International Student Support

The University of Guelph offers a range of financial aid programs for international students, including scholarships, bursaries and Work Study. Through these programs, the University awarded $14.1 million to international students in 2023-24.

Scholarships and Bursaries for Undergraduate Students

Entrance scholarships for international students, who have never attended post-secondary studies, include the President's International Entrance Scholarship, University International Scholarship, Dean's International Scholarship and Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President's Scholarship. The President's International Entrance Scholarship, University International Scholarship and Dean's International Scholarship are awarded automatically and do not require students to apply. Visit the Scholarships & Bursaries page for more details. The Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President's Scholarship of $42,500 is our most prestigious entrance scholarship and requires students to apply. Additional entrance scholarships can be found on the Undergraduate Award Search tool.

In-course awards: scholarships, need-based scholarships and bursaries are available for in-course undergraduate students. Visit the Scholarships & Bursaries page for information on eligibility and the application process.

Scholarships and Bursaries for Graduate Students

Entrance and in-course awards are available for international graduate students. Visit the Scholarships & Bursaries page for information on eligibility and the application process and use the Graduate Award Search tool to view all awards. Students are also encouraged to review the information on the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website regarding graduate funding and external award opportunities.

Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian Students

The University of Guelph honours the Jay Treaty of 1794. If you possess a Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian citizenship document from tribes that are state or federally recognized, or an Indian Status card from the government of Canada, you will be eligible for domestic tuition. Documentation must be presented to qualify. Undergraduate students submit the documentation to Enrolment Services. Graduate students submit the documentation to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Please contact the International Student Advisor and the Indigenous Student Advisor to ensure that you are connected to the supports available to you.

Finances

Paying for Tuition

For important information related to tuition and fees, visit the Payments & Accounts page.

The preferred method of payment for international payments is PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition from any bank, in any country, in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. Learn more about PayMyTuition and view the step-by-step instructions, which are available in multiple languages. If you have questions about tuition and payments, contact Student Financial Services at accquest@uoguelph.ca.

Immigration Status and Tuition Rates

If you are a dependent of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, diplomat or visitor with a work permit, you may qualify for the domestic tuition rate. Read more about eligibility, required documentation, and deadlines. If your immigration status changes over the course of your degree and you become eligible for a reduced tuition rate, please ensure that you submit the required documents by the deadline so that you are billed the appropriate tuition amount.

More Support for International Students

Work Study Program

International Student Undergraduate Research Assistantships (ISURAs)

U.S. Government Student Aid

FAQs for International Students

Why does the University of Guelph increase its international tuition rates every year?

Tuition costs reflect our commitment to continue to deliver excellent academic programs and student services; costs of providing service increase every year. It is important to note that U of G offers a high-quality education at tuition rates that are significantly lower than those of our peer institutions in Ontario. Our international tuition rates are 70 to 75 percent of those of our peer institutions.

What measures have you taken to help offset the international tuition increase?

We have implemented a new framework that limits future tuition increase for returning international students, allowing them to better plan for the cost of their education. We are committing that returning international undergraduate students will never face tuition increases greater than 5 percent. In addition, tuition rates will now be implemented in the fall semester rather than the summer semester to allow more time for planning and communication and to align with the schedules of peer institutions.

Funds from international tuition increases are earmarked to provide international student supports such as bursaries and scholarships.

Why do international students not pay the same tuition as domestic students?

How does U of G’s international tuition compare to other Ontario universities?

Why are international students important to the University of Guelph?

Will I receive a tuition refund if my study permit is denied?

International applicants whose study permit is denied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may be eligible for a refund of their tuition and fees.

Applicants must request a refund, drop their courses through WebAdvisor and forward a copy (PDF) of their IRCC denial letter to accquest@uoguelph.ca. This request must be received within 14 days of the denial letter date; otherwise, a refund will be denied.