University of Guelph

Among the top 6 universities in Canada (Maclean's comprehensive rankings, 2026), the University of Guelph (U of G) offers a high-quality learning experience to more than 1,900international students from over 140 countries.

With over 100 majors available at both undergraduate and graduate level, students can choose from a full range of subject areas. Undergraduate students have the option to study a subject as a major, a minor or as a co-op learning experience. Graduates may choose to study a course-based or thesis-based master's, a doctoral degree or postdoctoral program.

All courses have been developed with employability in mind, and students enjoy opportunities for practical skill-building, work experience and research development. All while learning from industry experts and experienced academics in small classes.

The university spans three campuses and places a focus on sustainability. There are a number of student clubs to enjoy, as well as state-of-the-art athletic facilities and picturesque surroundings. In Guelph, the scenic Arboretum offers 400 acres of trails and forest, directly connected to the campus.

Guelph itself is a small city in southern Ontario, less than an hour from all the excitement of Canada's largest city, Toronto, and its international airport. Also nearby are the vibrant cities of Brampton and Mississauga, as well as scenic countryside and three of the Great Lakes.

Academic

Students must meet the academic entry requirements for their preferred study program at U of G. At undergraduate level, this is typically a standard secondary school graduation certificate.

Graduate entry requirements vary between programs. For master's admission, international students must typically hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum average of 70 percent (B-) in their last two years of study. For doctoral admissions, the requirement is typically the completion of a graduate degree with a minimum of 73 percent (B) across the entire program.

At both undergraduate and graduate level, there are some programs with different requirements or prerequisites, and students are advised to carefully check they meet the eligibility criteria prior to application.

English language

In most cases, international students must meet the English language requirements for their preferred course. Requirements may vary between programs, but in general, students must be able to demonstrate an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5 with no band score below 6.0, or an equivalent test score. A range of English language tests are accepted by the university.

Alternative pathways are available for students who are not able to meet the required level of language proficiency, including the Guaranteed Admission Pathway and English Language Certificate Program, which offer various combinations of classroom-based and online degree programs through the university's School of Continuing Studies. Eligibility criteria apply.

A range of scholarships and funding opportunities are open to international students studying at U of G, and there are also opportunities to earn money while studying, through co-operative education, part-time jobs, work study programs and research assistantships.

Eligibility criteria apply for all financial aid opportunities, and students are advised to check that they meet these requirements prior to application.

Undergraduate Awards

International undergraduate students have a range of scholarships available to them, including:

• President's International Entrance Scholarship: up to CAD 7,500, awarded based on academic achievement. Other eligibility criteria apply.
• University International Scholarship: up to CAD 5,000 per year for four years (CAD 20,000 total), awarded based on academic excellence. Other eligibility criteria apply.

Many other scholarships and bursaries are available to international students and may be awarded based on academic or sporting achievement, proven financial need, country of origin, or the subject or school to which the student is applying.

Graduate Awards

International graduate and postdoctoral students may be eligible for certain scholarships and awards at U of G, including:

• International Masters Tuition Scholarship – Course Based: offering CAD 6,000 to full-time international students with a minimum 70 percent admission average. Other eligibility criteria apply.
• International Masters Tuition Scholarship – Thesis Based: offering CAD 10,000 per year for up to two years to full-time international students with a minimum 70 percent admission average. Other eligibility criteria apply.
• International Doctoral Tuition Scholarship: offering CAD 12,500 per year for up to four years, typically to full-time international students with a minimum 80 percent admission average. Other eligibility criteria apply.

Other scholarships, as well as completion and postdoctoral awards are also available. Students may also be eligible for external awards.

Campuses

The University of Guelph spans three campuses, each with their own unique opportunities. Every school and college offers state-of-the-art learning facilities, resources and equipment designed to inspire learners and stimulate innovation.

Guelph Campus, located centrally in the city of Guelph, is the university's primary campus. It offers state-of-the-art learning spaces, and a vibrant, diverse community feel. Outside of the classroom, students enjoy a well-equipped library, top-notch athletic facilities, dining facilities and social spaces.

Guelph-Humber Campus is located in northwest Toronto. It offers career-focused study programs across a range of subject areas, with small class sizes and significant developmental support. Every student enrolled in an honours degree at this campus benefits from built-in workplace experience, earning both an undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph and a diploma from Humber Polytechnic.

Ridgetown Campus is located in the agricultural town of Ridgetown. Specializing in agriculture, environment and veterinary technology, this campus offers small class sizes and an intimate learning experience. Students here benefit from extensive hands-on experience.

