University of Guelph brand mark

University of Guelph

Guelph, Canada • Founded 1964 • World Rank #543

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

Acronyms: U of G
Founded: 1964
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #543
Rank in Canada: #17
Motto: Improve Life.
Colours: Black, red and gold
Mascot: Gryphon
University of Guelph campus building
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Established in 1964, the University of Guelph is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Guelph (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Ontario.

This institution also has a branch campus in Ridgetown and Toronto. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario, University of Guelph (U of G) is a very large-sized coeducational Canadian higher education institution.

University of Guelph (U of G) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 59-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Canadian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. U of G also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Planning a visit to University of Guelph or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.

Address: 50 Stone Road East
Postal Code: N1G 2W1
Phone: +1 (519) 824 4120
Fax: +1

Academic Details

The numbers below cover the academic side of University of Guelph. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.

Recognition: Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario
Admission Requirements: Domestic (Canadian) applicants: admission average is calculated from the top six completed 4U/M (or equivalent) courses, including each program's required subjects; when 4U/M courses aren't yet available, Guelph uses a mix of in-progress 4U/M and completed 3U/M courses. Exact cutoffs vary by program and are published through the university's admission-requirements search tool; co-operative-education programs normally require an average of at least 80%. International applicants are assessed against curriculum-specific equivalencies -- for example an IB Diploma score of at least 28, a US cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0-3.9 depending on the program, British GCE A-level grades of A/B (or IB-equivalent 6/7), or a French Baccalaureat overall score of at least 12/20 -- and must meet Guelph's English-language requirement unless exempt: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6); TOEFL iBT 89 overall (no section below 21) for tests before 21 Jan 2026, or 4.5 overall (no section below 4.0) from 21 Jan 2026; Pearson PTE Academic 60 overall (no component below 60); Duolingo English Test 110 overall; CAEL 70 overall; or Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 176 overall (no band below 169); all test results must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Domestic applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) and international applicants through Guelph's international application system, submitting official transcripts and any required supplementary documents.
Total Students: 36,000
Student Enrollment: 30
Academic Staff Range: 800-899
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC) Council of Ontario Universities (COU) Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)

Academic Structures

Below is the academic-unit breakdown for University of Guelph. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.

Unit 7 items
  • College of Arts
  • College of Biological Science
  • College of Physical and Engineering Science
  • College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
  • Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
  • Ontario Agricultural College
  • Ontario Veterinary College

Programs Offered

University of Guelph's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.

197 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 90 programmes

Showing 10 of 90.

Master of Business Administration 1 programme

Master's Degree 60 programmes

Showing 10 of 60.

Doctorate 30 programmes

Showing 10 of 30.

Certificate 1 programme

Diploma 11 programmes

Showing 10 of 11.

Postgraduate Diploma 4 programmes

How to apply to University of Guelph

Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Guelph, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Guelph offers 197 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at University of Guelph has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via University of Guelph's online portal at www.uoguelph.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (519) 824 4120. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Guelph

Quick reference for University of Guelph: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.

In what year was University of Guelph established?

University of Guelph was founded in 1964 (approximately 62 years ago).

Where is University of Guelph located?

University of Guelph is located in Guelph, Canada.

Is University of Guelph a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

What is the student enrolment at University of Guelph?

Student enrolment at University of Guelph is around 30,000-34,999.

How is University of Guelph ranked?

University of Guelph holds rank #543 globally and #17 in Canada.

How is University of Guelph organised academically?

University of Guelph has 7 academic units.

Is University of Guelph officially recognised?

University of Guelph is accredited by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.

How do I find University of Guelph online?

The institution's website is www.uoguelph.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top Canada universities. University of Guelph's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.

Members of Universities Canada (UC)

Universities sharing Universities Canada (UC) affiliation with University of Guelph offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.

Faculties at nearby universities

If University of Guelph's location appeals to you, these nearby universities offer comparable environments and academic breadth. Local clusters tend to share cultural, linguistic, and employment context, which can matter as much as institutional choice itself.

Where Else to Study Biological Sciences

Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Biological Sciences classroom experience. Some Canada programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.

Universities Compared with University of Guelph

Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around University of Guelph on most of these signals.

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