PhD in Rural Studies (Thesis/Research)

As part of the application requirements, you are required to secure a faculty advisor to supervise your program. Applying without first having communicated with a potential advisor is not recommended.

Our SEDRD faculty profiles describe research programs in more detail. Contact the faculty member you are interested in working with to discuss potential research opportunities. We recommend connecting via email. To determine advisor availability applicants can also contact the Rural Studies Program Coordinator.

• Applicants must have a master’s degree (or the equivalent) from a recognized university in the humanities, social-science, or applied-science disciplines.
  • Master's graduates in a range of humanities, social-science and applied-science disciplines are eligible for consideration for admission. As examples, master's graduates in geography, sociology, planning, environmental science, rural extension studies and international development may be particularly suitable. Applicants who have not completed courses relevant to rural studies or gained experience in rural communities may be required to do so prior to admission or as part of initial phases of the PhD program.
• Admission to the doctoral program requires a satisfactory baccalaureate and at least high second-class honours (‘B’ standing) in a recognized master’s program.
• Secured a faculty advisor

• A completed PhD Rural Studies Admission Questionnaire form
• Statement of Interest
  • Your statement of research interest (separate from the one requested within the on-line application form) should outline: your career goals; the particular area of research you wish to pursue at the University of Guelph (what is it you want to research?); and its relationship to SEDRD faculty expertise.
  • Good academic standing alone will not guarantee entry to the Program. One of our faculty members must be interested in, and willing to supervise your research. It is therefore important that you state your research interests and goals clearly and succinctly.
• Resume
  • Please provide a current resume that gives a profile of your background and experience.
  • Work experience in a related setting is also considered especially useful in applying theory to practice and to identify research needs and topics.
• 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.
• Your application is not considered complete until all of these documents have been received.

• July 1st for Fall semester entry (for domestic students)
• April 15th for Fall semester entry (for international students)
• If you wish to apply after this deadline, please contact the Graduate Coordinator or the Graduate Program Assistant.

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

• Securing a Study Permit:

  • To study in Canada, all students must apply for a Study Permit at the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. A student authorization is commonly called a student visa. For you to be considered for a student visa, the Canadian immigration officer will need to see your letter of acceptance from the University of Guelph, proof of citizenship and proof of funds for one academic year.
  • The University of Guelph and Immigration Canada expect international students to have enough funds for the duration of their study in Canada, and especially during their first year. The issuance of a student visa is strongly based on your ability to finance your education. The student visa is usually issued for the duration of your academic program.
  • Please note that you will not be allowed to register at the University of Guelph if you do not have a valid Study Permit.
• 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.