Admissions Updates

Applications for 2024-25 onwards

• New OUAC program choice: Family Studies & Human Development (OUAC Code: EFS)
• New admission requirement: Students must achieve at least 70% in all required courses for their program (prerequisites)
• New admission requirement: Engineering requires the Casper test

Applications for 2023-24 onwards

• New OUAC program choice: Computer Science (OUAC Code: ECS)
• OUAC name change: Media, Information and Technoculture has been renamed Media and Communication Studies (OUAC Code: EI) – the content of this program remains the same, it is changing in name only

Admission Requirements

In general, students needs:

• A competitive admission average
• Program-specific requirements, including:
  • Required courses (prerequisites)
  • Supplemental requirements
• English proficiency requirements, if English isn't their first language

View All Admission Requirements

How to Apply

Students apply on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Students from equity-deserving or systematically oppressed groups can also apply through admission pathways.

If extenuating circumstances have affected a student's grades, they should complete the Special Consideration Profile. 

See the FULL application guide

New Programs

Following the integration between Western and Brescia, Western is pleased to announce two new programs in the new Brescia School of Food and Nutritional Sciences:

• Foods & Nutrition (OUAC Code: EH)
• Family Studies & Human Development (OUAC code: EFS)

View all undergraduate programs

Applying to Faculties and Programs

At Western, students apply to faculties (for example, Science) rather than directly to the program they want to study (for example, Chemistry). There are a few programs that students enter directly (we call them "direct-entry programs") that are the exception to this rule (for example, Computer Science).

More on program choices

Common First Year

For most faculties and direct-entry programs

We have a common first year in most faculties. It allows for students to try out different programs and modules. Students complete Intent to Register at the end of which year to identofy which module they wish to complete.

For Engineering, Medical Sciences, Music and Nursing

These faculties and programs have more structure than others. Students will still have opportunities to explore, but within their field.

How Western degrees work

Enriched Programs

For students looking for an academic challenge, consider suggesting an enriched program at Western. These programs often require additional applications.

Programs for exceptional learners

Scholarships

Western offers a range of scholarships to support students. Admission scholarships include:

• Automatic Admission Scholarships
• Admission Scholarships for Black and Indigenous Students (❗️Self-identification required)
• Continue in Canada Admission Scholarships
• Welcome to Canada Admission Scholarships 
• National Scholarship Program (❗️Application and school nomination required by February 14)
• National Indigenous Scholarship Program (❗️Application and reference letter required by March 14)
• Schulich Leader Scholarships (❗️Application required by January 29)

Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents in financial need. Incoming first-year students need to complete an Admission Bursary Application by July 10. Out-of-province students are guaranteed at least $3,000 and first-generation students are guaranteed at least $2,000.

In upper years, students can also receive financial assistance through additional bursaries, Work Study for Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents or Work Study for International Students.

Costs

Tuition is different for Ontario students, out-of-province students and international students. It also varies by program.

Tuition bills are typically available on Student Center in early July for students starting in September. To get an idea of costs before then, use our Tuition Fee Estimator.

More on finances

Entrepreneuship

Western is excited to announce the new Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The building is open to students in all programs who are interested in inventing, making, growing, and sharing innovative ideas.

DISCOVER the Entrepreneurship Centre

Summer Transition

Western offers a variety of free summer programming to help students prepare for university, both socially and academically.

Explore Western Launch

Wellness

Mental health professionals are available to all students, free of charge. Supports include individual counselling, group care and academic relief.

More on wellness and well-being

Careers

Students are supported with career education. To help students gain experience outside the classroom, Western offers five Signature Experiences:

• Work Integrated Learning
• Project Based Learning
• Entrepreneurship
• Research
• Education Abroad

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Academics

From accessible education to mentorship and writing support, students at Western receive the tools to reach their academic goals. 

View academic supports

Equity-Deserving Groups

Diverse perspectives and lived experiences bring important contributions to Western. Resources are available to support members of equity-deserving groups or students from systemically oppressed groups.

Resources for equity-deserving groups

Study Permits

International students require study permits to attend Western for a program of six months or more. Western is available to help with questions as students apply for their study permits. 

Study Permit Supports

English Language Proficiency

Classes at Western are taught in English. If English is not a student's first language, they will need to provide Proof of English Language Proficiency.

See English Requirements

Finances

There are specific financial supports just for international students.

View international scholarships

International Student Supports

Western International supports international students with transitioning to Canada, taxes, conversational English, health and wellness, immigration advice and more.

International & Exchange Student Centre