Admission Information for Post-Degree Students
If you are already hold a degree and would like to take additional studies, consider these options:
| Path | Best for | Credential or Outcome | Considerations |
| Non-degree (OUAC program code GND) | Taking courses for interest or upgrading | Courses appear on transcript | Degree required |
| Honours Equivalent (OUAC program code GHQ) | Upgrading a general degree to Honours | Transcript designation | No second parchment or convocation |
| Second Degree | Earning a different degree | Second degree | Programs must be substantially different |
Non-degree Studies
If you already hold an undergraduate or graduate degree and would like to take additional undergraduate or graduate courses, or strengthen your academic record to apply to graduate school, you should apply for Non-Degree Studies.
Upgrading from General to Honours Degree (Honour's Equivalency)
If you already hold an undergraduate general degree (3 year) and wish to upgrade to the equivalent of an honours degree (4 year), you may apply to obtain an Honours Equivalent.
Current University of Guelph degree holders may also augment an honours degree by completing an additional specialization (e.g., i.e. an additional major or minor).
Students who are granted the Honours Equivalent designation do not receive a second degree parchment and do not participate in convocation. Upon completion, the designation will appear on their official transcript.
To be granted an Honours Equivalent, students must satisfy the University of Guelph Academic Residence Requirements. In addition, students must satisfy the conditions for graduation for the specified honours program using the Calendar that is in effect for the semester to which they have been admitted.
Completing a Second Degree
If you have completed an undergraduate degree and wish to complete a second different degree, the course content must be substantially different from that of the first degree (see note below). A second degree is judged to be substantially different if:
- The specializations are in different subject areas as listed in the Undergraduate Calendar - Section XII - Description of Courses or:
- The schedule of studies requirements is substantially different (no more than 25% overlap).
Only 10.00 credits may be transferred from the initial degree program.
Graduate Studies
For more information on Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph, please visit Graduate Studies.
How to Apply
If you have not previously registered at the University of Guelph, apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. The program code for Honours Equivalent is GHQ.
If you have ever registered at the University of Guelph, apply using the Application for Internal Transfer and Readmission.
