Admission/Financial | College of Arts

Admission/Financial

Students apply to the MA in Integrated Humanities with the Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) stream.
This program is designed for students who want to pursue graduate-level work on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Latinx communities through interdisciplinary humanities approaches.

 

 

Admission Requirements

The program is open to applicants holding the equivalent of an Honours degree from a recognized institution, with at least a B+ average in the last four full-time semesters of study.

Preference is given to students who have taken upper-level undergraduate courses in areas such as Latin American and Caribbean history, society, politics, development, literature, art, languages, and music. A reading knowledge of Spanish is required.

Interested in the LACS Collaborative Specialization?
The Collaborative Specialization in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is an add-on to another graduate program, not a stand-alone degree. To pursue the Collaborative Specialization, you must:
  • Apply directly to the primary MA or PhD program you wish to pursue (e.g., English, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Rural Studies, etc.), and
  • Meet all admission requirements for that home program.

Once you have been admitted to your primary program, you may request to add the LACS Collaborative Specialization in consultation with your graduate advisor and the LACS coordinator.

Required Documents

  • The official online application form:
    https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/future/applying-guelph
  • All past transcripts. Official and final transcripts can be sent electronically directly from your previous institution to gradapps@uoguelph.ca.
  • A detailed, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV).
  • A one-page statement of research (Letter of Intent) outlining your reasons for applying to the program and your proposed area of research (around 600 words).
  • A sample of academic writing (approx. 2,500 words) that demonstrates your aptitude for research and analytical thinking.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
Submitting documents:
All required documents must be uploaded through OUAC as part of your application.

The Letter of Intent

The Letter of Intent is a very important part of your application dossier. It allows you to:

  • Demonstrate your personality, communication skills, and academic focus.
  • Show your ability to envision a research project in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
  • Explain why you are choosing this area of research and how you are prepared to succeed in the graduate program.

A successful letter of intent is:

  • Informative – clearly states your research interests and reasons for applying.
  • Scholarly – shows you have the necessary academic preparation and focus.
  • Persuasive – makes a convincing case that your project is important and feasible within an MA.

Aim for about 600 words.

For HUMN/LACS/IDEV collaborative applicants:
Students applying to the HUMN/LACS/IDEV collaborative program are expected to explain:
  1. How their research ideas fit with the study of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and
  2. How their background and interests will contribute to the vitality of development studies.

You are not bound by the specific project described in your Letter of Intent; you may refine your topic and research questions during your studies. Similarly, your project advisor can change if another professor is a better fit. You do not need to name a specific advisor in the letter, but it is helpful to review LACS faculty profiles and mention scholars whose work aligns with your interests.

Letters of Intent can be written in English or in Spanish and should be addressed to the Admissions Committee.

Deadlines & Application Timing

Applications received by February 1 will be considered in the first round of selections for fall entry. Applications received at other times may still be considered as space allows.

International students are advised to apply by February 1, as application and visa processing require additional time.

 

Financial Support

Successful applicants are guaranteed competitive funding support, which normally combines assistantships, scholarships, and internal grants. This support helps students focus on their studies and gain valuable professional experience.

Teaching & Research Assistantships

Students typically receive at least two Teaching or Research Assistantships (approximately $12,000 in total).

The School of Languages and Literatures considers teaching experience an important part of professional preparation. All graduate students receive training in pedagogy at the beginning of the semester and have opportunities to attend group seminars provided by Teaching Support Services. Students who complete these requirements receive a Teaching Development Program Passport.

Scholarships

  • Domestic students receive a top-up scholarship (typically ranging from $6,000 to $10,000).
  • International students with outstanding academic records are also eligible for scholarships.
  • Domestic applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), worth $5,000 per semester. The OGS application deadline is usually at the end of January.

Travel & Research Grants

  • Twice a year, students can apply for internal travel or research grants of up to $1,500.
  • Student Financial Services also offers travel grants for students conducting research elsewhere or presenting papers at academic conferences.

Emergency Funding

If you require assistance with your financial situation during your studies, there are additional resources available:

https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/current/funding/financial-aid

For more information about funding packages, awards, and financial aid, please consult the Graduate Studies website or contact the Graduate Program Assistant.