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Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice

University of Guelph

Canada,Ontario

0 Shortlist

48 Months

Duration

CAD 34,698/year

Tuition Fee

CAD 90

Application Fee

Sep 2025

Apply Date

Canada, Ontario

Type: University

Location Type: Urban

Founded: 1964

Total Students: 29,500 +

Int. Students: 1,400 +

Campus Detail

Main Campus Address

50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada

Overview
Key Facts
Fees & Funding
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
Student Visa
Work Permit

Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (BIESP) is an interdisciplinary science degree that focuses on the development of leaders in areas of environmental science, land-use and policy development who are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This science degree emphasizes the respectful and consensual braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to address complex environmental issues and challenges. It focuses on the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through practices based on Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and the practice of Indigenous land ethics grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, ontologies, traditions and aspirations. By explicitly recognizing the inherent validity and value of Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, this interdisciplinary program offers a critical, yet constructive, view of environmental science, grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, methodologies, priorities and values and oriented towards concrete action. In addition to their studies of natural and applied science, students will examine the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and the legal, political and economic context of environmental science and practice.

Experiential learning is incorporated into each year of study through opportunities to interact and work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations supporting cross-cultural learning and practice. In the final year, students will conduct a group project that focuses on a current environmental issue and provides the opportunity to obtain realistic experiences within the interdisciplinary context of practicing environmental science with Indigenous communities. The BIESP is also offered as a co-op option.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BIESP degree will have demonstrated they can:

Build awareness of Indigenous cultural frameworks of environmental science including the role of traditional knowledge keepers, right relations, multi-generational environmental stewardship, and inclusion of non-human beings.
Consider the implications of historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in influencing governance, practices, policies, interactions and decision making in environmental science and practice.
Apply a critical and decolonial lens to the existing approach to environmental science and practice in Canada through the exploration of Indigenous principles, aspirations and practices while cognizant of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonization, land dispossession, and intergenerational trauma.
Apply the evolving legal frameworks of Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental science, which include Indigenous People’s inherent, treaty and constitutionally-protected rights, historic and contemporary lands, the minimal standard of free, prior, and informed consent, duty to consult and Indigenous-led practices of protection and restoration of special places and community well-being, to environmental stewardship.
Bridge and braid Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to propose and evaluate answers and solutions to environmental questions.
Formulate relevant and testable research questions, develop and implement an effective method of inquiry and perform appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses for use in evidence-based environmental planning, policy development and implementation across different knowledge systems from Indigenous and Western research paradigms and methodologies.
Utilize techniques and skills including mapping and GIS, data classification, spatial analysis, map design, Indigenous research methodologies and environmental risk assessment practices to analyze environmental management issues across different knowledge systems.
Demonstrate project management skills (leadership, negotiation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time and task management, and budgeting) to effectively work within a team to complete multifaceted projects related to environmental management, research, and community engagement.
Communicate ideas, arguments and analyses to Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences accurately and effectively, recognizing the role of language, personal values, strengths and limitations, and respecting diverse perspectives.
Demonstrate moral maturity and intercultural competency by considering diverse perspectives on environmental issues and Indigenous world views when acting as a professional and community member in decision making processes related to topics of land use, conservation, sustainability and environmental remediation and restoration.
Critically reflect on their personal values, academic and professional goals and determine how they can continue to respectfully engage and sustain relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to address environmental challenges utilizing both Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge systems and ethical protocols.
Appreciate and support the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities to promote respect, protect and sustain Indigenous knowledge and practice in Indigenous communities.

Detailed Program Facts

Program Level

4-Year Bachelor's Degree

Application Processing Days

10 Days

Program Intensity

Full-Time

Duration of Program

48 Months

Program Intakes

Intake Month/Year		Intake Status
jan 2024		Not Available
jan 2025		Not Available
sep 2024		Closed
sep 2025		Open

Application Fee

Application Fee: CAD 90

Tuition Fee

CAD 34,698 per year

*Note: The fee is approximate and is subject to change

Living Cost in University of Guelph

CAD 11,000 per year

*Note: The fee is approximate and is subject to change

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check program website for more information about funding options.

