About PhD Program,
The PhD in Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) are offered through the Department of FARE with two key areas of study: 1) Food and agricultural economics, and 2) Natural resource and environmental economics. Both programs are focused on developing a fundamental understanding of economic principles and their application to agricultural, resource, rural and related issues through research. Problem identification, conceptualization skills, and communication skills are also an important area of development.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students enrolled in the PhD program must successfully complete a program of at least ten taught courses that prepare them for the various elements of the qualification examination and thesis research, as outlined below. However, students that are able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence in any of these requirements may have these course requirements adjusted accordingly, subsequent to evaluation and the decision of the Departmental Graduate Program Committee.
Students in the PhD program focus on an area of specialization relevant to their thesis research, plus complete courses in microeconomic theory and economic research methods. The PhD program requires the successful completion of a qualifying exam and the completion and defense of a research-based thesis in 12 semesters.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE – General only) scores are required for ALL doctoral applications. Institution code is 0892 and the Department code is 0101 Agricultural Economics.
- In cases where a student’s master’s degree is not equivalent to that offered by the department, the student may initially be accepted into the MSc program and may then apply for transfer to the PhD program at some time during the first three semesters. Applications for transfer must be supported by the Departmental Graduate Program Committee and approved by the Board of Graduate Studies. The student does not have to complete all the requirements of the MSc before transferring to the PhD program, but must achieve high academic standing.
- As international grading scales and minimum requirements do vary, please consult the “International Credential Evaluation Guidelines“
- If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test. Please see chart below for acceptable tests and required scores for the Department of FARE. The University of Guelph English as a Second Language Test Code is 0892. Acceptable tests and minimum required scores for FARE graduate programs are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) = 7.0 overall score and a minimum score of 6.5 in the Speaking and Writing category
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- TOEFL – Paper based test (PBT) = 587
- TOEFL – Internet based test (IBT) = 95
- NOTE: A minimum overall score of 95 must be achieved, with at least 22 in Speaking, 26 in Writing and 21 in the Listening and Reading categories.
- University of Guelph Language Certificate = Advanced Level
- English as a Second Language tests are considered valid for a period of two years. You may upload a letter requesting exemption from this requirement if you have completed your academic studies in a recognized English speaking institution. Please indicate institution, program and length where all were delivered in English.
PhD Funding Coverage,
PhD students are funded upwards of $30,000 per year
As a graduate student you will have received a funding package made up of a number of components. The options may be one or more of the following:
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA);
- Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA);
- Graduate Service Assistantships (GSA); and
- Scholarships and Awards (external and/or internal).
Combined with bursaries provided to students in need, in 2019/20 graduate students at the University of Guelph secured just under $57.9M in total funding through these supports.
Each of the seven Colleges has established a minimum funding level for PhD students, some of which are exceeded by departmental minimum funding levels. At the Masters level, funding levels are more variable, and, indeed, some programs expect students to self-fund their programs. Be sure to investigate funding opportunities through College and Departmental websites or by reaching out to the Graduate Program Assistant for the program of interest.
Application Requirement,
- CV or Resume
- Unofficial Transcript(s) along with a grading legend.
- Statement of Intent– provide a one to two-page outlining your research interest and why you wish to pursue graduate studies
- References – Two academic references are required; a third professional reference is optional (not required)
- GRE (general section) for PHD applicants only– allow time to complete this requirement to meet the application deadline; upload your results along with your Statement of Research
- NOTE: Securing an Advisor at application is NOT required; selection of Advisor is done during the first two semesters of the program
If any changes need to be made to your application documents or referees you can request this through the links at the bottom of the Documents page.
CODES
The University of Guelph requires applicants to graduate programs meet a minimum standard for acceptance. Applicants must have a B- or better average in their last two years of study. C+ or lower grades will result in an automatic rejection. Applicants must also have an honours bachelors degree or equivalent.
The Department of FARE requires applicants to have successfully completed intermediate level microeconomics and intermediate level macroeconomics. An IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a 6.5 or higher in reading and writing is required for applicants who do not speak English as their first language.
Please check the International Credential Guidelines if your degree was completed at an institution outside of Canada. The Department of FARE is unable to provide application fee waivers or refunds.
Application Deadline,
The deadline for COMPLETED applications to the FARE programs is typically February 1. 2025
Application Fee,
The application fee is $110 for most programs
