Study Agriculture
Interested in crops, animals, business and environmental sustainability? Study at Ridgetown Campus to develop the skills needed to work in the ever-evolving Canadian agricultural sector.
This skills-oriented program combines practical experience in agricultural production with technical and scientific information. You will develop the business management, computer skills, problem-solving abilities and personal network needed for your career in agriculture.
Program Benefits
2-year program
In only two years, you’ll be ready for your career with applied and practical experiences in lectures and labs.
Learn from the best
Learn from world-class agricultural scientists and understand the latest trends and best practices from industry and research.
Unique facilities
Explore course concepts in on-campus livestock barns, research fields and labs.
Co-op option
Choose co-op and complete one work term during the summer to gain extra work experience.
4 areas of focus
Through course selection, you can focus your studies on crops, livestock, business or resource management.
Customize your studies
Of the 24 courses you will take, you will pick 8 electives to match your interests: business, crops, livestock, vegetable production, etc.
Co-op Option
Co-operative education is an opportunity for you to extend your learning beyond the classroom. As a co-op student, you will gain work experience, build professional networks, and develop interpersonal skills essential to pursuing a career in agriculture. Plus, you’ll get paid while earning your diploma.
In the co-op program, you will participate in one (1) co-op work term (during the summer) in addition to four academic semesters.
Co-op students receive an exceptional level of support in securing a placement. You will take a co-op preparatory course, a Co-op Coordinator will assist you during the employment process, and you will have access to senior student mentors.
Read more about the Co-op program here.95%
of graduates are employed within 2 months of program completion.
450 acres
of beautiful campus grounds and research plots.
4
teaching barns (dairy, beef, swine and sheep).
Degree Pathway
Graduates of the Associate Diploma in Agriculture program can receive 7.5 transfer credits toward the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at the University of Guelph. In many cases, this eliminates one to two (1-2) years from degree completion time. Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative average of 75% or higher in the associate diploma program and must have completed 4U Advanced Functions (or equivalent) and 4U Chemistry (or equivalent including CHEM 1060) in high school. Learn more about the U of G Degree Pathways here.
Required Courses
Year One
Year Two
Notes
- The Associate Diploma in Agriculture requires the completion of 24 courses (12.00 credits) total
- Wide variety of electives to choose from
- For a list of all courses and the curriculum layout, please refer to the Associate Diploma Calendar
Careers
Prepare yourself to manage a thriving farm, work for a global agribusiness, finance agricultural innovation, advance livestock genetics, work in agriculture technology, or lead an agricultural commodity board of directors.
- Primary producer
- Agricultural finance manager
- Crop input sale representative
- Feed sales manager
- Field scout
- Grower liaison representative
- Precision agriculture technician
- Livestock farm manager
- Research technician
- Seed dealership manager
- Soil and crop consultant
- Commodity buyer/trader
There are currently 17 career opportunities posted on the job posting page
Admissions
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Equivalent
- A minimum cumulative average of 65% in 6 Grade 11 or Grade 12 U, C, M, or O level courses (excludes Co-op credits)
- Includes a minimum of Grade 11C Math and Grade 12C English
- OR Mature Student Status*
* Definition of Mature Student: Do not hold a high school diploma or equivalent, but are 19 years of age or older and out of high school for a minimum of one year; may be required to complete pre-admission testing
International English Language System (IELTS- Academic)
| International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,618.08 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,602.60 |
| Textbooks | $381.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $23,282.68 |
| International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,618.08 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,090.12 |
| Co-op Fees (if applicable) | $600.00 |
| Textbooks | $587.00 |
| Total | $15,295.20 |
| Total with Co-op Fee | $15,895.20 |
| International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $12,618.08 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,396.00 |
| Co-op Fees (if applicable) | $600.00 |
| Textbooks | $808.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $23,503.08 |
| Total with Co-op Fee | $24,103.08 |
| International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $13,462.14 |
| Compulsory Fees | $4,392.86 |
| Textbooks | $1,226.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $26,762.00 |
| International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $TBC |
| Compulsory Fees | $3,671.89 |
| Textbooks | $1,046.00 |
| Total | TBC |
| International Fee Approximate Year 1 Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $24,098.48 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,579.26 |
| Textbooks | $284.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $34,642.74 |
Fees
| Ontario Resident Year 1 Approximate Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,393.00 |
| Compulsory Fees | $1,634.57 |
| Co-op Fees (if applicable) | $770.00 |
| Textbooks | $753.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $4,527.40 |
| Meal Plan | $5,072.80 |
| Total | $15,381.16 |
| Total with Co-op Fee | $16,151.16 |
| Out of Province Year 1 Approximate Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,702.78 |
| Compulsory Fees | $1,634.69 |
| Co-op Fees (if applicable) | $770.00 |
| Textbooks | $753.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $4,527.40 |
| Meal Plan | $5,072.80 |
| Total | $15,690.94 |
| Total with Co-op Fee | $16,460.94 |
| International Year 1 Approximates Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,441.30 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,390.96 |
| Co-op Fee (if applicable) | $770.00 |
| Textbooks | $753.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $4,527.40 |
| Meal Plan | $5,072.80 |
| Total | $27,185.46 |
| Total with Co-op Fee | $27,955.46 |
Estimates based on 2024-2025 fee schedule.
Facilities
- Livestock Barns: Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Swine
- Lecture Halls
- Classrooms
- Computer Labs
- Library and Resource Centre
- Study Lounge
- Student Residence
- Cafeteria
- Gymnasium