English Test Requirements

IELTS
- Minimum Overall Score - 6.5 - 6 - With No Band Less Than
TOEFL
- Minimum Overall Score - 89 - 21 - With no score less than
PTE
- Minimum Overall Score - 60.0 Minimum Listening - 60.0 Minimum Reading - 60.0 Minimum Writing - 60.0 Minimum Speaking - 60.0
DUOLINGO
- Minimum Overall Score - 110.0

Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted into this program, applicants must have Grade 12 / High School Diploma or equivalent including the following required course(s):
- English
- Advanced math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- 2 additional courses

Note: Advanced Math is one of Pre-Calculus, Functions, (I) GCSE, CSEC, IB Math (only SL/HL Analysis & Approaches, HL Applications & Interpretations), or other equivalent Math containing Advanced Functions, Algebra, Geometry, or Trigonometry, approved by Admission Services.

Minimum CGPA Required: 75.00 %

Additional Information

Scholarships

International Entrance Scholarships: $18,500 - $21,500 CAD

International students entering post-secondary studies for the first time and registering in the first semester of a degree program in the fall semester.

Admission Average	Current Value for Fall 2024 (year 1)	Annual Renewal Amount (years 2, 3 and 4)	Overall 4 Year total
95.0% and greater	$9,500	$4,000	$21,500
90.0% - 94.9%	$8,500	$4,000	$20,500
85.0% - 89.9%	$7,500	$4,000	$19,500
80.0% - 84.9%	$6,500	$4,000	$18,500

Eligibility

Students' Responsibilities

Conditions

Renewal criteria

Will be based on the admission offer average calculated by the University of Guelph’s Admission Services. U of G will determine averages for applicants who are not studying in a Canadian secondary school curriculum based on curriculum, grading practices and grading scale interpretation.

Students admitted in fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023 or Fall 2024 and receiving an entrance scholarship are eligible to receive a $4,000 award in years 2, 3 and 4 if all renewal criteria (see below) are met each year.

Submit an application for admission.

Ensure that my admission application is complete and all documents are received as requested by Admission Services, University of Guelph.

Recipients must register for both the fall and winter semesters in year 1.

Recipients must pay the International student tuition and fees.

Recipients must remain registered in full-time studies and achieve a minimum 80.0% average in their previous academic year of full-time study (typically fall/winter).

Recipients must continue to pay the International student tuition and fees.

Students who fail to qualify for a continuing payment may re-qualify by subsequently obtaining an 80.0% or better average in the previous academic year of full-time study. Payments lost cannot be added to the end of the award period.

NOTE: Entrance scholarships cannot be deferred. Students who defer their offer of admission are reconsidered the following year based on the availability of scholarship for that cohort.

Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President's Scholarship:

The University of Guelph's most prestigious undergraduate entrance award for international students. It was established in honour of the University’s eighth president, Dr. Franco Vaccarino, to acknowledge his remarkable impact on the University.
One scholarship is awarded each year to the top international student. It is valued at $42,500 and includes a research assistantship position and mentorship by one of the University's leading professors.

You are eligible to apply if you:

Have submitted an application for admission and have a valid U of G student ID number;
Are an International (VISA) student;
Are entering the first semester of any undergraduate degree program at the University of Guelph;
Have not previously attended a post-secondary institution;
Have at least an admission average equivalent to a 90.0% Canadian curriculum; and
Have made significant leadership contributions to your school and community.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are not eligible for this scholarship regardless of current country of residence or international school credentials. Please apply for a President's Scholarship or Lincoln Alexander Chancellor'sScholarship.
Application now closed for 2024
Student Application Deadline: January 25, 2024 4:00:00 p.m. (EST)
Reference Letters Deadline: February 1, 2024 4:00:00 p.m. (EST)

International Transfer Scholarship

Transfer students are valued members of the U of G community. To support our students, we have established a new $10,000 scholarship for international fee-paying transfer students joining the University of Guelph in the summer 2024 or fall 2024 semesters.

Scholarship Details

International fee-paying transfer students admitted to an undergraduate degree program for summer 2024 or fall 2024 are eligible to receive a one-time $10,000 CAD scholarship.

The award will be paid in two equal instalments, one in each of the first two semesters of study, and will be deposited directly to your University of Guelph account.

Conditions

Recipients must register for courses in the semester to which they were admitted, as well as the subsequent semester.

Recipients must pay the international student tuition and fees.

Changing immigration status may impact your eligibility.

Notes

Applicants to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program are not eligible for this award.

Entrance scholarships cannot be deferred. Students who defer their offer of admission are reconsidered the following year based on the availability of scholarships for that cohort.

Student Visa For Canada

Any student who wishes to study in Canada requires a student visa. Some of the essential information for the application process is given below.

When Should I Apply?

4 to 6 months

Ideally, one should apply for the study permit at least 4 to 6 months before the commencement of your course/program.

Bank Account

No Need!

There is no need for a blocked bank account to apply for a student visa to Canada.

