The University of Guelph is like no other university in Canada. Research-intensive and learner-centred, our campuses span urban hubs and rural communities. We are known for excellence in the arts and sciences and for our commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens.
Our students, faculty and staff pursue active inquiry and exercise creativity across a range of disciplines -- physical and life sciences, arts and humanities, social sciences, business, agricultural and veterinary sciences.
Known for its beautiful, safe campuses and welcoming, supportive culture, U of G blends historical and modern architecture with cutting-edge technology.
Our living and learning environments encourage exploration and the interdisciplinary sharing of new ideas, critical for meeting challenges posed by our more complex and interconnected world.
Our faculty scholars and researchers provide students with groundbreaking research opportunities in laboratories, art studios and libraries and in the field.
Student engagement is fundamental to learning and research at U of G. By focusing on the "whole student," we give University of Guelph graduates the tools and skills to make a difference in our ever-changing world.
At Guelph, we turn knowledge into action.
University of Guelph - Are you ready?
Welcome to the University of Guelph. Here, we are committed to one common purpose: to Improve Life. From engaging with the broader community to creating innovations, our students and faculty are always looking to Improve Life.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
- Our campuses reside on the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and lands that the Anishinaabe, Hodinohsoni, Lunaapeewak and Wendat peoples have inhabited for centuries. We understand that these lands are connected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum and continue to be home to diverse communities of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples. Acknowledging the land reminds us of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and lands.
Organization
- The University of Guelph is one of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities. We are known as Canada’s Food University.
Established in 1964, the University enjoys a reputation for innovation and excellence dating back more than 150 years to its founding colleges: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College and Macdonald Institute.
Seven Colleges
- Today’s seven colleges conduct leading-edge teaching and research in the physical and life sciences, business, arts, social sciences, and agricultural and veterinary sciences.
Three Campuses
- Through a collaboration with the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto, the University of Guelph-Humber offers a unique blend of theoretical and applied learning that allows students to earn both a university degree and a college diploma. The University’s Ridgetown Campus in southwestern Ontario is a leader in applied agriculture, animal sciences and environmental sciences.
Traditions
>> Painting the Cannon - An antique British naval gun, “Old Jeremiah,” rests in Branion Plaza near the University Centre. Old Jeremiah is the subject of one of the most creative and colourful traditions on the U of G campus. Students paint the cannon with messages about events, causes, clubs and even marriage proposals. Tradition dictates it can be painted only between sunset and sunrise.
>> College Royal - This annual University open house is held each March. It is the largest student-run open house in Canada.
>> Gryphon Statue - This sculpture designed by a University of Guelph multidisciplinary artist collective called FASTWÜRMS and installed at the campus main entrance has become a go-to “selfie” location for students, visitors and community members.
U of G's Rankings
The University of Guelph is #1 in Canada for overall Student Satisfaction! (Maclean's 2020) Given these crazy times, we're living in, knowing our students rank us first in the country is huge!
We're recognized annually as one of Canada's top comprehensive universities by various ranking organizations and our own U of G students. Check out our other rankings below.
Maclean's Magazine
Maclean assesses universities on several key points, allocating a weight to each. Universities are ranked on performance indicators in five broad areas:
- Students: student awards, student/faculty ratio, and student satisfaction;
- Faculty: faculty awards, social science/humanities grants, medical/science grants, and citations;
- Resources: total research dollars, operating budget, library expenses, and library acquisitions;
- Student Support: scholarships & bursaries and student services;
- Reputation: quality and innovation.
In 2020, U of G ranked #1 for Student Satisfaction among Canada's comprehensive universities! To read through the full rankings, check out the 2020 Maclean's University Rankings report.
Best Global Universities
The U.S. News bases its rankings on a schools' academic research and reputation and allows students to compare universities around the world. U of G ranks:
- Top 18 in Canada and Top 425 in the World
- #1 in Canada and #12 in the World for Agricultural Science
- #2 in Canada and #44 in the World for Plant & Animal Science
- #5 in Canada and #99 in the World for the field of Environment/Ecology
These rankings are based on our research performance and ratings by members of the academic community around the world and within North America.
We are Canada's Food University! The Federal Government funded the University of Guelph $76.6 million to start a "digital revolution" in food and agriculture, which will position U of G as a leader in sustainable food production. Being ranked #1 in Canada for Agricultural Science is a testament to our commitment to using science, ingenuity, and passion for plants, animals, and the land.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
ARWU uses six objective indicators to rank world universities, including:
- the number of alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals;
- number of highly cited researchers selected by Thomson Reuters;
- number of articles published in journals of Nature and Science;
- number of articles indexed in Science Citation Index - Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index;
- and per capita performance of a university.
More than 1200 universities are actually ranked by ARWU every year and the best 500 are published.
In 2020, U of G ranks in the Top 400 in the World and Top 15 in Canada.
