COVID-19 Information for International Applicants

The University of Guelph’s International Recruitment and Admissions team is working alongside all departments at the University to make accommodations, where possible, for all internationally-based applicants affected by the COVID-19 virus (please see below for current list of affected countries).

Below is a brief outline of international admission practices for “affected students”*.

Please note, these practices are constantly being reviewed and may change as we learn more.

* "Affected students” are any students currently studying in a country where schools/colleges/universities/testing sites have been closed due to the COVID-19 virus. Currently, these countries/regions include: Mainland China, SAR China, Hong Kong and Macau, Mongolia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Northern Italy, South Korea, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Sindh Province in Pakistan, however this list will be amended as required.

Fall 2020 Semester 1 applicants** who have outstanding English Proficiency documents:

• We are evaluating applications WITHOUT English Proficiency for students where current in-country testing sites/schools are closed. If a student is admitted and accepts their offer by June 1, 2020, the English Proficiency deadline will be extended until August 14th, 2020.

Fall 2020 Semester 1 applicants who have outstanding final year preliminary documents:

• We are evaluating applications upon request on a case-by-case basis, based on documents received and will offer Conditional Offers whenever possible to qualified “affected students”. If a conditional offer is granted, the students will have until August 14th, 2020 to submit their final official documents (extensions and deferrals may be granted on a case by case basis).

For any questions regarding exceptions needed to support your application to the University of Guelph, internationally based students should contact:

• Applicants and Schools: Astrid Morphet – Assistant Manager, International Admissions at amorphet@uoguelph.ca
• Agents : Amy Van Rensburg – Assistant Manager, International Recruitment at avanrens@uoguelph.ca

The University of Guelph’s International Recruitment and Admissions team is monitoring the COVID-19 situation and its global effect on internationally based applicants and will assist where possible.

For more details regarding the University of Guelph’s current response to the virus please visit the COVID-19 Information webpage.

** Please note: Transfer/Non Semester 1 students experiencing delays are to reach out to applicant@uoguelph.ca with any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My school has closed, and I can’t send my transcript(s) to U of G?

A: Please inform us in writing of your situation and list which courses you were finishing in your final year and ensure that we receive all of the relevant documents officially or unofficially that you have access to. Admission consideration may be made on earlier years coupled with a list of specific final year required courses and conditions. If you are eligible for admission, official documents will be required by August 14th, 2020 or a deadline specified in your offer of admission. 

Q: My English exam center is closed currently – what are my options?

A: We will review applications without the proof of English proficiency and grant offers with both English proficiency and academic conditions. Those students receiving an offer of admission will have until August 14th, 2020 to submit official proof of English proficiency unless further deferrals are requested and approved. 

Q: I am a high school student in a school outside of Canada expecting to start in Fall 2020. What happens if i can't provide final grades or my exams are cancelled?

A: The global impat on school systems, examining boards and international curricula around the world means that your U of G International Admissions team will adapt our evaluating and assessment methods in line with what is possible in your area of the world or for your curriculum type. We will accept adjusted assessment methods as determined by the school system, examining boards or internatinoal curriculum provider in order to meet our conditions. 

In the event that your schooling type is unable to send us final transcripts or exam results by the document deadline, we will consider the documents submitted to date as final and as meeting offer conditions. Please contact Astrid Morphet, Assistant Manager, International Admission at amorphet@uoguelph.ca to book a WebEx appointment or to communicate any challenges or concerns you may have regarding offer conditions. 

Q: Are there any other English Proficiency tests available at this time?

A: Please visit our complete list of acceptable English Proficiency Tests 

New Options for Fall 2020 Applicants- Duolingo English Test & TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition

Q: There is a travel advisory for my country – what should I do?

A: Please keep us informed by emailing Astrid Morphet, Assistant Manager, International Admissions at amorphet@uoguelph.ca, including the details of your particular situation, your full name and U of G Student ID.  

Q: Can I defer my offer if I cannot travel to Guelph in September?

A: Students are able to defer their offers for 1 year. You will be required to accept your offer of admission prior to the response deadline of June 1st, 2020, deferral fees will be waived for “affected students”. 

Q: Who can I speak to if I have concerns about how the virus is going to affect my application?

A: Please contact Astrid Morphet, Assistant Manager International Admissions at amorphet@uoguelph.ca, provide her with details of your concerns, and include your full name and U of G Student ID in your email. 

Q: I have general questions about the University of Guelph, who do I need to contact?

A: Our International Recruitment and Admissions staff and students can be reached online through UniBuddy!

Staff are available during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm EST) to answer any general questions you might have during this difficult time. Please visit the website, scroll down and click on the “staff tab” to reach us.

Current students are also available and require up to 24 hours to respond to any of your questions about their personal student experience (admissions, programs and majors, residence, employment opportunities, living in Canada, etc). Please visit the website, scroll down and click on the “student tab” to reach them.

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to your travel plans or Canadian immigration processes and requirements, please reach out to your International Student Advisors before moving forward with your arrangements. They can be reached at intl.student@uoguelph.ca.