Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Guelph, CanadaLocation
- agriculture, aquatic, community, community development, community-based nature tourism, conservation, government policy & laws, humanities, innovation, law, project management, rural, social enterprises, society, sustainable, sustainable landscapes, tour…Field of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- GuelphCampus
- Doctor of PhilosophyAwards
- $19,681Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Rural Studies core faculty are from within the School of Environmental Design & Rural Development (Capacity Development and Extension, Landscape Architecture, Rural Planning and Development). The program focuses on two fields: Sustainable Rural Communities - Sustainable rural communities are characterized by long-term well-being based on the integration of economic, social and environmental factors in their planning and activities.
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Four sectors of sustainable rural communities have been designated: environment and sustainability, social structure and processes, human resource development, and sustainable rural economic development. Sustainable Landscape Systems - The sustainable landscape systems field examines structure, process, and change in the rural landscape through research on bio-physical and socio-cultural sectors. A number of different disciplines are represented and an int
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
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeFull-time; part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Completion of a graduate/master's degree from a recognised university with a grade average of at least 73% (B) in the master's programme. Two referee assessment forms and transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended are required. Some programmes offer direct admission to the PhD from an honours bachelor's degree. Programme minimum admission average: 73% (stated range 73-76%). Programme-specific requirements: To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a master's degree (or the equivalent) from a recognized university in a relevant discipline. Master's graduates in a range of humanities, social-science and applied-science disciplines are eligible for consideration for admission. As examples, master's graduates in geography, sociology, planning, landscape architecture, environmental science, capacity development and extension, and international development may be particularly suitable. Applicants who have not completed courses relevant to rural studies or gained experience in rural communities may be required to do so prior to admission or as part of initial phases of the PhD program. The program's admission policy is governed by the availability of graduate advisors and other resources and by the need to admit applicants from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. The interactio · 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$19,681 CAD / year≈ $14,471 / 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 (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 Studies, PhD cost?
CAD 19,681 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Completion of a graduate/master's degree from a recognised university with a grade average of at least 73% (B) in the master's programme. Two referee assessment forms and transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended are required. Some programmes offer direct admission to the PhD from an honours bachelor's degree. Programme minimum admission average: 73% (stated range 73-76%). Programme-specific requirements: To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a master's degree (or the equivalent) from a recognized university in a relevant discipline. Master's graduates in a range of humanities, social-science and applied-science disciplines are eligible for consideration for admission. As examples, master's graduates in geography, sociology, planning, landscape architecture, environmental science, capacity development and extension, and international development may be particularly suitable. Applicants who have not completed courses relevant to rural studies or gained experience in rural communities may be required to do so prior to admission or as part of initial phases of the PhD program. The program's admission policy is governed by the availability of graduate advisors and other resources and by the need to admit applicants from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. The interactio · 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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