Graduate Admissions & Funding: Western University invites prospective students to explore over 160 unique graduate degree programs, ranging from professional master’s to research-intensive doctoral studies. As one of Canada’s largest research-intensive universities, Western offers an environment for in-depth exploration, collaboration with world-class researchers, and the development of professional and scholarly skills.
Apply to Graduate School: Explore 160+ Programs at Canada’s Research-Intensive Western University
Designation
Graduate Degree Programs (Master’s and Doctoral)
Research Area
Western is committed to supporting innovative research with $280 million in annual funding and providing world-class research facilities. Applicants can explore programs across numerous fields.
Examples of Research Institutes and Centres include:
- The Bone & Joint Institute
- Rotman Institute of Philosophy
- Institute for Earth & Space Exploration
- Western Institute for Neuroscience
- The Africa Institute
- Biomedical Imaging Research Centre
- Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children
Location
London, Ontario, Canada
(Often referred to as Canada’s most beautiful university campus, situated on the banks of the Thames River. London offers a vibrant cosmopolitan centre with a lower cost of living compared to major Canadian cities.)
Table: Cost of Living (London, ON vs. Other Cities)
| City | Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom apartment)* |
| London | $1,766 |
| Kingston | $1,810 |
| Kitchener | $1,859 |
| Ottawa | $2,032 |
| Halifax | $2,033 |
| Guelph | $2,084 |
| Toronto | $2,359 |
| Vancouver | $2,518 |
| *Data provided by Rentals.ca Rental Report (March 2025). |
Eligibility/Qualification
The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) sets minimum requirements; however, applicants must check specific program websites as some may have higher standards.
| Program Type | Minimum Qualification |
| Master’s Programs | Four-year degree from a recognized university or college with at least a 70% average across courses taken in the last two full-time years of the undergraduate degree. |
| Doctoral Programs | Master’s degree or equivalent with evidence of research potential and at least a 70% average in the Master’s degree. |
English Language Proficiency (for applicants whose first language is not English):
Must provide satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following (minimum scores listed; some programs require higher):
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 86, with no individual score below 20.
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 out of 9.
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum 115.
- CAEL Assessment: Minimum 60.
Description
A graduate education at Western provides the opportunity for in-depth exploration, collaboration, and the intellectual satisfaction of discovering and acquiring new knowledge. Students work closely with world-class researchers, contributing to important discoveries and advancing their professional skills. The SGPS is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization in all aspects of graduate and postdoctoral studies.
How to Apply (5-Step Process)
- Explore: Discover Western and its 160+ unique graduate degree programs.
- Connect: Contact your program(s) of interest to learn about specific requirements, deadlines, and potential supervisors.
- Prepare: Gather all necessary documentation, including academic records (transcripts), contact information for references, and any program-specific documents (e.g., writing samples, CV, statement of intent).
- Apply: Use the online application system to create a profile and portfolio. The application requires personal information, academic history, reference details (referees are emailed directly), responses to supplementary questions, application fee payment (credit card or Canadian money order), and supplementary document uploads.
- Complete: Ensure all required documents, transcripts, and test results are submitted by the deadline, as no application will be considered until it is complete.
Last Date for Apply- Open now
Varies by Program.
Each individual graduate program has specific application deadlines for both domestic and international students. Applicants must review their program’s specific website to ensure they submit the application and all admission requirements by the stated deadline.
