Scholarship recipient sets sights on future robotics career
For USask engineering student Sahas Mittal, receiving major scholarships in his first year of studies was “transformative.”
“By easing the financial burden of university, it has given me the freedom to focus more fully on my classes while also getting involved in opportunities outside of the lecture hall,” he said. “I’ve been able to take part in student design teams, attend workshops, and engage in campus events that have enriched my learning and helped me grow as both a student and a leader.”
Each year, USask provides $61 million in scholarships, bursaries and awards to assist students in their academic journey: $17 million for undergraduate students and $44 million for graduate students. This brings down financial barriers and ensures talented students have access to education.
Mittal maintained an average of 99% throughout his last three years of high school despite experiencing financial and resource barriers, largely due to his family immigrating to Canada from India in 2017. In his first year of university, Mittal was awarded a $30,000 Chancellors’ Scholarship as well as a $3,000 USask Entrance Scholarship. He was also selected to receive the prestigious $120,000 Schulich Leadership Scholarship. Through The Schulich Foundation, entrance scholarships are awarded annually to 100 high school graduates enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada, including USask.
For Mittal—who plans to begin a career in the high-demand and high-impact global field of robotics and automation after completing his degree—the scholarships he received have made a world of difference.
“Beyond the financial aspect, donor support is also a source of encouragement,” he said. “Knowing that someone has invested in our future inspires us to push harder, aim higher, and one day give back to others.”