Frequently Asked Questions | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Answers

Am I able to request previously submitted transcripts be returned to me?

Unfortunately, no.  Once documents are submitted to our office, they become the property of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and are not returned to the applicant or sent to another institution/employer.

Can a friend or family member pay my application fee?

Yes. Anyone can pay the application fee on the applicant’s behalf. Payment can be made via credit card and they must provide you with their card information at the time of application. Application payments are at the end of the online application. OUAC applications will not be forwarded to The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies until payment is processed. 

Please note that payments are made through OUAC and not the University of Guelph. For assistance and more information regarding application payments, we would recommend reviewing the Fees page of the OUAC website, and if need be, connecting with them by email at gradapps@ouac.on.ca.

Can I apply in either of Canada’s official languages?

No. English is the Official Language of the University of Guelph. Applicants can only apply in English.

An important factor to consider prior to applying, is that if your documents are in a language other than English, you will need to have your documents translated for them to be considered.

If you are to receive an offer of admission, any documents not in English will need to be translated by an official translator and sealed in the official envelope to be considered as a potential official document by our office. This is outlined further in the Final Transcripts section of the Monitor Your Status & Offer page of our website.

Can I apply to more than one program?

Yes. You can apply to more than one graduate program at the University of Guelph. Please be sure that you are using the same OUAC account to apply to each program. You must indicate which programs you wish to apply for in the application. You are required to pay a separate application fee for each program to which you apply.

Your WebAdvisor checklist will indicate the requirements for all programs to which you have applied.

Each application requires a minimum of two references. Please tell your referees that they will need to fill out a referee assessment form for each program to which you have applied. In other words, if you have applied to two programs, each referee listed must submit two referee assessment forms. You must use the same referees for both programs during the OUAC application process. Should you need to change referees for a specific program, you would need to submit this request after you have paid for your applications.  You will complete the change request form for each referee.  You need your single sign on and Guelph ID number.

Can I change my admission decision?

If you request to make any changes to your offer of admission, whether you have yet to make a decision, accepted or declined it, please contact the department you have received the offer from. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page.

For all application-related inquiries/changes, please be sure that you are contacting us using your University of Guelph email address. This helps us to ensure that the integrity of your application is protected, allows us to locate your files more easily, and thus respond to your inquiries faster. We appreciate your understanding.

Can I change my application after I submit it?

Think of application submission as the sealing and sending of an envelope. Once you submit your OUAC application online, you will not be able to make changes to it. The OUAC and the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies cannot alter submitted applications. Please proofread your application carefully before submitting it. If a change is required, please send your request to gradapps@uoguelph.ca using your University of Guelph email address once you receive notification your application has reached our office.  This can take up to 5 business days and cannot be expedited.  

Can I change the program which I have applied?

No. Program selection cannot be changed – you must re-apply for another program. It is imperative that before you apply, you review our website as well as the department website for the program you wish to apply to in order to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page. Our Applying to Guelph page is a great place to start for more information on the overall process, as well as a wealth of information and links to other pertinent pages of our website.

Can I defer admission to a different semester?

Requests for deferrals are approved by the department to which you have applied. Please contact the department directly to see if a deferral to a future semester is an option. If so, follow the directions on the Monitor Your Status and Offer website under the  "Deferring your Offer of Admission" section. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

Please note: this applies to deferrals of offers only, not applications which have yet to have a decision made.

For all application-related inquiries/changes, please be sure that you are contacting us using your University of Guelph email address. This helps us to ensure that the integrity of your application is protected, allows us to locate your files more easily, and thus respond to your inquiries faster. We appreciate your understanding.

Can I replace/update my resume once I have submitted it?

Yes. Using your University of Guelph email address, please fill out our Application Document Request form.  If your request is approved, you can resubmit your resume on WebAdvisor.  Be sure ot notify the department that you have resubmitted your resume so they can take it into consideration.

Can I send in any additional admission requirements by email?

Please review the website of the program to which you are applying to learn more about how the program would like to receive required admissions documents not listed in your WebAdvisor checklist. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

Can I submit a paper copy of my reference letter?

No. Referees are sent an email requesting that they complete the online Referee Assessment form. Referees are encouraged to send an email to gradapps@uoguelph.ca if they are experiencing difficulty or have issues with this process.

They will need to use the email address provided in your application and include your name as it appears in the application.

Can I update my application after I submit it?

No. Once you submit your online application, you will not be able to make changes to it. The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies does not alter submitted applications. Please proofread your application carefully before submitting it.