Residences + Living on Campus

Students are encouraged to live on campus at the University of Guelph, and there are a range of room types available to meet all budgets and individual tastes. In 2022, the university was rated first in Canada for both living and food (Maclean's Comprehensive Rankings) and has been consistently rated as Canada's top food university.

Students can choose from 16 residence communities, with options including dorms, suites, apartments and townhouse style residences. There are more than 20 dining facilities located across campuses and six meal plan options, allowing every student to find an option to suit their requirements.

Housing is guaranteed to first-year international students.

U of G students have access to a variety of supports for academic and personal success, offered through our Student Experience team and departments across campus. Staff can offer guidance across areas including:

• Academic
• Careers and employability
• Finances
• Health and wellbeing
• Residences
• Transitional periods (pre-orientation through to post-graduation)

For those who would benefit from more in-depth wellbeing support, professional and free counselling is available on campus for U of G students. This may be in the form of one-to-one sessions or in therapy groups.

Additionally, students can approach their department or college for support more specifically tailored to their academic journey.

International students

International Student Experience is a hub of dedicated advisors and support staff, on hand to assist students throughout the entirety of their overseas academic journey. A range of programs, events and opportunities are offered to help international students to settle into campus life. Before you arrive, U of G's Global Pre-Arrival Support (GPS) team offers additional resources and support to help ensure a smooth transition to Canada.

Support is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, covering areas such as:

• Arrival and orientation
• Finding work as a student
• Funding and finances
• Getting involved in the campus community
• Health matters and health insurance
• Homesickness
• Immigration queries, including study permits, work eligibility and post-graduate work permits
• Settling into a new country

Student safety

The University of Guelph prioritizes student safety above all, ranked among the top 3 safest cities in Canada (Rentola, 2023). Its dedicated Campus Safety Office is one of the longest serving in Canada and ensures that students enjoy a safe and enjoyable study experience, throughout the academic year.

The university campus has been mindfully designed through the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program. As such, buildings, pathways and landscaping have all been strategically considered to improve student safety.

The City of Guelph is easy to navigate with your student card working as your bus pass. The quieter atmosphere and low crime rate mean you can safely explore the city day and night.

Employability and career success is at the heart of every U of G degree program. The Experiential Learning Hub provides opportunities for students to obtain the skills and understanding that employers value. The university boasts the fifth largest paid co-op program in Canada with more than 8,000 professional partners across industry and communities, meaning that students will not struggle to obtain experience in a sector that interests them.

Over 100 courses at U of G offer experiential learning, in addition more than 65 undergraduate programs have a co-op option available. This means students have the opportunity to gain industry-relevant practical experience, build their professional network, and earn income through paid co-op placements as they learn.

Career support

The university's career education team is on hand to support every student in exploring career possibilities, provide guidance towards achieving professional ambitions, and assist with job applications, resumes and interview technique. Students can make use of:

• Access to professional career advisors with expertise in specific subject areas, with one-to-one appointments available
• Appointments with the peer helper team for additional individualized support such as resume and cover letter review, and mock interviews
• Bespoke graduate careers advice
• Careers events including workshops, panels, career camps, job fairs, and alumni Q&A sessions
• Access to job boards and other digital career resources

The University of Guelph is proud to continually invest in its facilities and infrastructure, ensuring students have access to learning resources and teaching that grows in line with developing industry needs. Recent developments include:

• Business and Economics: In 2026, a historic CAD $51 million gift, the largest ever to a Canadian business school, which has enabled the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics to advance infrastructure and develop new opportunities for students.
• Health Care: In 2026, the Master of Medical Foundations was launched, designed in collaboration with health care professionals to close critical health training gaps in the industry.
• Science and Engineering: In September 2025, the cutting-edge College of Engineering and College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences opened their doors. The creation of these two independent colleges has facilitated the development of exciting new programs, whilst still allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Rankings

Demonstrating the quality of the teaching and learning students experience at U of G, the university has performed well in recent rankings, including:

• Fourth globally and first in Canada for veterinary science (QS, 2026)
• Fourteenth globally and first in Canada for agriculture and forestry (QS, 2026)
• Top 6% in the World for Business (AACSB)
• Eighteenth globally for food science and technology (Shanghai Ranking, 2025)
• Top 75 globally for biotechnology (Shanghai Ranking, 2025)
• Top 100 globally for hospitality and tourism management (Shanghai Ranking, 2025)
• Top six university in Canada (Maclean's Comprehensive Rankings, 2026)
• #1 for Research Dollars in Canada (Maclean's Comprehensive Rankings, 2025)
• Top 10 Reputation in Canada (Times Higher Education, 2026)
• Top 500 university globally (Times Higher Education, 2026)