The University of Guelph is a top 20 university in Canada (QS World University Rankings) and among the world’s top 500 (Times Higher Education). It’s home to 1,700 international students from over 130 countries who are on their way to follow in the footsteps of those before them: a Theatre Studies graduate who became a rising star in the Canadian film industry; a Music graduate now performing as a full-time country singer; and a Philosophy graduate pursuing a career in law.
Their success provides proof of why the University of Guelph is like no other university in Canada. Here, students, faculty, and staff pursue active inquiry and exercise creativity in a shared commitment to “Improve Life.”
This commitment to excel and make a difference is matched by the environment in which students live and learn. The campus is set in Guelph, Ontario, a city known for its welcoming atmosphere, lush green spaces, and community spirit. Students enjoy the safety and friendliness of a smaller Canadian city, while still benefiting from the resources of a larger urban area. With its collaborative spaces and supportive culture, this is a place that inspires students to explore their potential and thrive.
One of the university’s greatest strengths is its location near Toronto, Canada’s largest cultural and economic hub. Within a short distance lies further access to internships, professional networks, and countless cultural experiences. Proximity to cities like Brampton and Mississauga adds to the opportunities available – creating a unique balance between a peaceful campus environment and the energy of one of North America’s most dynamic regions. This blend of setting and access creates an ideal place to study, grow, and prepare for the future.
The College of Arts, one of the University of Guelph’s academic departments, houses creative arts and humanities students who become global citizens through hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, and the use of new digital tools. Source: University of Guelph
Just ask Gabriella Sundar Singh, a rising star and Theatre Studies graduate. With appearances in hit series like Netflix’s “Kim’s Convenience” and numerous standout performances at the Shaw Festival, she claims that, “Pursuing my Bachelor of Arts, Honours (BAH) in Theatre Studies at the University of Guelph was the best thing I could have done for my career.”
While being strongly positioned as one of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities, the University of Guelph’s College of Arts remains the close-knit heart of campus, offering a high level of personalised support to its students. For Singh, this made all the difference. “I was able to get to know each of my professors and build trust and understanding through those connections: they knew who I was, what my goals were and worked with me to help me achieve those goals,” she says.
The College of Arts community includes talented faculty, staff, and students who are renowned artists and passionate advocates for the arts. Source: University of Guelph
A third of all undergraduate students at the University of Guelph pursue the Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme, which spans subjects across the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. From the first year of a BA to the final year of a PhD, College of Arts students hone skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication that position them for success beyond university.
The breadth of programmes in the College of Arts reflects this mission. The college is home to 15 undergraduate programmes, ranging from Creative Writing and History to Music, Theatre Studies, Philosophy, and French Studies. Exploring across disciplines is encouraged, as seen through the list of unique programmes available including Sexualities, Genders and Social Change or Culture and Technology Studies.
Recently, the College launched the Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness (BCAHW), the first programme of its kind in Canada. Linking the arts with mental health and well-being, the programme allows students to specialise in theatre, music, or studio art while dissecting the impact of creativity on healing and personal growth.
“I love the uniqueness of the BCAHW programme because it not only allows me to combine my love of music with my interests in improving human well-being, but it is also a programme that connects a multitude of disciplines under one degree,” says Tulip Eng, second-year BCAHW student in the programme’s Music stream. “Since being in this programme, I’ve already learned so much about how the arts — like music — can be a prescription for health challenges like depression and dementia.”
Emphasis on real-world application is central to College of Arts programmes. Hands-on learning is built into the curriculum, with many opportunities for collaboration with industry professionals, faculty mentors, and peers. Co-op placements, performances, exhibitions, and community projects encourage students to develop transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“I got a hands-on education that has directly fed into the work I do on a daily basis,” Singh says. “During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to learn from incredibly talented professors, highly sought-after artists who taught us what to expect in the professional realm. They instilled the importance of professionalism, respect and kindness, which I have taken into each of my contracts: these lessons have served me well.”
Learn more about the University of Guelph’s College of Arts.
Hear from current students about the Creative Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts at the University of Guelph.
