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International Development Studies (IDS)

Admission Requirements

Create Local and Global Sustainable Change

 Broaden Your Career Horizons

Explore your future career through experiential learning opportunities such as field schools in locations like Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Yukon, or Ecuador; study abroad programs; course-based experiential learning; internships or co-op.

 Tackle the Issues of Our Time

Tackle the big issues like poverty, food insecurity, the humanitarian crisis and global climate change through your studies and develop the skills needed to drive equitable, inclusive and sustainable change.

 Choose Your Area of Emphasis

Customize your degree by choosing one of five areas of emphasis: Agriculture and Food Security, Development in the Canadian Context, Development in Fragile Contexts, Environmental and Sustainable Development, and Gender and Inclusive Development.

Redefine the Future with International Development Studies

What Can You Do with a Degree in International Studies?

International Development graduates are primed to tackle global and social issues, equipped with a solid foundation of practical and theoretical experience and abilities, as one of the first international development programs in Canada.

Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Economic Development Officer
  • Teacher
  • International Strategy Analyst
  • Lawyer
  • International Aid Worker
  • Policy Analyst
  • Immigration Officer
  • Global Affairs Executive
  • International Marketing Executive
  • Community Development

Why International Development Studies?

Do you want to tackle the big issues impacting our world sustainably through equitable and inclusive social change?

Through the International Development program at the U of G, you will explore the nature and impacts of economic and social development in Canada and around the world through interdisciplinary teaching and real-world development experience.

Students in the International Development Studies IDS program may also be interested in studying Anthropology, European Studies, Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Environmental Governance, Political Science, or other majors.

IDS Course Calendar

Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op

The co-op program gives you the opportunity to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace — all while getting paid and earning your university degree.

The International Development Studies co-op program includes four co-op work terms in addition to eight academic semesters, for a total of four and a half years of study at the University of Guelph.

IDS Co-op Calendar

Scholarships

In 2021, more than $42.7 million in scholarships was awarded to U of G students. Learn more about applications, requirements and available Scholarships.

Explore Available Scholarships

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Are you ready to Improve Life?