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Continuing Education in Guelph: Where to Start

Written by Nathan Brooks • Published August 29, 2026 • Last verified August 29, 2026

What you need to know:

The University of Guelph's School of Continuing Studies offers Open Learning courses for adults, with online options.

UGDSB continuing education provides free high school credit courses for adults.

Registration for both is online; check the official websites for current dates and fees.

The Guaranteed Admission Pathway at U of G lets you earn admission to a degree program through specific courses.

Financial assistance for university continuing education is limited; high school credits are free.

Continuing education in Guelph means more than one institution. The University of Guelph runs a School of Continuing Studies, and the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) runs its own continuing education programs. Both serve adults who want to finish high school credits, upgrade skills, or take university courses without enrolling in a full degree.

The University of Guelph's School of Continuing Studies offers courses and programs for lifelong learners. Its Open Learning Program lets you take university courses without being a full-time student. That's useful if you need a prerequisite for a graduate program, want to explore a subject, or need a course for professional development. The school also runs the Summer Institute, corporate programs, and English language programs for newcomers or international students.

High school students have options too. The UGDSB's continuing education department offers credit courses for adults and for students who need to make up credits. These programs run through the school board, not the university, and they follow the Ontario curriculum. If you're an adult who didn't finish high school, you can earn credits and work toward a diploma through UGDSB continuing education.

One key difference: university continuing education courses cost money, while school board credit courses are funded by the province. For adults taking high school credits, there's usually no tuition fee. University courses, however, charge per course. Fees vary by program and term, so check the official site before you register. Don't rely on old numbers; they change.

Registration works differently at each place. For UGDSB continuing education, you typically register through the board's website. Courses are listed by term, and you may need to attend an intake session or provide transcripts. For the University of Guelph's School of Continuing Studies, you register online through their website. Some courses have prerequisites, and you may need to request a transcript or provide proof of previous education.

What can you actually study? At the university, the Open Learning Program covers a range of subjects, from arts and sciences to business and technology. The Summer Institute offers intensive courses over a few weeks. Corporate programs are for employers who want training for their staff. English language programs help non-native speakers improve their English for academic or professional purposes. The school board's continuing education focuses on high school credits, including English, math, science, and social studies.

If you're thinking about a degree, the School of Continuing Studies has a Guaranteed Admission Pathway. This lets you take specific courses and, if you meet the grades, get admitted to a University of Guelph degree program. That's a direct route for someone who didn't get into university right after high school. There are also Program Transition Pathways for students moving between programs.

Online learning is a big part of continuing education. Many courses are delivered fully online, which suits people with jobs or family commitments. The School of Continuing Studies provides technical support and uses CourseLink, the university's learning management system. If you're new to online study, they offer guidance on how to navigate online learning.

Financial assistance exists but is limited. The School of Continuing Studies lists financial assistance options on its website, but most university continuing education courses are not eligible for OSAP. If you're taking high school credits through the school board, there's no cost, so money isn't a barrier there. For university courses, check if your employer will pay for professional development.

What changes over time? Course offerings shift each semester. The Summer Institute runs only in summer, and other programs have specific start dates. Registration deadlines are strict, and popular courses fill up. Also, the university occasionally adjusts fees and program requirements. So the best time to check is a few months before you want to start.

To get started, visit the official websites. For the University of Guelph, go to opened.uoguelph.ca. For the school board, go to ugdsb.ca and find the continuing education section. Both sites list current courses, registration steps, and contact information. If you're unsure which program fits, call or email the relevant office. They're used to questions from adults returning to school.

One final pointer: if you need a high school credit, the school board route is free and straightforward. If you need university-level courses, the School of Continuing Studies is your option. Decide which one matches your goal, then check the dates and fees before you commit.

Continuing Education in Guelph: Where to Start

What you need to know:

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