Funding Graduate Studies | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Funding Graduate Studies

Graduate studies are a major investment in your future, and the University of Guelph offers a variety of funding options to support graduate students. In 2024–25, graduate students at Guelph secured nearly $62.6 million in combined funding, demonstrating the University’s strong commitment to graduate student support. Funding opportunities include scholarships, assistantships, bursaries, and both internal and external awards that may be available throughout a student’s program. 
 
Typically, students in eligible programs receive a guaranteed funding package for the duration of their studies. At the PhD level, minimum funding levels are established across all Colleges (Schools/Faculties), and in many cases students can receive funding that exceeds these minimums. Funding at the master’s level varies by program, with many offering competitive support through scholarships, awards and assistantships. Prospective students are encouraged to review program-specific funding details on the program page and connect with the Graduate Program Assistant for their program of interest.
 
Most graduate students fund their studies through a combination of the following sources:

University-Based Funding

  • Students may receive funding through academic roles such as Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs), and Graduate Service Assistantships (GSAs). These roles provide valuable professional experience while supporting teaching, research, and service activities across the University.
     
  • Scholarships: The University of Guelph offers the wide range of merit-based scholarships, including entrance, in-course and travel awards, available to both domestic and international students in course-based and thesis-based programs. Students are encouraged to use the Graduate Award Search Tool to review scholarship and award eligibility and application requirements. 
     
  • Bursaries: Need-based bursaries are available to students demonstrating financial need and are intended to help offset education-related costs. Students are encouraged to use the Graduate Award Search Tool to review available Bursaries.
     
  • Indigenous Graduate Scholarships: The University of Guelph also offers Indigenous Graduate Scholarships to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis graduate students across all disciplines. These awards recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement, and include merit-based, leadership, community-focused, and top-up funding opportunities for eligible master’s and doctoral students. Further financial resources for Indigenous students can be found on the financial resources for Indigenous students and our website. 
     
  • Awards for Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized Students: If you identify as Black, a Person of Colour, or a racialized student, you may be eligible for these awards and bursaries. Please visit the Awards for Black, Persons of Colour, or Racialized Students page for details. 

 External Scholarships and Awards

Most external award applications are due in the fall and early winter semesters each year and are awarded for the following academic year, so early preparation is strongly encouraged. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies provides guidance and internal nomination processes to help students submit strong applications. 

Funding for International Students

In addition to the above, eligible international students at the University of Guelph can benefit from tuition scholarships particularly designed to reduce the cost of study. These include:

International students may also be eligible for funding through Global Affairs Canada. Further details can be found on U of G’s Study Abroad website.  

In addition, international students may also consider scholarships offered by home-country governments and international foundations. Exploring multiple funding sources can significantly strengthen overall financial support during graduate studies. Please note external 3rd party funding is required to be declared.

Student Loans and Government Aid 

Canadian students may also access federal and provincial student grants and loans through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program. This program provides additional financial flexibility. Questions regarding student loans administration at U of G can be directed to the Student Financial Services. 
 
U.S. students may also be eligible to use U.S. Government Student Loans to support their studies at the University of Guelph, subject to program eligibility and U.S. Department of Education requirements. Students are encouraged to explore loan options early and consult their home country’s student aid office for application details.
 
For an overview of tuition and cost of living, visit this webpage.