II. General Regulations
Admission
Admission Requirements
In the Graduate Calendar, the typical Canadian university curriculum and university system are understood to be the academic standard of reference.
The minimum requirement for admission to a master's program is a baccalaureate, in an honours program or the equivalent, from a recognized university or college. The applicant must have achieved an average standing of at least second-class honours ('B-' standing) in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years (full-time equivalent). Applicants who hold the DVM degree (or equivalent) and who are applying to the master's program must have achieved an overall average standing of at least second-class honours ('B-' standing) in their program. Standings higher than the minimum 'B-' average are required in some departments for admission to the master's program. Applicants for admission to graduate work whose baccalaureate is not from an honours program or the equivalent and who wish to obtain an honours equivalent degree should direct any enquiries to Admissions Services, Office of Registrarial Services.
Applicants who wish to upgrade their academic qualifications for admission should consult the Office of Graduate Studies for advice on appropriate upgrading procedures https://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/future/upgrading prior to applying to a graduate program
Applicants who believe that their experiential learning may compensate for academic standing which does not meet the university minimum requirements are directed to contact the program(s) of interest regarding availability of alternative admissions criteria.
Admission to doctoral programs normally requires a satisfactory baccalaureate and at least high second-class honours ('B' standing) in a recognized master's degree. Applicants who hold the DVM degree (or equivalent) and who are applying to the DVSc program must have achieved an overall average standing of at least high second-class honours ('B' standing) in their program. Standings higher than the minimum 'B' average are required in some departments for admission to doctoral programs. Some programs may offer direct admission to a doctoral program from an honours baccalaureate. A minimum A- average in the last two years of full-time study and a demonstration of research promise, are required.
Admission, whether as a regular, a provisional, or a special student is, in all cases, based upon the recommendation of the department concerned and is subject to the approval of the Assistant VP of Graduate Studies on behalf of the Board of Graduate Studies. Admission to advanced courses of instruction or to the privileges of research does not imply admission to candidacy for a higher degree.