondary institutions. Quebec negotiates a separate bilateral agreement. Not directly accessible to non-governmental applicants.
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CATF provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training. Funds up to 70% of eligible expenses for most organizations and up to 100% for Indigenous and equity organizations. Annual intake with a May 15 deadline. Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for at least 3 years.
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UTIP funds unionized organizations to develop and deliver apprenticeship training, promote trades careers, and support underrepresented groups in the skilled trades. Projects run up to 3 years; Sustainable Jobs stream funds up to $10M.
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