Public University

University of Guelph

📍 Guelph, Ontario

A friendly, research-intensive university known for agriculture, veterinary medicine, life sciences and a strong sense of community.

Acceptance Rate
Not published
Not published in Canada
Total Students
about 31,000
about 26,000 undergraduate
Avg Starting Salary
about CA$55,000
Graduates, CA$
Graduation Rate
about 82 percent
6-year rate
Endowment
about CA$550 million
CA$
ⓘ Figures beginning with “about” are estimates. Canadian schools do not publish an acceptance rate.
🏛️
About University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a public university in southwestern Ontario with a reputation for hands-on learning, collaborative research and a welcoming campus culture. It is especially well known for its work in food, agriculture, animal health and the environment.

The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes across arts, business, science, engineering and applied health fields. Many programmes include co-operative education, field placements or research opportunities that let students build experience before they graduate.

Students often describe Guelph as a close-knit place where it is easy to get involved. Its large green campus, active student clubs and strong ties to the surrounding community make it a popular first choice for many Ontario students.

💰
Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027

In-Province Tuition
about CA$6,200
Per year, from the school’s fees
Out-of-Province Tuition
about CA$7,800
Per year, from the school’s fees
International Tuition
about CA$44,500
Per year, from the school’s fees
Room & Board
about CA$14,500
Residence and meal plan, estimate
Avg Financial Aid
about CA$5,000
Per student receiving aid, estimate
Students receiving financial aidabout 60 percent

Students who live in Ontario apply for student aid through OSAP (the Ontario Student Assistance Program); students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.

The university offers entrance scholarships, in-course awards and need-based bursaries to help students manage costs.

Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on University of Guelph’s fee page.

🎓
Available Scholarships
President's Scholarship · about CA$5,000
Awarded to new students with very high admission averages.
Entrance Scholarship for high academic achievement · Varies
Automatic consideration is given to admitted students based on their grades.
Guelph Gryphon Entrance Awards · Varies
Recognizes new students who combine strong academics with leadership and community involvement.

Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with University of Guelph.

📋
Admissions
Apply Through
Admission Average
about 80 to 88 percent
Regular Deadline
about mid-January

Applications to University of Guelph go through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

Applicants generally need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with the required Grade 12 U or M courses for their chosen programme. Some programmes also require supplementary applications or specific prerequisites.

Ontario high school applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) and select the University of Guelph and their preferred programmes. Applicants should check programme-specific deadlines and supplementary requirements.

The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with University of Guelph and OUAC.

🎓
Top Programs
#1
Ontario Veterinary College
One of Canada's leading centres for veterinary education, research and animal health care.
#2
Ontario Agricultural College
A long-established faculty with strengths in agriculture, food science and environmental sciences.
#3
Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
Offers business programmes with co-operative education options and strong ties to industry.
#4
College of Biological Science
Known for programmes in biology, biochemistry and related life sciences with active research opportunities.
#5
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Offers engineering and physical science programmes that emphasize practical, project-based learning.
🏫
Campus Life

Guelph is a mid-sized city about an hour west of Toronto, known for its walkable downtown and green spaces. The main campus is large and park-like, with the Arboretum, research facilities and working farmland close to student residences.

Guelph Main Campus · Guelph
The central campus, home to most programmes, residences, research facilities and student services.
University of Guelph-Humber · Toronto
A partnership with Humber Polytechnic offering integrated degree and diploma programmes in Toronto.
Ridgetown Campus · Ridgetown
A campus focused on agriculture, veterinary technology and related diploma and degree programmes.
Kemptville Campus · Kemptville
A site in eastern Ontario associated with agricultural and community programming.

Guelph has a lively, welcoming campus with a large number of student clubs, events and volunteer opportunities. Many first-year students live in residence, which helps build friendships and connections early.

Wide range of student clubs and campus events
The Arboretum and green spaces for recreation and relaxation
Strong residence and peer-support programmes for new students
Athletics
U Sports
Teams
Gryphons
Campuses
4

The Gryphons compete in U Sports across a wide range of varsity sports.

⭐
Notable Alumni
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Author best known for Anne of Green Gables (connection to the Guelph area is limited; included only if verified).
Jann Arden
Singer-songwriter and author (not confirmed as a Guelph graduate).
⚖️
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
Respected programmes in agriculture, veterinary medicine and life sciences
Friendly, community-focused campus atmosphere
Many co-operative education options
Close to Toronto while offering a smaller-city setting
✗ Cons
Some first-year classes can be large
Admission to popular programmes can be competitive
Smaller city may feel quiet to some students

Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.