The exception to this is if you need to modify referees in cases where you have applied to multiple programs. We are unable to change this through OUAC; however, we can update our systems to ensure that the appropriate individuals are being contacted for referee assessments in support of your application(s).

Should you need to change referees for a specific program, you would need to submit this request after you have paid for your applications. You would submit this request to gradapps@uoguelph.ca after you have received your WebAdvisor login credentials (as you will need to submit the request using your University of Guelph email address). Please see the How do I Change or Add a Referee page for more information.

Can my admission documents be assessed before I apply?

No. In order to properly evaluate your admissibility to the University of Guelph, we must receive your full application. This includes the online OUAC application, as well as all transcripts, reference letters, and test scores (if applicable). Students who are interested in learning about their credential equivalency should review the International Credential Guideline website.

Can the GMAT or GRE requirement be waived?

A GRE or GMAT test score is not required for all departments. A GRE or GMAT test score WILL NOT appear on your WebAdvisor checklist. You MUST review the website of the program to which you are applying to determine if GRE or GMAT score is an admission requirement of the program.

Requests to waive required documents on an application, would need to be made to the department you are applying to. Therefore, we would ask that you contact the department directly for more information. Department contacts can be found by visiting our Programs page.

If a GRE or a GMAT is required, please arrange for your official scores to be sent to the University of Guelph using the code 0892.

Can you send me an application package?

The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies no longer prints or accepts paper applications. Applications to the University of Guelph are via an online application system with the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Visit the Applying to Guelph website for more information.

Do I have to convert my scanned document to a PDF before I upload the document?

Yes, for more information about how to convert a document to a PDF visit the PDF converter website.

Do I have to take the GRE subject test as well?

Some departments do require a subject test. View the website for the department to which you are applying for specific admission requirements for more information. Please note this requirement WILL NOT appear on your WebAdvisor checklist. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page.

Do I require a GRE or a GMAT for admission to graduate or postdoctoral studies? If so, what are the required scores?

Only some departments require a GRE or GMAT score as part of their application process. Please visit the department website of the program to which you are applying to learn more about program specific GRE or GMAT score requirements. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page.

If a GRE or a GMAT is required, please arrange for your official scores to be sent to the University of Guelph using the code 0892.

How can I check the status of my application?

After you submit your application, you can check the WebAdvisor checklist to ensure that all required documents have been received (please check receipt of any additional admissions requirements directly with department). Once a decision has been made you will be contacted through email. Please be sure to use your University of Guelph email address when corresponding with us.

How can I report grades I have received since submitting my application?

Please use the following link where you will sign in using your Single Sign On (WebAdvisor & Gryphmail login) and complete the form.  You can select the type of request in the details section and include the name of the document as it appears in WebAdvisor (if applicable). 

https://uoguel.ph/ogpsapplicationdocumentrequest

Once the request is fulfilled, you will receive a confirmation email to your uoguelph email address to upload the document to WebAdvisor.

 

 

How do I calculate my admissions average?

The University of Guelph evaluates a Bachelor’s degree on the last two years of full-time equivalent study for entry into a Master’s program (OR last 16-20 courses if not full time). For entry into a Doctoral program, the entire Master’s program is taken into consideration to determine an admissions average. Admission is determined based on the most recent degree completed. Please visit our Calculating Your Admission Average page for more information.

How do I Change or Add a Referee?

Should you need to change a referee for a specific program, you need to submit this request after your application arrives in Webadvisor.  You will complete the following link for each referee.  You will need your single sign on and Guelph ID number.

How much is the application fee?

The application fee is $110 for most programs and $150 for the MBA and MA Leadership programs.

How will I know when a decision has been made on my application?

You will receive an email stating that a decision has been made. For any follow-up questions relating to the decision, we would recommend connecting with the department you have applied to. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

I have applied previously and provided documents but want to apply again. Can my old documents be used for a new application?

No. You must upload your documents to WebAdvisor after receiving your login credentials (which should arrive approximately 3-5 business days after submitting your payment to OUAC).

If you submitted hard copy documents, they would have been scanned into our system and linked to the most recent application we have on file.  If you apply again in the future, they will not appear in WebAdvisor.  You will be responsible for uploading unofficial transcripts to your new application. 

I have been denied admission to the University of Guelph and would like further information. Who do I contact?

Contact the academic department to which you applied for more information about why you have been refused, using your University of Guelph email address. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page.

I have been offered admission at the University of Guelph. What do I do now?

Congratulations! We recommend that you review your offer package in its entirety before making a decision.

