The agricultural sector is one of the wealthiest sectors in Canada. According to reports, Canada is one of the fifth largest agricultural exporters in the world with over 90% of farmers dependent on exports. In this article, we are going to explore the best agriculture schools in Canada where you can acquire the training to pursue a career in agriculture.
Studying agriculture in Canada allows International students to acquire advanced knowledge and learn innovative ways of doing agriculture. It will open the portals of career success as more experts will venture into advanced levels of career paths like research, technological advancement, agricultural consultancy, farm management, etc.
Many schools in Canada offer different degree courses in Agriculture and provides admission to both citizens and international students.
Why Study Agriculture in Canada?
There are so many reasons you should study agriculture in Canada. The first is that agricultural Schools in Canada combine life sciences to provide quality education to students.
Students who study agriculture in Canada find many degree programs and courses. Let’s see some of them below;
Degree Types and Specialization
As a student intending to pursue a career in Agriculture, you can choose from the various specializations offered by different universities in Canada.
Schools in Canada that offer courses in Agriculture can admit students depending on the type of degree they want to enroll.
There are three-degree types with diverse honors. These include; Bachelors’s degree, Master’s degree, and Doctoral degree.
These degrees can come in different forms and will be listed below;
- Bachelors in Agriculture – BSc/ BA/ BSc. Agr ( Bachelor of Science in Agriculture)
- Masters in Agriculture – MSc / MF ( Masters of Forestry)/ MASC ( Masters of Applied Sciences)/ MFARE ( Masters of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics)/ M Agr ( Masters of Agriculture)
- Doctoral Degrees – Ph.D. in Agriculture.
SPECIALIZATION IN AGRICULTURE
There are various specialization in Agriculture a student could choose from; some of them include;
- Animal Biology
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
- Sustainable Forest Management
- Forestry
- Agriculture and Resource Economics
- Food Science
- Agricultural Biology
- Agricultural Biotechnology
So, if you’re considering a career in agriculture, there are many prospects.
Read more: WORK-STUDY IN CANADA
What is the Job Outlook & Salary for Agriculturists in Canada?
Agronomists perform a lot of duties some of which ensure people eat meals free from health issues. According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary of an agriculturist is $81,196 a year. This does not include the significant bonuses that come with the job.
In the same vein, there will be over 6,000 job openings every year for professionals in the agricultural sector. Indeed, this is proof that agriculture is a growing field with many available opportunities.
What is the Cost of Studying Agriculture in Canada?
Canada is one of the biggest states in North America They have one of the strongest and most successful state economies. For this reason, tuition is not very affordable here. The average cost of studying agriculture in Canada for its residents is $39,550 and for non-resident students is $69,304.
However, if you cannot complete or pay up your tuition, you can leverage any of the scholarships in Canada which you can access below.
Read more: Latest Canada Scholarships.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an Agricultural Degree?
Apart from agricultural engineering, agricultural degrees might not be as intensive as engineering degrees. However, it takes about four years to complete an agricultural degree.
There could often be exceptions, especially when a student wants to further in this program or where agriculture is combined with another degree.
Best Accredited Agriculture Schools in Canada | 2024
To effectively rank the best agriculture schools in Canada, we have used the following factors;
All the schools have gained accreditation from reputable bodies. These bodies are comprised of credible educational institutes and accreditation bodies.
All the universities listed here have a strong reputation among themselves and other accredited universities as well.
We checked their rankings according to usnews.com to see how they fared.
Hence, the best agriculture schools in Canada include;
List of Canadian Agriculture Universities
- The University of Guelph
- McGill University
- The University of Alberta
- The University of Saskatchewan
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- Dalhousie University
- University of New Brunswick
- University of Lethbridge
- Lakehead University
- Carleton University
- Vancouver Island University
- University of Manitoba
1. The University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1874 with an enrollment of 2,000 students and 680 postgraduate students.
The school which is located at the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph is Canada’s largest agriculture college and ranks 31st in the world for agriculture.
The University offers an undergraduate program and postgraduate program. The wide range of courses allows students to choose among the subjects as per their area of interest.
The school has over 1,500 faculty (academic staff). It offers 94 undergraduate degrees,48 graduate programs, and 6 associate degrees in various disciplines.
2. McGill University
McGill University is a public research University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was founded in 1821.
The MacDonald’s campus is home to McGill University’s Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
The school offers degree programs in agricultural and environmental sciences, including a program in bio-resource engineering.
In addition to academic excellence, McGill University prided itself on small class size, providing hands-on experience and maintaining a diverse student body.
3. The University of Alberta
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta is dedicated to helping students prepare for careers in which they can help overcome our world’s agricultural challenges.
This school offers a Bachelor of Science program in agricultural disciplines, environmental sciences, food sciences, and ecology.
4. The University of Saskatchewan
The college offers 13 different degree programmes- spanning from agribusiness to soil science, along with two diploma programmes and two certificate programmes.
Check this out: 15 Best Agriculture Schools in The World | 2024
5. Carleton University
Carleton University is a public comprehensive University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1942 and since then, had been a great citadel for learning.
Carleton University offers an array of graduate and undergraduate programs in various fields including agriculture. It has also established industry partnerships with other agricultural sectors that help provide students with practical training and employment opportunities.
Carleton University provides dynamic, research-intensive institutions in various fields in agriculture which is committed to providing students with an outstanding learning experience and great career outcomes.
Tuition fees at Carleton University vary depending on the type of degree program and whether you are a domestic student or international student.
