University of Guelph
Canada's top veterinary and agricultural university - strong sciences in a tight, community-driven campus.
The University of Guelph is renowned nationally for its Ontario Veterinary College, one of Canada's five veterinary schools and among the most respected in North America. Beyond vet and agriculture, Guelph has strong biological sciences, food science, and engineering programs. The campus has an unusually welcoming, community-oriented culture and the city of Guelph itself is consistently ranked one of Canada's most livable.
What average do you need to get into Guelph?
There is no single Guelph acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Veterinary Medicine (DVM) require high 90s + supplemental, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around high 80s. A competitive overall average for most Guelph programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Guelph, ON
- Founded: 1964
- Students: 30,000
- Maclean's ranking: #6
- QS World ranking: #504
- Approximate domestic tuition: $8500/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agriculture & Food Science
- Biological Sciences
- Engineering
- Business (Gordon S. Lang)
- Environmental Science
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for Guelph programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — admission average: high 90s + supplemental (One of only 5 Canadian vet schools - extremely competitive, requires extensive animal experience.)
- Biomedical Sciences — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Strong pre-vet and pre-med pathway, excellent research infrastructure.)
- Food Science — admission average: high 80s (One of Canada's best and most unique food science programs.)
- Agricultural Sciences — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Among Canada's leading agriculture programs - strong industry ties.)
- Biological Sciences — admission average: high 80s (Broad and rigorous, strong research and grad school pipeline.)
- Environmental Sciences — admission average: high 80s (Excellent sustainability and ecology focus, strong industry connections.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Growing program, good co-op placement record.)
- Engineering Systems & Computing — admission average: high 80s (Unique interdisciplinary engineering program.)
- Business (BCom) — admission average: high 80s (Respected Ontario business school with strong co-op options.)
- Psychology — admission average: high 80s (Large and respected program, strong research focus.)
- Kinesiology — admission average: high 80s (Strong sports science and health pathway.)
- Nutrition & Food — admission average: high 80s (Strong dietetics and food safety pathway.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid-to-high 70s (Ontario teacher certification, strong practicum component.)
Things to Know
- The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is Canada's most accessible vet school for Ontario students - still extremely competitive.
- Guelph's campus culture is genuinely warm - community and belonging are real strengths here.
- Food science, agricultural science, and environmental science are Guelph's most unique and respected programs.
- The city of Guelph is one of Canada's most livable mid-sized cities - a real quality-of-life advantage.
Notable Alumni
- Stuart McLean
- John Kenneth Galbraith (honorary)
- David Suzuki (honorary)