Duration of visa

Course Duration + 3 Months

The student visa is valid for the entire period of your course plus three months.

Time to Wait for Visa

35 Days

It takes time. It might take up to 35 days post your interview for the application process to complete and for you to finally receive your visa.

Appointment

Required

It varies from applicant to applicant, but one may have to take part in one or two visa appointments, namely a medical examination and a visa interview.

How you can apply

Application Process

An applicant can either apply online or offline by visiting a visa application centre and submitting their documents. After the analysis of your application, you might be called for an interview.

Fee

Visa Fee

The visa application fee for Canada is CAD 150.

Minimum Funds

833 CAD, 917 CAD

You require a minimum monthly amount to be deposited into your account to prove that you can sustain yourself while studying in Canada. If you are studying in Quebec, you need to have a monthly minimum of CAD 917, and if you are studying in a province except for Quebec, you need to have a minimum of CAD 833 per month.

Any other expenses

Required

You will have to pay a medical examination fee and a visa application service fee to the tune of CAD 15 if you visit a visa application centre to apply for your visa.

Medical Examination

Required

One has to undergo a series of medical examinations to be deemed fit for a student visa of Canada. The tests mostly include blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and other organ checkups.

Language Skills

Not Required

one doesn’t need to prove their language skills in applying for a Canadian Visa.

Disclaimer: The information provided about the work permit is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the author or the publisher. The author and the publisher, therefore, disclaim any liability in connection to and with the use of this information.

Work Permit

PGWP

Students who wish to work in Canada require a work permit to do so. A student in Canada can work part-time during the course of his studies and full-time during holidays and semester breaks and post the completion of their course/program.

Rules for getting a part-time work visa in Canada

You can also work part-time on campus at your university.

Work Permit

Duration

Your part-time work permit will be valid for as long as you have a valid study permit.

Working Hours

20 Hours/Week

As a full-time student, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week. However, you can work full- time during holidays and breaks.

Documents Required

List

To apply for a work permit, you will need a study permit that mentions that you are allowed to work part-time on campus.

Social Insurance Number

Study Permit

You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to Service Canada. if you wish to work in Canada during the course of your studies. To apply for the same, you need a valid study permit, and you should be a full- time student at a recognized university.

You can work part-time off-campus if you are studying in the Quebec province.

Duration of Work Permit

Your part-time work permit will be valid for as long as you have a valid study permit.

Work Hours

As a full-time student, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week. However, you can work full- time during holidays and breaks.

Documents Required

To apply for a work permit, you will need a study permit that mentions that you are allowed to work part-time on campus.

Social Insurance Number

You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to Service Canada if you wish to work in Canada during the course of your studies. To apply for the same, you need a valid study permit, and you should be a full- time student at a recognized university.

Working after completing your course

In Canada, you will need a work permit to get a full-time job in Canada after finishing your studies. You chose a work permit like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you wish to stay back in Canada and work full-time.

Visit Government of Canada Website for more detail

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post- Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work for three years in Canada if you have completed a two years degree or more.

Application

how can i apply

You can either apply online or download the form and mail the application along with the required documents. Pay your fee and then wait for the decision to come.

Application Documents Required

List

To apply for the work visa, you need a degree from a recognized and accredited Canadian University along with an intention to stay and work in Canada only temporarily.

When to Apply?

One can apply for the full-time work permit in the first three months post the completion of their course during which the study permit is still valid.

How long does it take?

90 days

You will have to wait for 90 days for the decision on your work permit.

Duration

3 Years

The work permit is valid for 3 years if you have completed a two years degree program or more.

Fees

CAD 255

The fee for the work permit is CAD 255 plus the holder fee and the work permit processing fee.

Monthly Wages

CAD 1,600

An applicant is guaranteed a minimum salary of CAD 1,600 per month while working in Canada. This amount though varies on the job and the province you are working in.

Work Hours

No Limit

There is no maximum limit, and you can work for as many hours as you want on the full-time work permit.

Required Documents

List

To apply for the work visa, you will need the following documents:

Forms: IMM 5710, IMM 5476 and IMM 5475;
Graduation Proof
Proof of payment of work permit fees
Copies of your travel and identification documents, passport pages and current immigration document.

Till a decision is made on your work visa, you can continue to work full time. All you need to have is your completed degree, should have applied for the permit before the expiry of your study permit and you should be allowed to work off-campus.

Information

Disclaimer

The information provided about the work permit is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the author or the publisher. The author and the publisher, therefore, disclaim any liability in connection to and with the use of this information.