Non-degree Studies
If you already have a degree and would like to take additional undergraduate or graduate courses, or strengthen your degree to apply to graduate school, you should apply as a Non-Degree student.
You must already hold a degree which is recognized as equivalent to a Canadian university's undergraduate or graduate degree. You will be asked to submit official transcripts of your previous academic work. This category is not normally open to applicants who do not meet University of Guelph continuation of study or transfer requirements.
If you have not previously registered at the University of Guelph, you should apply at the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) using an OUAC 105 Online Application Form, with code GND, indicating the degree from which you previously graduated in the 'Subject of Major Interest' area of the application. If you have ever registered at the University of Guelph, you should apply as a Non-Degree Internal Transfer Student.
Upgrading from General to Honours Degree (Honour's Equivalency)
If you already hold an undergraduate general degree (3 year) and wish to upgrade to the equivalent of an honours degree (4 year), you may apply to obtain an Honours Equivalent.
To be granted an Honours Equivalent, students must satisfy the University of Guelph Academic Residence Requirements. In addition, students must satisfy the conditions for graduation for the specified honours program. This can be done using the Undergraduate Calendar that is in effect at the time of admission for the continuing category. Please read the Regulations and Procedures in the section "Baccalaureate Programs" for more details.
The students who are granted the Honours Equivalent designation do not receive a second degree parchment and do not participate in a convocation program. Rather, they will have the designation shown on their official transcript. Graduation standing is not assigned for the Honours Equivalent designation.
Current University of Guelph degree holders may also augment an honours degree by completing an additional specialization, i.e. an additional major or minor. In this case, you would be considered a returning student and must be readmitted to the program. All previous University of Guelph credits may be utilized toward the equivalent degree from the honours program. External degree holders are not eligible to add additional specializations through Honours Equivalency.
If you have not previously registered at the University of Guelph, you should apply to the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) using an OUAC 105 Online Application Form, indicating your preferred Program and Degree. If you have ever registered at the University of Guelph, you should apply as an Internal Transfer Student.
Completing a Second Degree
If you have completed an undergraduate degree, and wish to complete a second different degree, you may apply for admission to the second degree program of interest.
The course content of the second degree program must be substantially different from that of the first (see note below). Only 10.00 credits may be transferred from the initial degree program. If University of Guelph students complete two degree programs concurrently and apply to graduate with two different degrees at the same convocation, only 10.00 credits may be transferred from the registered program to the undeclared program.
A second degree is judged to be substantially different if:
- the specializations are in different subject areas as listed in the Undergraduate Calendar - Section XII--Description of Courses or;
- the schedule of studies requirements are substantially different (no more than 25% overlap).
Graduate Studies
For information on Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph, please visit Graduate Studies.