When you become a Western student, we want you to be successful. Part of that means making sure your English skills are strong enough so you can understand and enjoy your courses at Western.
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of your proficiency in listening, speaking, writing and reading English. Typically, this is done through an official test or English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.
We reserve the right to ask anybody to provide proof of English language proficiency. If we need it from you, it will be on your To Do List on Student Center after you apply. Some students may be able to request an exemption or waiver.
For fall 2026 admission, you must write one of these acceptable tests before March 2026. We will not accept scores for tests written before January 1, 2024.
When you take your test, make sure the first name, surname and date of birth you provide are the same as on your OUAC application. We can't match your test scores to your application if this information is different.
We only accept scores sent electronically by the IELTS Test Centre.
IELTS Results Service Account name: Western University, Undergraduate Admission
IELTS Results Service Account address:
1151 Richmond Street London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7
An institutional code is not required.
We will not accept paper Test Report Forms.
After your test has been sent to us, it can take a minimum of two weeks for us to update your Proof of English language proficiency request to “Received” on your Student Center.
We only accept scores sent electronically by the Educational Testing Services (ETS).
Western's Institution Code for TOEFL is 0984
Choose “University of Western Ontario - Undergraduate Organization”
After your test has been sent to us, it can take a minimum of two weeks for us to update your Proof of English language proficiency request to “Received” on your Student Center.
After writing your test, send your score to us electronically through your PTE account.
After your test has been sent to us, it can take a minimum of two weeks for us to update your Proof of English language proficiency request to “Received” on your Student Center.
After writing your test, send your score to us electronically using the Candidate Results Service.
After your test has been sent to us, it can take a minimum of two weeks for us to update your Proof of English language proficiency request to “Received” on your Student Center.
Ask to send your CAEL score to us when you book your test.
After your test has been sent to us, it can take a minimum of two weeks for us to update your Proof of English language proficiency request to “Received” on your Student Center.
After writing your test, send your score to us through your Duolingo account.
After your test has been sent to us, it can take a minimum of two weeks for us to update your Proof of English language proficiency request to “Received” on your Student Center.
Can I get an exemption or waiver?
Maybe! One of these statements must be true for you:
I attended four years of secondary school in English on a full-time basis
I attended two years of an Ontario college in English on a full-time basis
I attended one year of university in English on a full-time basis
And all of the following must also be true:
My classes were taught in English
I took academic courses
I did not take English as a second language course(s)
I am currently taking or took grade 12 English (if your high school is in Canada)
Note: These exemption conditions don’t apply to Nursing programs.
If you meet the exemption criteria...
Follow the instructions below depending on your applicant type.
Submitting a waiver request does not guarantee that we will approve it.
If we approve your exemption, we'll update your proof of English language proficiency to “Exempted” on your Student Center.
Send an email to welcome@uwo.ca with the subject line "English Proficiency Waiver Request." Include:
Your OUAC reference number or Western Student Number
Your years and experience in English studies
A brief summary of why you feel you should receive a waiver
If we find that you could be a good candidate for an exemption after submitting the above information via email, you will be notified within a week if a new item has been added to on your Student Center To Do List. Your To Do List item will include a link to an online form for you to complete in full and submit. The following documents will also need to be uploaded via the form:
Your full academic transcript(s)
A reference letter commenting on your level of English language proficiency from:
Your current ENG4U teacher, or
Your former ENG3U teacher, or
Your English teacher for your final year of high school, if you are outside Ontario
Send an email to welcome@uwo.ca with the subject line "English Proficiency Waiver Request." Include your OUAC reference number or Western Student Number.
Attach a letter from your school on letterheaded paper, signed by your school principal or counsellor, including:
Your name as it appears on your OUAC application
Your OUAC reference number
The language of instruction at your school
Years of attendance at an English medium institution
If you apply to Western and your English language proficiency test scores are close but don't quite meet our requirements, we could offer you a spot in the English Boost Program.
We only offer this if you meet all other admission requirements. You are automatically considered, there is no extra application.
Boost is a nine-week program you will complete in the summer before you start at Western. You’ll develop reading, writing and listening skills to help you succeed academically. You will also gain cultural knowledge to get to know Western.
2) English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Programs
Apply to these EAP programs. If you successfully complete the program, you meet the English proficiency requirements for admission.
