University of Guelph

The University of Guelph offers programming in the physical and biological sciences, social sciences, arts and business. With roots in three founding colleges—including an agricultural college and a veterinary college—Guelph has expertise in food, the environment and communities. Through its Arrell Food Institute and the Food from Thought research program, Guelph works to find sustainable ways to feed the world’s growing population. Guelph is also the founding home of a global project aiming to catalogue all life on the planet using DNA barcoding, with a goal to ensure food security and protect endangered species. “Our students come to one of our three campuses to experience excellence in learning,” says interim president Rene Van Acker. “The student experience is a critical priority for us so that, when our graduates leave, they feel prepared to enter their careers and become thinkers, innovators and leaders in the world.” The school’s co-op program places over 5,000 students in 65 majors at work placements during their studies. Arts students also benefit from innovative programming, and English and theatre studies faculty include award-winning poets, authors and playwrights. Renovations to the MacKinnon Building include the Arts Research Centre, a multi-use performance and research facility that houses the ImprovLab, a theatre and a recital hall. The campus is centred on Johnston Green, which is ringed by mature oaks and beautiful century-old buildings. The welcoming green space of the Guelph Arboretum is a boon for the whole community.

Campus Buzz: Run by over 250 undergraduate and graduate students, Guelph’s peer helper program provides academic, wellness and social support for undergraduate students in all departments.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$7,863 ($9,176 out-of-province students)

Median Entering Grades
Arts: 91.5% | Science: 92% | Commerce: 91% | Engineering: 93%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time:  27,972 | Part-time: 3,046
Graduates: Full-time: 2,827 | Part-time: 266
International Students: First-year: 3.2% | Graduate: 26.4%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 5,088 (for 2025, 88% of first-years who applied got a spot)
Cost of double room with meals: $14,080
Cost of single room with meals: $15,392
Cost of apartment-style: $9,296 to $11,196

Standout programs

Human Health and Nutritional Sciences: Students actively explore the biological, physiological and nutritional foundations of human health, and learn how to lead person-centred and community engaged approaches to longer, healthier, lives. 
Justice and Legal Studies: In this interdisciplinary program, students examine law, justice and judicial processes in Canada and globally. 
Sports and Event Management: Offered both in-person and online, this program brings together key aspects of sport and event management including sponsorship, media, event hosting and organizational leadership. 

Reputation

Ranked #6 (Comprehensive) among faculty members and hiring managers in the 2025 reputation survey, powered by Angus Reid Group.