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University of Guelph Continuing Education: What You Need

Written by Chloe Bennett • Published September 1, 2026 • Last verified September 1, 2026

The University of Guelph's continuing education arm is called Open Learning. It handles non-degree courses, certificates, and professional development for adults who are not enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program. You might be a working professional updating skills, a retiree taking a course for interest, or a high school student looking for a head start. Open Learning serves all of them, with courses that run evenings, weekends, or online.

Open Learning offers certificates in areas like business, leadership, and sustainability. It also runs individual courses that don't lead to a certificate, so you can take just one class without committing to a full program. Many courses are online, but some meet on the Guelph campus, which sits at the city's south end, near the Arboretum and the research fields. The campus is easy to reach by bus, and there's paid parking for drivers.

Who is this for? If you're 18 or older, you can usually enroll, though some courses have prerequisites. You don't need to be a U of G student. This is different from the regular undergraduate admissions process; you register per course, not for a full degree. That flexibility is the main draw. You can start in any semester, more than September.

How do you actually do it? Go to the Open Learning website and browse the course catalog. Each course page lists the format (online or in-person), the duration, and the instructor's name, but not their personal details. You'll see the start date and the registration deadline. There's no application form, no transcripts, no letter of intent. You pick your course, add it to your cart, and pay the fee. The system is straightforward.

One thing to know: fees are set per course, not per credit. They vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a short online workshop to over a thousand for a multi-week certificate course. The Open Learning site lists exact fees for each course. There are no hidden costs, but you should check whether the course requires a textbook or software, which you buy separately.

Registration opens months ahead of each semester. For fall courses, it usually opens in the spring. For winter, in the fall. If you wait until the last week before a course starts, you might find it full. The site shows a waitlist option for full courses. You can join the waitlist and get an email if a spot opens. That's a practical trick for popular courses.

If you're taking a course for professional development, check with your employer first. Some workplaces reimburse tuition for relevant courses. U of G doesn't handle that; you'll need to get a receipt from Open Learning and submit it yourself. The receipt is available in your online account after you pay.

Another angle: some Open Learning courses can be used as credits toward a future degree. Not all of them, though. The course page will say if it's eligible for transfer credit. If you're thinking about a full degree later, you can contact the university's admissions office to ask how a specific course might transfer. That's a conversation worth having before you enroll.

For people in Guelph, Open Learning also offers in-person workshops and short courses on campus. These are good for networking with other local professionals. The campus has several buildings where these run, including the Mackinnon Building and the University Centre. You'll find the room number on the course page. There's no need to know the campus layout in advance; signs and staff point you in the right direction.

What changes over the year? The course catalog updates for each semester. New courses appear, and old ones get retired. Fees can go up between semesters, so the price you see in winter might not hold for spring. The Open Learning site is the only place to get current dates and fees. They also run promotions occasionally, like early-bird discounts for registering a month ahead. Keep an eye on the site or their email list.

If you're not sure which course to take, you can browse by subject area. The site lists categories like 'Business and Leadership,' 'Environment and Sustainability,' and 'Technology.' Each category shows the courses currently available. You can also search by keyword, like 'project management' or 'GIS.' The search function is basic but works.

One more option: U of G also offers a separate program called the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, which is a part-time degree for adults. That's not the same as Open Learning; it's a full degree program with its own application process. If you're after a degree, go to the regular admissions page. If you just want a course or a certificate, Open Learning is your route.

Finally, the official source for everything is the Open Learning website. Go to uoguelph.ca/open-learning. There you'll find the full catalog, exact fees, and the registration system. You can also call the Open Learning office during business hours, but the website has the most up-to-date information. Don't rely on third-party sites for dates or fees; they can be outdated. Bookmark the official page and check it before you register.

Sources

• University of Guelph Open Learning
• University of Guelph

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