Undergraduate tuition Fees:
Canadian Student: $6,067-$9,614
International student: $25,503- $33,757
Graduate tuition fees:
Canadian Student: $4,952-$6,514
International student: $13,060- $15,800
Total enrollment at Carleton is 31,790.
Read more: 18 Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students
6. Univeristy of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a public research university with Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia campuses.
It is a global center for teaching, learning, and research.
As one of the world’s leading Universities, the school creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.
The faculty of agriculture provides avenues of learning in agricultural economics, animal science, applied biology, food science, plant science, soil science, and many others.
7. Dalhousie University
The Faculty of Agriculture at Dalhousie University is a Canadian agricultural college located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, Canada.
The school operates a small class size and friendly atmosphere providing the perfect environment for high- quality learning, networking, and friendship that last beyond graduation.
The campus is a place of teaching excellence and where agricultural skills are nurtured.
8. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is a public research university in Manitoba, Canada. It was founded in 1877 and is the first University in Canada.
The main campus is located in the Fort Garry neighbourhood of Southern Winnipeg with other campuses throughout the city.
The University of Manitoba has an academic staff of 5,485 and a total number of enrollment of 30,319 including undergraduate and postgraduate students.
University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences develop people and ideas in support of providing food, bioresources and services that benefit the society, the environment and the agri-food sector.
The school makes provision for degree programs which include; agribusiness, agroecology, entomology, plant biotechnology, food science, pre-veterinary medicine, soil science, and animal system.
In summary, there are research facilities, laboratories and so many other departments in this college. Their commitment and drive to delivering the best in agriculture make them one of the best agriculture schools in Canada.
The tuition fee for Agriculture at the University of Manitoba is approximately $14,400.
9. Vancouver Island University
Vancouver Island University is a public University located at in Nanaimo, Canada. It was founded in 1969 as Malaspina College and has undergone several educational evolutions until September 2018, when it changed to its current name.
The school provides full-time, part-time, and online programs with a total enrollment of 14,324 students.
Vancouver Island University offers Agricultural programs such as the Horticulture Technician program which prepares students for a broad range of jobs in the horticulture field.
It also offers Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology programs with extensive practical and research activities.
Sincerely, when it comes to the best agriculture schools in Canada, this school can’t be left out.
Tuition fee for undergraduates per year is 16,680 CAD while tuition fee for graduates per year is 25,000- 48,000 CAD.
See this: 15 Best Free Online Agriculture Classes In 2024
10. University of Brunswick
This public university has two primary campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick. It was founded in 1785 and is the oldest English-language university in Canada.
The University admits students to study agriculture in the Forestry and Environmental Management faculty.
The school encourages forestry to manage and protect the planets and natural resources for future generations.
The school is ranked among the best in North America with a collaborative learning environment that allows students to examine environmental problems from biophysical and socio-economic perspectives.
The agricultural and resource economics faculty ensures that its students are actively involved in the research. Their strides have them astounding in everything as well as the top school for the best agriculture schools in Canada.
Tuition fees for University of New Brunswick
Undergraduate is 6,187 CAD.
International tuition and fee is 13,905 CAD.
The total student enrollment is 11,000, and the University.
11. University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is a public comprehensive and research university founded in the liberal education tradition in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
The school has an academic staff of 496, with student enrollment of 8,155 for undergraduates and 640 for post graduates.
The University of Lethbridge is an ideal location to select a major in agricultural studies.
In this setting, aspiring agriculturists learn about the physical and economic interrelationships between agricultural production, marketing, trade and nutrient management, grazing, and many others.
The school provides unique programs that focus on both the art and science of agricultural practice from theoretical and applied perspectives including extensive lab experience and special emphasis on current issues and innovative research.
12. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1827 with an academic staff of 2,547 and a total of 62,864 students.
The University makes provision for the study of agriculture and forestry in undergraduate, Masters and doctorate degrees.
The study enables students to understand more about the theoretical and practical applications of farming.
A degree in Agriculture and Forestry will encompass the study of plant and soil sciences, sustainable farming, and working with businesses to expand crop yields.
Tuition fees for domestic students is $57,020 and $59,300 for foreign students.
13. Lakehead University
Lakehead University is a public research university in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
The school was established in 1965 and offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and certificate courses to applicants around the globe.
Lakehead University has an agricultural research station that tests newly developed crop varieties. The school is the first in Ontario to test a new fertilizer product on canola.
Lakehead University supports education in Agriculture to bring out the best in the students for success in agricultural production.
Check this out: How Can I Get An Online Agriculture Degree In 2024? Schools, Cost, Certifications
FAQ On Best Agriculture Schools in Canada | 2024
Depending on the university for MSc Agriculture in Canada, the program costs 9,666-45,996 CAD.
Canada is on the top list for the best country to pursue Masters in Agriculture. The significant reasons are highly ranked universities offering a range of courses, and Canada’s economy is driven more by the agricultural sector.
Ontario and Quebec both contribute to Canadian agriculture in significant ways. In addition to accounting for 40.9% of total farms reported in Canada in 2024, these neighbouring provinces were home to the vast majority of dairy cows and hogs and pigs in the country.
Conclusion
Agriculture is a critical subject area because it is the foundation upon which food and all other edible items settle.
As an agriculturist, you will ensure that there’s a vast availability of food products to decrease starvation and improve healthy living.
So, if you’re thinking of how to venture into this career path, you can attend any of these best agriculture schools in Canada or anywhere in the world.
References
- Usnews Best Global Universities for Agricultural Sciences in Canada
- CNBC – Agriculture: Job growth to boom over the next five years
- Times Higher Education – What can you do with an agriculture degree?
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