admissions

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a master's degree (or the equivalent) from a recognized university in a relevant discipline. Master's graduates in a range of humanities, social-science and applied-science disciplines are eligible for consideration for admission. As examples, master's graduates in geography, sociology, planning, environmental science, rural extension studies and international development may be particularly suitable. Applicants who have not completed courses relevant to rural studies or gained experience in rural communities may be required to do so prior to admission or as part of initial phases of the PhD program. Admission to doctoral programs normally requires a satisfactory baccalaureate and at least high second-class honours ('B' standing) in a recognized master's degree.

Applicants are strongly advised to be in communication with a potential faculty advisor before applying. Once an applicant is considered to have met eligibility criteria, a crucial step is the identification of a suitable advisor and the guarantee of student funding. Applying without first having communicated with a potential advisor is not recommended.

Application Procedure

To apply electronically, please see the web page www.uoguelph.ca/GraduateStudies/ Click on the link "Applying to Guelph".   If you are applying electronically you are still required to complete the admissions questionnaire in addition to the other required application materials.

The Ph.D. in Rural Studies Graduate Program admits graduate students once a year, in the Fall semester starting in September. The deadline for applications is March 1 each year. The application fee for any graduate program at the University of Guelph is $100.00 (Canadian). Please be sure to read Graduate Admissions Application Instructions

An applicant will be required to submit the following to the Rural Studies graduate secretary:

• A Graduate Application: signed
• English Language Certification - The University requires an original certification of English language proficiency ( if your first or primary language is not English or your post-secondary education was not conducted in English). Please instruct the testing agency to forward official tests results directly to the School. If available, you may submit a photocopy of the test results for preliminary consideration. An offer of admission will not be issued without official original documentation. Please note that the University of Guelph requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 written or 213 computer. Internet Based TOEFL minimum requirement is 89 (21 in each individual component); 6.5 for IELTS.
• A Statement of Interest - A one-page statement outlining your major research interests and your objectives in undertaking graduate study in the Rural Studies interdisciplinary program
• Transcripts - Submit one Certified/original of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript. (Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified literal translation). Transcripts must be received in an envelope from each university and must be sealed and signed across the seal by the official issuing the transcript.
• Letters of Recommendation - Two letters of recommendation must be included using the Assessment of an Applicant for Graduate Studies. These original assessment forms must be used (referees must fill out, sign and seal with signature on the back of the envelope and return to the School).
• Assessment of an Applicant for Graduate Studies: Along with reference letters, referees must also include the form entitled Assessment of an Applicant for Graduate Studies. Please ensure that your referees complete, sign and return in a sealed envelope this form to the attention of the admission committee.
• Ph.D. Admissions Questionnaire
• Resume: Current