Master of Planning (Course-based)

Applicants for admission to this program must meet the admission requirement of a baccalaureate in an honours program (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study from a recognized university or college with a minimal overall average of 70% (B-) in the last four semesters or 16 to 20 credits (typically the last 2 years) of study.

In addition, applicants must meet one (1) of the following two requirements:

1. obtained 2-3 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience is determined by the admissions committee; or
2. graduated from a professional program, such as but not limited to, in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Engineering.

All applicants are required to demonstrate their specific interest in the program and their work and educational experience relating to rural planning and development.

Applicants will be expected to have completed undergraduate courses that prepare them for participation in the program. Undergraduate upgrading prior to applying may be necessary to ensure sufficient background.

Successful applicants must also meet U of G's English Proficiency requirements for admission. If an applicant’s first language is not English, an English Language Proficiency test will be required.

*You are still eligible to apply if you have an honours degree in an unrelated field of study but have taken courses in related areas and/or gained relevant work experience since completing the degree.

For more information regarding application to the University of Guelph, please refer to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies website at Applying to Guelph.

Once submitted, all applications will be received and reviewed by the MPlan Program Committee and will be evaluated based on:

• Academic performance in a relevant field of study
  • You are required to provide transcripts from any institution where you have earned (or will earn) a degree, studied for one semester or more, or took courses that relate to your graduate study interests. This includes transfer credits and University exchange/semester abroad transcripts. Your application checklist on WebAdvisor will identify which transcripts you are required to upload.
• Minimum B- admission average
  • Here's more information on Calculating Your Admission Average
• Two (2) referee assessments
• A statement of interest in the program and/or career goals
  • Your statement of interest (separate from the one requested within the on-line application form) should outline the following and not exceed two-pages:
    • Motivation: Your motivations for studying in the Rural Planning and Development program. Why do you wish to study Rural Planning and Development?
    • Areas of Interest: Your specific areas of interest (if known).
    • Experience: How have your academic, professional, and voluntary experiences prepared you for success in the Rural Planning and Development program?
    • Career Goals: What are your professional aspirations at the conclusion of this program?
    • Faculty Expertise: Are there specific Rural Planning and Development faculty member(s) that interest you in terms of their expertise and background?
      • Please refer to the list of faculty members and the link to their profile page for information on their expertise and backgrounds.
• Any work experience in appropriate and related fields
  • Please provide a current resume that gives a profile of your educational achievements, professional experiences, and voluntary experiences.

Please be aware that any material collected towards a graduate application, (for example transcripts, reference letters, etc.) must be dated within the past year. Any material dated prior to a year from the application date will not be accepted.

Domestic Application Deadlines

• September start - Apply by July 15, 2027
• January start - Apply by September 30, 2027
• May start - Apply by February 20, 2027

International Application Deadlines

• September start - Apply by April 15, 2027
• January start - Apply by May 14, 2027
• May start - Apply by February 20, 2027

More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.

• We welcome applications from international students however we encourage you to apply eight weeks in advance of the posted deadlines to allow sufficient time to arrange any necessary documentation, such as Transcripts or study permits/visas.
• If your first language is not English, and you do not have a degree from an English speaking University, you must provide an official English Testing score from an acceptable source. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies website for the required English Language Proficiency acceptable tests and required scores.
• Please use this guide to compare your academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed.
• More resources for international applicants are available on the U of G Graduate & Postdoctoral website.