
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- full-time: 12-20 monthsDuration
- Guelph, CanadaLocation
- agri-food systems, agriculture, aquatic, community, conservation, conservation planning, development, environmental consulting, food, government policy, humanities, indigenous, indigenous community planning and development, indigenous studies, internatio…Field of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- GuelphCampus
- Master of PlanningAwards
- $31,156Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Rural Planning and Development offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development (MSc) and Master of Planning (MPlan). Both programs provide the opportunity for graduate study, research and professional development in: Canadian rural planning and development; or International rural planning and development.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeFull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Completion of an undergraduate honours degree or equivalent from a recognised university with a grade average of at least 70% (B-) in the last four semesters (normally the last two years) of full-time study. Two referee assessment forms and transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended are required. Programme minimum admission average: 70% (stated range 70-72%). Programme-specific requirements: The program is open to qualified graduates from all disciplines including geography, international development, sociology, agriculture, environmental studies, landscape architecture, economics and planning. Applicants are required to demonstrate their specific interest in the program and relevant work experience in rural planning and development. A four-year honours degree with a B- average is considered the normal basis for admission. Program Requirements The MSc (Planning) degree is a professionally accredited (Canadian Institute of Planners) program that requires substantial commitment to professional performance and ethics. Graduate students in the MSc (Planning) program find employment in rural planning departments, governments, non-governmental organizations, and private consulting firms in Canada and overseas. Graduates are prepared for both local development and planning as well · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 89; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: Certification is required only where the applicant's first language is not English. Other accepted tests: CAEL 70 overall; MELAB 85; Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) 7. The advanced level of the University of Guelph English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) satisfies the requirement; admission may also be offered on condition of completing the Graduate Preparation Program (GPP, two semesters). · GRE/GMAT: Required by some departments; the Graduate Calendar states that where the GRE or GMAT is required it is listed with the programme's own admission information. · Application fee: CAD 125.00 (non-refundable, payable to OUAC)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$31,156 CAD / year≈ $22,909 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsNo programme-specific funding section is published on this programme page. University-wide, Guelph publishes for graduate students: guaranteed funding packages for students in eligible programs (PhD minimum funding levels are set across all Colleges; master's-level funding varies by program); Graduate Teaching, Research and Service Assistantships (GTA/GRA/GSA); merit-based entrance, in-course and travel scholarships "available to both domestic and international students in course-based and thesis-based programs"; need-based bursaries; Indigenous Graduate Scholarships; and awards for Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized students. For international students Guelph names International Doctoral Tuition Scholarships (up to four years) and International Master's Tuition Scholarships "for both course-based and thesis-based programs", plus external awards (Ontario Graduate Scholarship; tri-agency NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR, with doctoral-level awards now open to international students; Mitacs; Trudeau; Fulbright; Rhodes). Per-award eligibility is in Guelph's Graduate Award Search Tool. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Fall (September) entry: 15 April; Winter (January) entry: 30 September (international applicant deadlines as published by the University; year not shown on the programme page)
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Rural Planning and Development, MPlan cost?
CAD 31,156 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
full-time: 12-20 months, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Completion of an undergraduate honours degree or equivalent from a recognised university with a grade average of at least 70% (B-) in the last four semesters (normally the last two years) of full-time study. Two referee assessment forms and transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended are required. Programme minimum admission average: 70% (stated range 70-72%). Programme-specific requirements: The program is open to qualified graduates from all disciplines including geography, international development, sociology, agriculture, environmental studies, landscape architecture, economics and planning. Applicants are required to demonstrate their specific interest in the program and relevant work experience in rural planning and development. A four-year honours degree with a B- average is considered the normal basis for admission. Program Requirements The MSc (Planning) degree is a professionally accredited (Canadian Institute of Planners) program that requires substantial commitment to professional performance and ethics. Graduate students in the MSc (Planning) program find employment in rural planning departments, governments, non-governmental organizations, and private consulting firms in Canada and overseas. Graduates are prepared for both local development and planning as well · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 89; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: Certification is required only where the applicant's first language is not English. Other accepted tests: CAEL 70 overall; MELAB 85; Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) 7. The advanced level of the University of Guelph English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) satisfies the requirement; admission may also be offered on condition of completing the Graduate Preparation Program (GPP, two semesters). · GRE/GMAT: Required by some departments; the Graduate Calendar states that where the GRE or GMAT is required it is listed with the programme's own admission information. · Application fee: CAD 125.00 (non-refundable, payable to OUAC)
Is there a scholarship?
No programme-specific funding section is published on this programme page. University-wide, Guelph publishes for graduate students: guaranteed funding packages for students in eligible programs (PhD minimum funding levels are set across all Colleges; master's-level funding varies by program); Graduate Teaching, Research and Service Assistantships (GTA/GRA/GSA); merit-based entrance, in-course and travel scholarships "available to both domestic and international students in course-based and thesis-based programs"; need-based bursaries; Indigenous Graduate Scholarships; and awards for Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized students. For international students Guelph names International Doctoral Tuition Scholarships (up to four years) and International Master's Tuition Scholarships "for both course-based and thesis-based programs", plus external awards (Ontario Graduate Scholarship; tri-agency NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR, with doctoral-level awards now open to international students; Mitacs; Trudeau; Fulbright; Rhodes). Per-award eligibility is in Guelph's Graduate Award Search Tool. Source View scholarship page
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