A bird's eye view of Hong Kong

Redefine the Future with International Development Studies

Our World is Changing

There is a multitude of challenges that we face as a global community. At the Guelph Institute of Development Studies (GIDS), one of the first of its kind in Canada, you'll build the tools and skills you need to face challenges like poverty, food insecurity, the humanitarian crisis and global climate change head on and contribute to a positive, sustainable future. You'll explore the nature and impacts of economic and social development in Canada and around the world through interdisciplinary teaching and real-world development experience.

Through experiences such as co-op, studying abroad, course-based experiential learning, field schools, internships, or volunteering, you'll be able to develop the skills and abilities you need to pursue your chosen career. Graduates of International Development Studies are well-equipped for a variety of careers such as Economic Development Officer, International Strategy Analyst, Lawyer, International Aid Worker, Policy Analyst, Immigration Officer, Global Affairs Executive, International Marketing Executive, or Community Development Worker.

One of the first
International Development programs in Canada
100+ study abroad
opportunities in 34 countries
5 areas of emphasis
to choose from to customize your degree

Join a Generation of Changemakers

Four happy students pose for the camera during a field trip

Turn your Passion into Skills

Fueled by your passion, you'll choose one of five areas of emphasis that will help you develop the skills you need to impact the big issues facing our world that you care about the most.

A student enjoys a serene nature walk during a field trip

Turn your Skills into Action

Test out theory in the real world through hands-on experiences built into the program, including exchange, field schools, co-op, internships, volunteering, and course-based experiential learning.

A student takes in the sights during a foggy, tropical road trip

Turn your Action into Change

After graduation, you'll launch an impactful career locally or abroad and join the community of GIDS alumni working around the world, using your expertise to enact sustainable and equitable change.

Choose an Area of Emphasis

International Development Studies majors specialize in one of five areas of emphasis:

  • Agriculture and Food Security
  • Development in the Canadian Context
  • Development in Fragile Contexts
  • Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Gender and Inclusive Development
A mountain valley

Build the skills you need to make an impact

"We know the challenges facing our world can seem daunting, but in International Development Studies, we dive headfirst into exploring the difficult questions needed to really understand these issues. Our interconnected world needs passionate changemakers who can understand these challenges from multiple perspectives on a global scale, and that's exactly what we train our students to do."

– Andrea Paras, Interim Director of the Guelph Institute of Development Studies