U of S Exam Deferral: How to Get a Medical Note for the University of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan Exam Deferral: Complete Medical Documentation Guide

If you're too ill to write an exam at the University of Saskatchewan, you can apply for a deferred exam — but you'll need proper medical documentation. Here's everything U of S students need to know about the process in 2026.

U of S Deferred Exam Policy (2026)

The University of Saskatchewan allows exam deferrals for legitimate medical reasons. The key requirements:

Timing:

• You must apply for deferral within 3 business days of the missed exam


• Medical documentation must be dated on or before the exam date (or the day after if you became ill during the exam period)


• Late applications may be considered with valid explanation

• Undergraduate students: Your college's Student Academic Affairs office


• Graduate students: College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS)


• Edwards School of Business: Student Services (specific forms required)


• College of Medicine/Nursing/Pharmacy: Program-specific processes

• Deferred exams are typically scheduled during the next deferred exam period


• You'll receive a "DF" (deferred) grade until the exam is written


• If you don't write the deferred exam, the DF converts to a failing grade

What Medical Documentation U of S Accepts

The University of Saskatchewan requires:

1. A note from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or psychologist
2. The note must state:
- That you were medically unable to attend/write the exam
- The date(s) of incapacity
- That the condition was acute (not a pre-existing condition you could have planned around)
3. The note does NOT need to include:
- Your specific diagnosis (medical privacy)
- Treatment details
- Prognosis

Accepted sources:

• Family physician (if you have one)


• Walk-in clinic physician


• Virtual/online physician (CPSS-registered)


• Nurse practitioner


• Psychologist (for mental health-related deferrals)


• Student Health Centre at U of S

• Chiropractor notes (unless the condition is musculoskeletal and prevents writing)


• Pharmacist notes


• Self-declaration (unlike some other universities, U of S still requires documentation)


• Notes from family members who are physicians

Student Health Centre vs. Other Options

U of S Student Health Centre (Place Riel):

• Cost: Free for registered students


• Wait time: 1–3 days for appointment (often booked solid during exams)


• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM


• Limitation: Extremely busy during midterm/final exam periods — may not have same-day availability

• Cost: Free (Saskatchewan Health card)


• Wait time: 1.5–3 hours


• Hours: Weekdays only, most close by 5 PM


• Limitation: Long waits, especially during exam season when many students are seeking notes

• Cost: $49


• Wait time: Same-day delivery


• Hours: 24/7, including weekends and holidays


• Process: Complete health questionnaire → CPSS-registered physician review → document issued if clinically appropriate


• Audio/video assessment: May be required when medically appropriate

College-Specific Processes

College of Arts & Science (largest college):

• Submit deferral request through PAWS (online student portal)


• Attach medical documentation


• College office reviews within 2–3 business days


• Contact: arts.science@usask.ca

• Specific deferral form required (available on Edwards website)


• Submit to Edwards Student Services (Room 25, Edwards Building)


• Medical note must be attached


• Contact: edwards.studentservices@usask.ca

• Submit through your department's undergraduate office


• Engineering has stricter documentation requirements for lab-based exams


• Contact your department directly

• Program-specific processes (more stringent)


• May require additional documentation from treating physician


• Contact your program coordinator

• Comprehensive exam deferrals: contact CGPS directly


• Thesis defense deferrals: contact your supervisor and CGPS


• Coursework exam deferrals: follow the home college's process

Common Reasons for U of S Exam Deferrals

Based on Student Academic Affairs data, the most common medical reasons include:

| Reason | % of Deferrals | Documentation Needed |
|--------|---------------|---------------------|
| Acute illness (flu, gastro, COVID) | 45% | Physician note |
| Mental health crisis (anxiety, depression) | 25% | Physician or psychologist note |
| Migraine/severe headache | 10% | Physician note |
| Injury (accident, sports) | 8% | Physician note |
| Chronic condition flare-up | 7% | Physician note + context |
| Other | 5% | Varies |

Mental Health Deferrals at U of S

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes mental health conditions as valid grounds for exam deferral. If you're experiencing:

• Severe anxiety that prevents you from functioning during an exam


• A depressive episode that makes concentration impossible


• A panic disorder flare-up


• PTSD symptoms triggered by exam stress

• Student Counselling Services (free, but often booked weeks out)


• Student Health Centre (physicians can document mental health)


• Community psychologist (may have fees)


• Online physician (can document acute mental health episodes)

Tips for U of S Students

1. Don't wait until exam day: If you're feeling unwell the day before, get documentation proactively
2. Keep copies: Always keep a copy of your medical note before submitting
3. Check deadlines: 3 business days is strict — don't miss it
4. Multiple exams: If you miss multiple exams, you may need separate documentation for each (or one note covering the full period)
5. Communicate early: Email your professor to let them know you'll be applying for a deferral
6. Don't go to the ER: Royal University Hospital ER is not appropriate for sick note requests — waits are 4–8+ hours and staff may refuse to write a note for a non-emergency

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students

If you're at Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST) in Saskatoon:

• Similar deferral process but through your program coordinator


• Documentation requirements are program-specific


• Health programs (Nursing, Paramedic, Dental) have stricter requirements


• Contact Student Services: 306-659-4300

International Students at U of S

If you're an international student:

• You're covered by the University Health Plan (UHIP), not Saskatchewan Health


• Walk-in clinics still accept you (bill UHIP directly)


• Online physician services work the same way


• Language support available through International Student Office

Key Takeaway

The University of Saskatchewan requires medical documentation for exam deferrals — self-declaration is not accepted. With the Student Health Centre often booked during exam periods and walk-in clinics requiring 1.5–3 hour waits, online physician documentation provides same-day notes from CPSS-registered physicians for $49. Apply for your deferral within 3 business days of the missed exam and include your medical note.

Content reviewed by a CPSS-registered physician. Documentation issued only when clinically appropriate following physician review.

Related: [No Family Doctor Saskatoon](/blog/no-family-doctor-saskatoon-sick-note-options-2026) | [Sick Note Online Saskatchewan](/sick-note-online-saskatchewan) | [Can Employer Require Sick Note Saskatchewan](/blog/can-employer-require-sick-note-saskatchewan)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sick note online in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for Saskatchewan residents.

Will my Saskatchewan employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Saskatchewan employers must accept sick notes from licensed physicians, whether issued in person or through virtual care.

How fast can I get a sick note in Saskatchewan?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2-6 hours.

How many sick days do Saskatchewan employees get?
Saskatchewan provides 12 days of unpaid sick leave per year under The Saskatchewan Employment Act.