During the writ period (today until October 28, 2024), this website will be limited to information about emergencies and public safety concerns.
For details on immigration, visit Immigrating and Moving to Saskatchewan.
Get answers with our Frequently Asked Questions.

Pendant la période électorale (aujourd’hui jusqu’au 28 octobre 2024), ce site Web devra limiter ses publications uniquement à des renseignements sur les urgences et à des préoccupations en matière de sécurité publique.
Pour des renseignements sur l’immigration, visitez Immigrer et déménager en Saskatchewan.
Trouver des réponses en consultant la Foire aux questions (en anglais).

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Degree and Diploma Mills

Some institutions knowingly offer substandard programs leading to degrees or other credentials that cost a lot of money but are worth little or nothing in academia or the employment market. In some cases, a student will be required to do no work at all – just pay a fee and receive a degree or diploma. These institutions are sometimes known as degree mills or diploma mills.

The following information about degree mills or diploma mills is taken from the joint Council of Higher Education of America and UNESCO 2009 document entitled: Toward Effective Practice: Discouraging Degree Mills in Higher Education.

A "degree mill" or "diploma mill" may be characterized by:

  • The business "… offers a credential purely in exchange for payment and nothing else."
  • Money – and only money – is sufficient to obtain a credential at any level and in almost any area of study.
  • When the business practice is accurately described by some or all of the following:
    • Lacks legal authority to operate as higher education institution or to award degrees;
    • Requires little if any attendance, either on-site or online;
    • Requires little if any coursework or few if any assignments to obtain a credential;
    • Does not provide information about location of incorporation, ownership or governance;
    • Provides little or no contact information other than a telephone number or email address;
    • Publishes false or exaggerated claims of external quality review (accreditation or quality assurance);
    • Issues credentials that are not accepted for licensing;
    • Allows entry into graduate or professional programs in the degree/diploma mill's home country;
    • Lists academic staff whose degrees were issued by degree mills or are unable to provide verifiable lists of academic staff and their qualifications;
    • Plagiarizes material from legitimate institutions for inclusion on degree/diploma mill websites; and/or
    • Features websites with Internet domain registration that is obscured by a privacy service rather than being publicly accessible.

Any one of the descriptors above should be cause for concern.

How Do Degree/Diploma Mills Harm or Impact You?
(Adapted from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education)

  • Students
    • If you obtain credentials from a non-accredited institution, you may not qualify for certification or employment in your chosen field. Check carefully before choosing an institution to obtain your higher education!
  • Parents
    • If you make a monetary investment in your child's education, it may prove to be money down the drain if he/she does not receive the level of education and training you expected and cannot get a job because of the sub-standard credentials received. Check carefully before investing in your child's future!
  • Businesses
    • If you hire someone who uses fake, fraudulent credentials to qualify for employment, your business may be at risk for liabilities and the economy and labour market are negatively impacted. Check carefully for credentials of merit before hiring.

If you have any questions about an institution offering programs in Saskatchewan, please contact the SHEQAB Secretariat by phone 306-787-1782 or email info@quality-assurance-sk.ca

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