PhD in Environmental Sciences (Thesis/Research)

Interested applicants should identify faculty members with whom you share research interests and then contact them directly to discuss the possibility of working with them.

• Please refer to the SES Research page for a list of faculty members and their research interests. Click on the faculty members' names to learn more about their research and to view their contact information.
• You can also view current open graduate study opportunities in the School of Environmental Science here.

It is recommended that you contact faculty members through email. Within your email, outline your academic and professional backgrounds as relates to your research area of interest, what you are currently doing, and what you hope to end up doing (i.e., why you are interested in pursuing a graduate program). It may be helpful to provide a copy of your CV as an attachment to the email.

Admission to the PhD program is generally restricted to students with a recognized MSc degree in a related field obtained with a minimum academic standing of “A-“ (≥80%) in their postgraduate studies.

• Students who meet the minimum University requirement (73-76%) but not the School requirement (≥80%) may be considered depending on other criteria (e.g., letters of reference, standardized test scores, academic background relevant to the area to which the applicant has applied, degree of work experience in related field of study) for admission with provisional status.
• Students on provisional status must obtain an “A-“ (≥80%) and no individual mark below 80% average in at least two graduate courses during their first two semesters of study to continue in the program. Provisional students will be funded at the same level as regular students.
• In exceptional cases, students may enter the PhD program directly from a BSc (Hons) if they have the minimum requirements as defined by the Office of Studies, University of Guelph.

Applicants to the PhD are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A Statement of Interest (see below for more information)
• Transcripts for all post-secondary education (university level)
• Academic references (two minimum)

View the full admission requirements here.

Domestic Application Deadlines

• September start - Apply by August 15, 2027
• January start - Apply by December 20, 2026
• May start - Apply by April 30, 2027

International Application Deadlines

• September start - Apply by August 15, 2027
• January start - Apply by October 8, 2026
• May start - Apply by March 31, 2027

• Please note that processing graduate applications can take approximately 6-8 weeks. Please plan to apply at least that many weeks before your intended start date. International students will need extra lead time due to processing of student permits.

A Statement of Interest is a crucial part of most graduate school applications. It may also be called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar. The statement is generally in the form of a short essay. Basically, it is your opportunity to tell the graduate program:

• Your specific area of academic interest (research topic you want to work on)
• How your past education and other experiences have prepared you to be successful in the graduate program
• What you hope to achieve in the graduate program
• Why this particular program is the best place for you to pursue your interests

Other tips for a strong Statement of Interest:

• State any work you have done in this area already (mention specific skills/techniques you have learned)
• Mention any publications, presentations, or conferences you have been a part of
• Connect your area of interest to work being done in the program (mention specific faculty members and projects)
• Note for MSc or PhD applicants, there is a greater chance of success is if you've already contacted a faculty member who has shown interest

Remember: You are building a case that you are focused, skilled, enthusiastic, and a great match for the program.

• Students must be proficient in the use of the English language, both written and oral. If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies website for the required English Language Proficiency acceptable tests and required scores.
• More resources for international applicants are available on the U of G Graduate & Postdoctoral website.
• Details on monitoring your application status and offer can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies website.
• There’s lots of helpful information available on the U of G Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies FAQ webpage.