Please be sure to submit your official response electronically by logging in to WebAdvisor, and selecting the corresponding response. For more information on your offer and submitting your response, we would recommend reviewing the Monitor Your Status & Offer page and the section titled “Offers of Admission & Submitting your Response”.

The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies will not know you have accepted or declined the offer until you have completed this step, regardless of whether you have already contacted the graduate department.

I have not received a reply from gradapps@uoguelph.ca. What do I do?

Please be patient. We respond to emails in the sequence as they are received. Please do not send multiple emails; we make every effort to respond to inquiries within three business days (Monday - Friday). We would also recommend that you are monitoring your University of Guelph email address as that address will be the main point of contact we use for you.

We would also ask, that for application or account-specific inquiries/changes, you ensure that you are contacting us using your University of Guelph email address. This helps us to ensure that the integrity of your application is protected, allows us to locate your file more easily, and thus respond to your inquiries faster. If you do not contact us using your University of Guelph email address and would like to make an application/account related inquiry or change, we will ask you to contact us using your University of Guelph with that request before any changes will be made.

I have submitted an incorrect email address for one of my referees or they have changed their email address. How do I correct this?

Using your University of Guelph email address, please fill out our Referee Request form.  Please note: you will not be able to submit this request without using your UofG email.

I have submitted and paid for my application, what’s next?

You will receive an email from the University of Guelph in 3-5 business days with your WebAdvisor userID and password, your uoguelph email and student ID number.  Please log into WebAdvisor and upload all required documents listed on your application checklist.

We would also recommend that you review the department’s website to see if there are additional requirements not listed in WebAdvisor which might require you to use an alternative submission format. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page.

The department will not be able to make an admissions decision until you have uploaded all required documents to WebAdvisor and sent in any additional required documents.

In the meantime, be sure that your email is set to accept correspondence from gradapps@uoguelph.ca and that our email has not been moved to your junk or spam folder. In addition to this, please be sure that when you contact the University of Guelph, that you are using your University of Guelph email address. This helps us to ensure that the integrity of your application is protected, allows us to locate your file more easily, and thus respond to your inquiries faster. This will be required for any application/account-related inquiries and changes.

International Student Advisors

If you have any questions about PGWP or question regarding applying for your study permit, please visit the International Student Advising page.

May I upload the student copy of my English Language test score?

Yes, the student copy indicating the results of your English Language test score is sufficient for admission purposes. During the application process, we do not require official and final copies of documents. 

However, if you are to receive an offer of admission, a final official copy of the test score must be received by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for you to satisfy this condition of admission. Please have a final, official, hard copy of this document sent directly to the University of Guelph by listing the institution code 0892 at your testing centre. Please be sure that the mailing address mentions The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to be sure that it arrives to us.

My referee accidentally deleted the reference request email. Can you resend it?

Using your University of Guelph email address, please fill out our Referee Request form.  Please note: you will not be able to submit this request without using your UofG email.

My referee has not received a request to submit a reference for my application. What should I do?

Referees are contacted via email in 5 working days after you are sent your University of Guelph WebAdvisor log in information. Please ask your referee to check their spam/junk folders. They are also sent reminder emails every 14 days until they complete the Referee Assessment form. If the referee does not receive the request, using your University of Guelph email address, please fill out our Referee Request form.  Please note: you will not be able to submit this request without using your UofG email.

Once I accept my offer of admission what’s next?

Congratulations! You will receive a registration email with instructions about how to register for your program; please be sure you are monitoring your University of Guelph email for correspondence from us. 

In the interim, we would encourage you to review our New Student Guide as it includes a wealth of information regarding topics such as: final documents, registration, payment of fees, and more.

What are the admission requirements for graduate studies at the University of Guelph?

Admission requirements for graduate studies at the University of Guelph can be found on the Admission Requirements website. Admission requirements for some departments may vary. While a student may meet the University’s admission requirements, they may not meet the department’s requirements and may be refused admission to the program. Prior to applying, applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the department or program website, or contact the department directly for program specific admission requirements. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page. 

What if I miss the application deadline?

It is up to the discretion of the department you are intending to apply to whether they will consider accepting a late application. All application deadlines are monitored internally by the respective department.  Contact the Graduate Program/Administrative Assistant for the program to which you are applying for more information. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

What is the application deadline for graduate studies?

All application deadlines are monitored internally by the respective department.  Academic Units at the University of Guelph may have a specific application deadline, while other departments have rolling admissions which means there is no specific application deadline. Please review the website of the program to which you are applying for specific application deadlines. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

What is the minimum English Language score required to apply?

