Applying to Guelph

• Explore Program of Interest
  • Research our list of graduate programs and select a program of interest to you.
• • Review the program-specific admission requirements by selecting a program then opening the Program Brochure to learn more.
  • If you are interested in working with a specific advisor, contact the advisor to discuss potential research opportunities. Faculty members are often listed on the Department’s website.
  • Program-specific questions can be directed to the program's Graduate Program Assistant, whose contact information is available on the Program’s page.
• Admission Requirements & Deadlines
  • Visit the University of Guelph's general admission requirements page. Additional requirements vary by program.
  • Plan the submission of your application in accordance with the relevant application deadlines listed on each program's page.
  • International applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their program's deadline to allow sufficient time for document submission, departmental reviews and study permit processing. Visit IRCC website for country-specific study permit processing times.

Please Note: The University of Guelph has contracted with the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) to provide application processing services. When you begin the application process, you will be transferred to the OUAC website where you can complete and submit your application. You will be required to create an OUAC Account (if you do not already have one). You may have only one OUAC Account. Direct any technical application questions to the OUAC at gradapps@ouac.on.ca.

• Preparing Application Information
  • Referee Assessments
    • Applicatnts are required to list a minimum of two (2) academic references on their application. Some departments require three (3) referees.  Ensure you read the department's application requirements closely.
    • We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting your application to confirm their availability and contact information.
    • All information that is submitted by the referee in the assessment is confidential and will not be released to the applicant
  • Academic Transcripts
    • All post-secondary education (university level) must be declared including incomplete and transfer credit studies.
• Complete Online Application
  • Students applying to a graduate program at the University of Guelph are required to apply online.  We do not accept hard copy applications. Be sure to check the Planned Scheduled Maintenance dates, as this may impact your ability to apply.
  • The application fee for most graduate programs is $125. MBA, MA Leadership, MCLC, MPACC, MRE have an application fee of $150. Please note: This fee is non refundable and is payable to OUAC.  Our office only receives applications from OUAC once payment has been processed. 
  • You may request official transcripts from other Ontario University to be sent directly to our office through OUAC. You cannot upload documents to the OUAC application.
  • You may apply to multiple programs using the same OUAC application (normal application fees apply). Please see instructions once you enter the application.
  • If you wish to apply to another program after submission of a previous application, you will be unable to edit personal information, academic background or references.  You will only be able to select a new program and start term.  If you need to change your referees or personal information, please refer to our FAQ page.
• Gather additional application documents to upload using the next step instructions.

For the best experience with the OUAC applications and website, we recommend visiting their Supported Browsers and Devices page.

• Within 3-5 business days of submitting a completed application with the appropriate fee;
  • New students can expect to receive an email with their login information and instructions on how to upload documents on our student information system called WebAdvisor
  • Previously applied students may not get an email and can begin to upload documents through WebAdvisor within the 3-5 days. If a password reset is needed, we recommend contacting the CCS Help Desk
  • If it has been 5 business days and you have not received your login information, please check your Junk and Spam folders or contact us at gradapps@uoguelph.ca. Please note: The WebAdvisor account information nor the referee request can not be expedited.
• Upload Documents to WebAdvisor;
  • Upload all required documents as a PDF. Review the Uploading Documents Website for more information.
  • Some departments will require hard copy documents like portfolios etc to be sent directly to the Graduate Program Assistant.
  • Academic Transcript
    • If you have requested an official transcript through the OUAC application portal, please do not upload an electronic version on WebAdvisor (this will block the official version from coming in).
    • Unofficial or official documents may be be provided during the application process after submitting an application (See 'Apply Online').
  • References
    • The referees identified on your application will be sent a request to complete a Referee Assessment email on your behalf. They will receive this request around the same time you receive your WebAdvisor information. Once they submit the reference the WebAdvisor status on your checklist will change to 'received'.  If they do not receive the request to their inbox, kindly request they check their junk/spam folder prior to submitting a resend request. 
    • All communication post-application will be done through your newly created UofG email account.

Note: WebAdvisor is unavailable between 2:00 am to 4:00 am EST each day.

• Monitor your admission status on WebAdvisor.
• If you would like an application status update and your status on WebAdvisor is "All Documents Received", please reach out to the program for information.
• Once a decision is made, you will receive email notification to your UofG email account.
• Offers of Admission can be reviewed in WebAdvisor (Applicants > Documents > View Offer).
  • After reviewing your offer of admission and guaranteed funding form, please print or save a copy. Offer of Admission letters will not be available in Webadvisor within 5 minutes of you making a decision
  • Our office only issues one Offer of Admission letter.  If you are required to apply for a study permit/visa, please use this letter in your application.