Arrell Scholarships | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Arrell Scholarships

As a complement to their Master's level graduate research, successful applicants will provide leadership within multi-disciplinary teams of graduate students, who will work with community, government and industry partners, and University of Guelph experts linked to the Arrell Food Institute to address global food issues.

For insights into some of Guelph's agriculture and food scholars, please refer to the Experts Guide at the University of Guelph and Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. 

Value & Duration

            Master's Students - $50,000 per year for up to 2 years (6 semesters)   

The scholarship will be applied to the recipient’s student account in three equal installments per year for the duration of the award. In exceptional circumstances, a one semester extension may be awarded, subject to approval by the Arrell Food Institute. 

Scholarship offers are conditional on an applicant also being offered admission to and registering in an eligible graduate program at the University of Guelph. Being selected for a scholarship does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

Eligibility

Students must be entering a Master's program in the Fall semester following the application deadline under the supervision or co-supervision of one of the Arrell Food Institute Chairs with a minimum first-class (A-) admissions average, whose research aligns with the vision of the Arrell Food Institute, which is to produce more healthy and nutritious food with less negative environmental and social impacts. In cases of extenuating circumstances, students may be able to defer the start of the award, subject to approval by their graduate program and the Arrell Food Institute.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their desired graduate program. Please refer to the OGPS admissions website for information on how to calculate your admission average. International applicants can utilize the International Credentials Guidelines to assess their academic background in relation to graduate program admission requirements.

Selection Criteria

The scholarships will be awarded following a selection process through which all application files will be screened and then reviewed by a scholarship selection committee based upon:

  • Outstanding academic achievement;
  • Relevance of proposed research and personal motivation to the vision of the Arrell Food Institute;
  • Evidence of involvement and experience with community e.g. volunteer, knowledge sharing, or otherwise

What is in an Arrell Scholarship application?

To be considered for an Arrell Scholarship, applicants must submit an application to a graduate program at the University of Guelph and an Arrell Scholarship Application.

Part 1: Submit a complete application for admission to a graduate program (including all required supporting documents) for Fall 2025 by the deadline:

  • Applicants to the Arrell Scholarships must submit an application for admission to a graduate program at the University of Guelph with a plan of research that is compatible with the Arrell Food Institute's vision (e.g. food security, plant science, consumer behaviour, diet and nutrition, etc.). 
    • For a listing of the many graduate programs offered and graduate application information, please refer to the website for Prospective Students.
    • Applicants are responsible for verifying they meet graduate program admission requirements before applying. 
      • International applicants can utilize the International Credentials Guidelines to assess their academic background in relation to graduate program admission requirements.
      • Questions about graduate program applications and requirements may be directed to the Graduate Program Assistant of the applicant's desired program.
      • Graduate application requirements can vary between programs. Applicants are advised to contact their desired department in advance to confirm if they meet the base eligibility requirements for their desired program.
  • The graduate program application must be fully completed by the deadline listed above to be eligible for consideration, including all required supporting documents. 
  • It is the applicant's sole responsibility to ensure that their graduate application is complete. 

Part 2: Submit a complete Arrell Scholarship Application by the deadline. A complete Arrell Scholarship application consists of the following items:

  • a statement of research interests and personal motivations (maximum 2 pages, with additional 1 page for citations);
  • a current CV;
  • Unofficial transcripts;

  • 2-3 references (names and institution/professional email addresses

  • Name of their proposed AFI Chair supervisor/co-supervisor

Application Deadlines & How to Apply

Apply with a complete program application and Arrell Scholarship Application by: April 15, 2025

Conditions of Funding

  • Awards recipients will be supervised or co-supervised by one of the Arrell CHairs and will be pursuing a degree in the relevant (Chair's) department.
  • Scholarship offers are conditional on an applicant also being offered admission to and registering full-time in an eligible Master's program at the University of Guelph.
  • Being selected for a scholarship does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
  • Award recipients will be expected to register for UNIV*6050 in their first year or commit to an equivalent experiential learning opportunity as approved by their supervisor and the AFI Director.
  • Recipients must maintain full-time registration and satisfactory progress in their graduate program.
  • This award cannot be held with the Ontario Graduate Scholarships/QEII- Graduate Scholarships in Science & Technology, the Brock Doctoral Scholarship, Dairy Farmers of Ontario Doctoral Research Assistantship, or Tri-Agency Scholarships, including the Vanier.

If you have questions about the scholarship application process, please email the Graduate Awards Officers, in the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If you have questions pertaining to the vision of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, please email the Arrell Food Institute directly.