Overview

The Rural Studies doctorate at University of Guelph focuses on two fields: sustainable rural communities and sustainable landscape systems. Both fields contribute research to support the long-term well-being of rural communities through the integration of economic, social and environmental factors in their planning and activities.

Local and global

Focus your research on local, Canadian or global rural communities and landscapes to strengthen your credibility in the areas you wish to focus your career.

Careers

Students conduct research that leads them to careers in Canada and internationally. They find leadership positions in federal governments, non-governmental organizations (NGO), academia, and environmental consulting. Graduates become leading specialists in addressing sustainable landscapes and issues related to rural communities. Sample careers and employers include:

Consultant, director, researcher, senior civil servant, professorInternational research organizations (CGIAR)
Canada's international agencies (Global Affairs Canada, IDRC, Canadian embassies)
Canadian organizations working in rural development (NGOs)
United Nations agencies (FAO, iFAD, ILo)
Inter American organizations (iADB, OAS, Fontagro, IICA)

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Sustainable Rural Systems

Integrative Research Methods

Rural Studies

Research

Urban Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

89

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

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IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Guelph, Canada

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies View 19 other PhDs in Area & Cultural Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

B

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

89

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree (or the equivalent) from a recognized university in the humanities, social-science, or applied-science disciplines.

Admission to the doctoral program requires a satisfactory baccalaureate and at least high second-class honours (‘B’ standing) in a recognized master’s program.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with a potential faculty advisor before applying. The entry to the program is in the fall semester. All applicants are expected to submit a completed background questionnaire.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15512 CAD / year

≈ 15512 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

6261 CAD / year

≈ 6261 CAD / year

Living costs

Guelph

Canada

1157 - 1804 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Rural Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Local and global

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Guelph

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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