The University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) places fourth worldwide and tops in Canada in a new global ranking of veterinary schools.

This year’s ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) includes nearly 900 universities in various categories. Veterinary science schools around the world were included for the first time this year. The 4th-place ranking was the highest placing of any Canadian school in all categories.

The rankings are aimed at prospective students seeking to identify leading schools in their field. Schools are graded based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

OVC dean Elizabeth Stone said the reputation of the college has been bolstered by recognition by QS.

“We are pleased that OVC is being recognized for our world-class research, learning innovations and strategic direction,” she said.

“The ranking pays tribute to the high quality of our faculty, staff and students, and the relevance of the work they do to improve the health of animals, people and the environment. In addition, this recognition by employers of our graduates confirms the value of our University’s learner-centred approach.”

Top-ranked veterinary science schools are the University of California – Davis, Cornell University and the University of London’s Royal Veterinary College. After U of G, Université de Montréal was the next highest ranked Canadian school, placing 42nd.

The new QS rankings also listed U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College 23rd among agricultural schools worldwide, one spot higher than last year. Academic programs at Guelph also recognized in rankings were development studies, geography, environmental sciences, English language and literature, and biological sciences. Full details of Guelph rankings can be found on the QS website.

In an earlier “star system” assessment, QS named the University of Guelph as a five-star institution based on criteria such as world-class facilities, social responsibility, innovation and internationalization.