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How to Apply
How to Apply
How to Apply
Your Guide to Applying for Graduate Studies at Western
Read and complete all of the steps on this page before you start your application.
Thinking of applying to graduate school at Western? Follow this five-step process:
IMPORTANT: Please note that the information provided on this page does not apply to certain graduate programs at Western that use other application systems. For information about the application process for those programs, please visit the following links:
| Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs | Ivey School of Business |
|---|---|
| Communication Sciences and Disorders (MClSc) | Business (EMBA, MBA) |
| Occupational Therapy (MScOT) | Management (GDip, MM, MSc) |
| Physical Therapy (MPT) |
Accessibility accommodations:
Western University is committed to achieving full accessibility for persons with disabilities. Part of this commitment includes arranging accommodations at each stage of the application process for students with disabilities to ensure they have an equitable opportunity to apply to Western.
If you are an applicant with a disability who may need accommodations during the application process, please contact Teri Hern (Manager, Graduate Admissions) at thern2@uwo.ca for assistance.
Step 1. Explore
Since introducing its first master's program in 1881, Western University remains dedicated to delivering excellent graduate education. We offer over 140 different graduate programs, including a range of professional master's and interdisciplinary programs, that provide endless opportunities to expand your knowledge and push the boundaries of discovery.
A complete list of our graduate programs can be found here. Each program page contains information about the application deadlines, admission requirements, and more. Be sure to review this information carefully as deadlines and minimum requirements vary by program. Please also note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. You are welcome to connect with the program(s) you are interested in using the contact information provided on each page.
Application Deadlines
Each graduate program has specific application deadlines, which may be different for domestic and international applicants. Applicants must review the website of the program they are applying to in order to ensure they submit by the appropriate deadline.
The application and all required supplementary materials, including references, must be submitted by the program’s application deadline unless otherwise stated.
Step 2. Prepare
Understand what you need on hand before starting your application. Select a category below to review its requirements.
Transcripts
Applicants are required to upload copies of their transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the application process.
- If your transcript is not in English, you must also provide an English translation processed by the issuing institution or a third-party translation service.
Official transcripts after admission
If you are offered admission, you will be required to provide an official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, other than Western.
An official transcript is a transcript in an unopened envelope with the institution's stamp on the seal, or an electronic transcript sent directly to gradapps@uwo.ca by the institution's Registrar.
Western also accepts electronic transcripts issued directly through third-party transcript distribution services such as MyCreds or Parchment.
References
References are collected through Western's online reference system.
- You will be asked to provide your referees' contact information within the application. Please provide an email address associated with each referee's institution or workplace.
- Western will email your referees within 2 hours of you entering or updating your reference information within the application, regardless of whether you submit it. Be sure to communicate with each of your referees prior to entering their information.
- Your referees will receive an email containing a unique link to our online reference form, which is comprised of questions selected by the graduate program and includes a space to write or copy/paste a letter of reference.
- When your referee submits their completed form, you will receive a notification email. We will add the submitted reference to your application within 1-2 business days.
- You will receive an email notification when a referee submits the completed form.
You may submit your application before your references have been received, but all references must be submitted by the application deadline.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English should carefully review Western's English language proficiency requirements before applying.
Applicants whose first language is English are not required to submit proof of English language proficiency with their application.
Additional Supplementary Documents
Many programs require additional documentation to support an application. Requirements may include:
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- A statement of interest
- Samples of written work
- Publications
- Other program-specific documents
Review the website of the program you are applying to to confirm whether additional requirements apply.
Unless otherwise stated by the program, all supplementary documentation is uploaded within the application.
Application Fee
The application fee amount may be different for certain graduate programs.
Accepted payment methods
- Visa or Mastercard
- Money order or bank draft from a Canadian banking institution
Western is unable to accept payment through alternate methods.
Step 3. Apply
Use our online application system to create a profile and portfolio of you and your accomplishments.
How to Start Your Application
Access to the graduate studies application portal requires one of two sets of credentials:
Option #1: I have never applied to Western before
If you have not applied to Western University before, you will need to create a temporary Western Applicant Account.
This account (User ID, password) can be created on the home page of the guest application portal. Select Create Account and complete the required information.
Option #2: I have previously applied to or attended Western
If you have applied to Western University previously, you were given a Western Student Identity (login and password). An active Western Identity can be used to log in to Student Center.
To start your application, log in and click “Admissions” and then “Apply for Graduate Studies”. If you need to re-activate your Western Identity, please follow the steps outlined on the Student Center home page.
Below you will find links to the support pages for each section of the application. These pages respond to frequently asked questions and help troubleshoot common issues:
Provide basic details related to your identity and contact information.
List all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
Provide your referees’ contact details. They will submit their references online through a secure link.
Answer program-specific questions that help assess your application.
Payment is required to process your application. Accepted methods include credit card or money order.
Upload transcripts and any additional required documents through the application portal.
If applicable, arrange for official test scores to be sent electronically to Western.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact the SGPS Admissions team at gradapps@uwo.ca or 519-850-2341.
Step 4. Track
If you do not have an existing Western Identity, one will be created for you within 48 hours of paying for and submitting your application. Your temporary Applicant Account will no longer be active.
You will receive the below activation instructions via email:
Western Identity Activation
Within 48 hours: If you do not already have a Western Identity, one will be created within 48 hours of paying for and submitting your application. Your temporary Applicant Account will then become inactive.
Activation instructions will be sent to you by email.
Obtain Your Western Access Code
Visit the Western Access Code Retrieval service to obtain your four-digit Western Access Code.
Have the following information from your activation email ready:
- Your eight-digit application number
- Your nine-digit Western ID, also called your student number
- Your birthdate
Activate Your Western Identity
Visit the Western Identity Manager and enter:
- Your Western ID
- The Access Code obtained in Step 1
You will then create your password and set your security questions.
Log in to Student Center
Once your Western Identity is active, use it to sign in to Student Center.
Student Center is where you can check your application status and review future admission decisions.
Check Your Application in Student Center
Once your Western Identity is active, sign in to Student Center and select Admissions, followed by Applications, to view your application status.
Continue checking your email for application updates and requests for additional documents.
Your application moves through two main review stages before a decision is made.
-
SGPS Review
Preliminary Assessment
This assessment is completed by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS). Please note that completing our assessment may take several weeks during peak periods.
During our assessment, SGPS will:
- Calculate your admission average
- Verify your English-language test scores (if applicable)
- Establish a basis for your potential admission (i.e. a prior academic degree)
- Determine any conditions that will be included in an offer should you receive one (e.g. submitting official transcripts)
If we find that we require additional documents to complete our assessment, we will notify you via email.
Once our assessment is complete, your application will be forwarded to the graduate program, and you will receive a notification email.
-
Program Review
Admission Decision
The graduate program reviews your application and makes an admission decision. The length of the review process varies by program.
Check the program’s website or contact the program directly for information about its expected decision timeline.
Decision notification: You will receive an email once the program has made a decision.
Step 5. Decide
Review the decision made on your application and respond to an offer of admission in Student Center.
Once the graduate program has made an admission decision, you will be notified by email.
Your application status will also be updated in Student Center when the decision is available.
Ready to Apply?