Ridgetown is a farming town in Chatham-Kent, in south-western Ontario, and the University of Guelph's campus there is built around agriculture. Students take two-year diplomas in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary technology and environmental management. Teaching uses the campus farm, barns and field plots, so a lot of the week is spent outside the classroom. Degrees are taught on the main campus in Guelph.
Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada
Official website: ridgetownc.com
University of Guelph
Agriculture and environmental diplomas
Ridgetown, Chatham-Kent
CA$18,000 – CA$24,000
International students, diploma programmes
CA$10,000 – CA$13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ridgetownc.com before you apply.
Diploma in Agriculture
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Diploma in Horticulture
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Diploma in Veterinary Technology
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Diploma in Environmental Management
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
A campus farm and barns used in everyday teaching.
Practical diplomas in one of Ontario's main farming regions.
Small classes in a small town.
Graduates work on farms and in crop advice, agribusiness and equipment sales.
Veterinary technology graduates work in animal clinics and research facilities.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit; check the current field-of-study rules.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Ridgetown is a small rural town surrounded by fields, a short drive from the Lake Erie shore. Life is quiet, rent is low and most students live in residence or share houses nearby.
Chatham is about 20 minutes away for shopping, and London, Ontario, is roughly an hour's drive. A car makes weekends much easier.
Letter of acceptance from University of Guelph
Ontario provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
Applications go through the Ontario college or university application system, and places in veterinary technology fill early. International students should apply eight to ten months ahead to allow for the study permit.
Diplomas start in September.
You'll need a study permit. University of Guelph sends a letter of acceptance, and most students also need a provincial attestation letter. The permit application goes online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Agriculture, horticulture, veterinary technology and environmental management are the four main diplomas. Entry needs secondary school completion with relevant sciences and English at about IELTS 6.0, higher for veterinary technology.
Ridgetown has entrance and in-course awards funded by agricultural groups and donors, and some are open to international students. Ask the campus awards office after you apply.