The minimum score required to apply to graduate studies varies according to the language test taken. View the English Language Proficiency page for detailed information. Please note: some departments have higher English language requirements. Please review the website of the department to which you are applying for detailed information. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

What is the University of Guelph’s institution code?

The University of Guelph institution code is 0892. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is not set up to receive results electronically. Please be sure that the following mailing address is used to ensure it arrives to our office:

Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
Level 3, University Centre
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 2W1

What makes a transcript unofficial or official?

Unofficial transcripts: All transcripts uploaded to WebAdvisor are unofficial. An unofficial transcript is also one that:

  • Has been opened by the student;

  • Is a photocopy of the original;

  • Was not produced by the school/university;

  • Was translated by the student or a non-professional translation service;

  • If the original seal of the University envelope is broken, the transcript is no longer considered official.

Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are only required if the applicant is presented an offer of admission. Transcripts are official if:

  • They are sent directly to the University of Guelph in a sealed University envelope (the applicant can request that the University send us the official documents directly or the student can receive the document and forward it to the University of Guelph unopened);

  • If the original seal of the University envelope is not broken (the transcript is no longer considered official and will not be accepted as official if it is broken);

  • They must bear an official signature of the appropriate official at your institution, such as the registrar;

  • They must bear the institutional seal;

  • Certified true copies must be stamped and signed by the institution;

  • Digital copies can also be considered official and final if sent directly by the institute to gradapps@uoguelph.ca from an institution email address.

What should I do if one of my referees is having trouble submitting a recommendation?

First, review our trouble shooting website for referees. If the solution can not be found there, please contact CCS at the University of Guelph at IThelp@uoguelph.ca  before contacting the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at gradapps@uoguelph.ca.  

When do my English Language test scores expire?

English language test scores are valid for a period of 2 years. If your test has expired, please visit our English Language Proficiency page for a list of acceptable tests and their respective minimum requirements.

When is the deadline for submitting an application?

Some departments have specific application deadlines while other departments have rolling admission deadlines. Please review the program website of the department to which you are applying, for information about their application deadline. Please note: in order to be considered for admission, all documents must be uploaded and marked received on WebAdvisor prior to the program deadline (unless otherwise specified on the department website).

When should I mail my official transcripts?

If you are offered admission conditionally and are requested to send official and final documents, we would ask that you please mail your official and final documents as soon as possible to:

 

University of Guelph

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

University Centre – Level 3

50 Stone Road East

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

N1G2W1

 

Note: We strongly encourage international students to order their official transcripts in advance to avoid a delay in processing final requirements and meeting the conditions of their offer (be sure to keep them sealed in the institution envelope). Once you receive notification of your decision, you will have the required documents in hand and will be ready to forward final official copies to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

We are accepting digital/electronic transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to gradapps@uoguelph.ca.

 

Where should I mail my official transcripts?

If you are offered admission and you choose to accept your offer of admission, please mail final official transcripts to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Guelph. Do not send your official transcripts until you accept your offer of admission.

If you are offered admission conditionally upon receipt of official and final documents and you choose to accept your offer of admission, please mail final official transcripts to:

University of Guelph

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

University Centre – Level 3

50 Stone Road East

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

N1G2W1

 

We are also accepting official digital transcripts emailed directly from your previous institute(s) to gradapps@uoguelph.ca

 

Note: We strongly encourage international students to order their official transcripts in advance to avoid a delay in processing final requirements and meeting the conditions of their offer. Once you receive notification of your decision, you will have the required documents in hand and will be ready to forward final official copies to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Who is required to provide an English Language test score?

All applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit test scores from a standardized language test. To learn more about acceptable tests and their respective minimum requirements, please view the English Language Proficiency page.

If you feel that you may qualify to have this requirement waived, you would need to make this request of the department to which you intend to apply, as this would be up to their discretion. A letter can be uploaded to Webadvisor to complete the application. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

 

Who reviews my application?

Your application is reviewed by the admissions committee of the department to which you have applied. Should you have any further questions regarding the review of your application, please connect with the department to which you have applied. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.

Who should I contact?

If you are experiencing a technical problem with the application, please visit our technical support website for more information.

If you have questions about your offer, please connect with the department which you have received an offer from. Department contacts as well as a link to their website can be found by visiting our Programs page.

Who will make the decision about my application?

The admissions process is facilitated by each department and each program has a different admission decision process and timeline. Please contact the department if you require more information about the status of your application. Department contacts, as well as a link to their website, can be found by visiting our Programs page.