International Applicants

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Western is committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive services to all students, faculty and staff, while embracing the multiculturalism which defines our campus body.

Studying in Canada is an experience like no other. One of the most beautiful and multicultural nations on earth, the people of Canada are extremely friendly and embrace new cultures. We have excellent social services, health care and education systems, and enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. International students looking to experience the wonders of Canada can look no further than London. In fact, in 2008, the city of London won the National Multiculturalism Award from the Enriching My Canada and Yours Awards Foundation, a special recognition for promoting and celebrating its cultural diversity.

At Western University, our heritage of excellence continues to draw exceptional faculty and graduate students from around the world. International students often choose to study at Western due to our internationally-renowned faculty members, world-class research facilities and infrastructure, excellent graduate-level funding, and the high quality of our graduate programs. Approximately 20% of our graduate students are from outside of Canada, representing countries from all over the world.  Western is a diverse community.  There are many opportunities to get involved with international activities on campus, including joining clubs and campus projects, to volunteering with Western's international community and attending seasonal events.

Admission Requirements

Outlined below are the minimum admission requirements set forth by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Please review this information to ensure you are prepared with the knowledge necessary to succeed in your educational pursuits. Be sure to visit program-specific websites you are interested in applying to as each graduate program may have specific admissions requirements, including higher averages than the minimum.

Master’s Programs

Applicants must possess a four-year degree from a university, college or institute. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies requires at least a 70% average across courses taken in the last two full-time years of the undergraduate degree. Equivalent qualifications may be considered based on the standards of the discipline or profession.

Doctoral Programs

Applicants must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent from a university, college or institute, and provide evidence of research potential. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies requires at least a 70% average in the Master’s degree, as determined by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory* achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test): The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20. PdT (Paper-delivered Test): The minimum acceptable total score is 65, with no individual score below 20. Please note that some programs require a higher minimum and/or band score. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
  • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9. The IELTS is offered in 6 test centres in the US and 3 in Canada.
  • The Duolingo English Test.  Applicants must attain a minimum score of 115.    
  • The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60. The CAEL Assessment is offered in several countries throughout the world as well as Canada.
  • Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
  • Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.

*Programs at Western may require a higher minimum score than those listed above.

Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency. Those graduates from Fanshawe College’s ESL Program must provide official proof of graduation.

Exemptions

Other formal evidence of graduate level proficiency in English may be considered in lieu of these test scores. Students must contact the graduate program(s) to which they have applied in order to determine if test scores will not be required. A decision will then be made at the discretion of the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for exemption. For the French and Spanish programs only, evidence of proficiency in English is a degree requirement but not a requirement for admission.

 

International Support Services

There are numerous international student services on campus to make your graduate experience at Western both memorable and engaging.

International and Exchange Student Centre

Western University, Graduate Studies - Support Services BuildingInternational students at Western can take advantage of the International and Exchange Student Centre's (IESC) offerings - a full range of services and programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of international students and enhance their academic, social, and cultural experience at the university, including:

  • Orientation Activities and a friendly welcome team of student volunteers to assist and support newly arrived international students with questions about settling in
  • Peer Guide Program, providing friendly support and assistance with cultural and transition issues
  • Year-round social, cultural and informative events
  • Individual assistance with Canadian immigration and employment regulations, financial, cultural, social and personal concerns
  • English Conversation Program for students (and spouses) who want to enhance spoken English skills
  • Volunteer opportunities to gain valuable experience in a cross-cultural setting

For more information, please visit International and Exchange Student Centre (IESC).

Western English Language Centre

Western's English Language Centre allows academically eligible students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Western the opportunity to receive a conditional offer of admission to graduate studies without successful completion of an English language proficiency test. The condition is that the student must, in lieu of such a test, successfully complete Western English Language Centre's program. For more information, please visit http://englishlanguage.uwo.ca/.

Centre for Teaching and Learning - International Programs

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) offers communication and orientation programs for International Graduate Students at Western. These programs are designed to help international students make the transition to living in Canada, and they also allow students to develop English language skills for the classroom.

International Teaching Assistant Day is a half-day conference held in early September, while the other courses are offered at various times throughout the year.

The CTL also oversees Communication Strategies for International Grad Students (CSIGS), an e-book primarily for international and newcomer Canadian graduate students to familiarize them with the norms of communication in Canada.

Equity and Human Rights Services

Equity and Human Rights Services (EHRS) provides information on the University’s discrimination and harassment policies, employment equity and diversity and other human rights related issues. EHRS are here to help you, whether you are a student, staff or faculty member. EHRS are dedicated to making Western an equitable, safe and supportive environment for all members of the University community. Their service is confidential except in specific circumstances.

Equity and Human Rights Services also oversees Western's Multicultural Calendar.