Our Commitment to Graduate Education

In our pursuit of scholarly and research excellence, Western is committed to graduate education. Western places great importance on helping graduate students finance their education, and we will continue to ensure that the university community is fully aware of all the funding opportunities available to help students succeed.

Funding support packages can be comprised of funds from a variety of sources and can differ from student to student. Funding sources include scholarships, graduate fellowships, and part-time employment such as graduate teaching assistantships. Depending on the degree type, program, and milestones, funding packages typically pull from a blend of internal and external sources.

Program-Specific Funding Structures

Master’s Students: A distinction is made between research-based programs and professionally oriented programs to determine eligibility for student support. Eligible students in many research-based Master’s programs are offered competitive funding support packages, while structures for professional programs vary. To determine the typical funding available, prospective and current students should contact their specific graduate program.

Doctoral Students: Eligible students in PhD programs (and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance) are offered a financial support package. Western maintains strong baseline commitments, ensuring an annual financial package of at least the annual cost of full-time tuition plus a set baseline amount across the normal duration of the program. Prospective and current students should connect with their program to learn more about the typical funding available to students.