The University of Saskatchewan says it has to close a research centre because funding was cut in the provincial budget.

The Saskatoon-based school says the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development will close on June 15.

The centre's research has focused on concerns in areas such as northern governance, First Nations and resource development, northern innovation and climate and socio-economics.

It also provided graduate-level degree programs.

University president Peter Stoicheff says the university is "deeply disheartened" by the loss of provincial government funding for the centre.

On Tuesday, the University of Regina said eight staff will be laid off and 11 vacant positions will remain unfilled because of the Saskatchewan government's funding cuts in its March budget.