About PhD Program,
The collaborative PhD specialization in International Development Studies was based on the successful model of the collaborative master’s specialization and was the first of its kind in Canada.
As it is also “collaborative,” this PhD specialization allows students to add an interdisciplinary, international development focus to their degree in a discipline (their home department/home program). The specialization provides an opportunity for advanced students to engage with multi- and interdisciplinary development theories and to conduct research on international development issues.
This PhD degree with the added designation “International Development Studies” provides necessary discipline-based qualifications for the academic job market. The degree is also designed to strengthen the theoretical foundation of development practitioners.
Popular departments selected have been Political Science; Epidemiology; Sociology; Geography; Economics; Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics; and Engineering. Apart from their departmental courses, the IDS PhD students interact in two interdisciplinary core courses and IDS-related research seminars.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Normally, the minimum requirement for admission to a doctoral program is the successful completion of a graduate/master’s degree from a recognized university
Minimum B average in their Master’s program (department may require higher standing)
Demonstrated strong potential for research..
Applicants who hold the DVM degree (or equivalent) and who are applying to the DVSc program must have achieved an overall average standing of at least high second-class honours (‘B’ standing) in their program.
PhD Funding Coverage,
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.
The University of Guelph offers many resources to financially support graduate students. Explore your options on the Graduate Studies website.
Help to fund your graduate studies by taking advantage of Entrance Awards related to International Development Studies.
New full-time doctoral students who are accepted at the University of Guelph are guaranteed funding. Stipends for master’s students are offered at the discretion of the home department.
Students are encouraged to consult their home department regarding the amount and duration of funding packages, which may include university graduate scholarships, teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships, etc.
Application Requirement,
Applicants are required to list a minimum of two (2) academic references on their application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting your application to confirm their availability and contact information. Some departments require three (3) referees. Ensure you read the department’s application requirements closely. Please note, all information that is submitted by the referee in the assessment is confidential and will not be released to the applicant.
Applicants upload application documents such as transcripts, statement of research, CV/resume after receiving WebAdvisor login credentials. This will be up to 5 business days after submission and payment of the OUAC application. However, we recommend gathering application documents and having them ready in advance.
We do not require official documents during the application process.
Additional documents: Gather any additional requirements specified by the department for admission purposes. Some departments will require hard copy documents (test scores) and/or portfolios to be sent directly to the Graduate Program Assistant.
Application Deadline,
IDS does not have an application deadline. You must meet the deadline of your chosen collaborative department. Once your application has been reviewed by the collaborating department that you have chosen, your application is then forwarded to the IDS committee for review.
Application Fee,
Application Fee $200
