CANADA · LONDON
University of Western Ontario
public · Founded 1878 · Languages: en, fr
In short
Western University is a leading Canadian research institution in London, Ontario, offering over 450 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs. It is recognized globally for its student services and sustainability impact, with strong graduate employment rates.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1878
- Students
- 42,978
- International students
- 5,445
- Acceptance rate
- 91%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–63k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- London, Canada
Western University is a leading public research university in London, Ontario, Canada, founded in 1878. As a U15 member institution, it enrolls over 42,000 students in 450+ undergraduate combinations and 160+ graduate programs spanning arts, business (Ivey), science, law, medicine, and engineering. Western ranks in the top 1% of universities globally and is renowned for outstanding student services, high graduate employment rates, and a vibrant campus life along the Thames River.
Why study here
- Member of the U15—Canada's consortium of leading research universities—with over $280M in annual research funding.
- Ivey Business School is among Canada's most prestigious, with a globally ranked MBA and strong career placement.
- Ranked #2 in Canada for student services and top 15 globally for sustainability by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
- 93.5% of graduates are employed within six months; 92.6% first-to-second-year retention rate.
- Diverse international community with 5,400+ students from 134 countries enriching campus life.
Student life
Western's campus in London, Ontario offers a full student experience: over 200 clubs and organizations, competitive varsity Mustangs athletics, a 15,000 sq. m. recreation centre, and a lively downtown just minutes away. London itself—known as the Forest City—is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities with affordable living costs, a thriving arts scene, and a warm student community. Orientation week ('Welcome Western') draws thousands and sets the tone for a connected campus culture.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition ranges approximately CAD 30,000–80,000/year (EUR 20,000–62,000) depending on program; medicine and Ivey programs are at the higher end.
HomeDomestic undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD 8,000–18,000/year. Graduate programs vary widely by faculty.
LivingEstimated monthly student living costs in London, Ontario: approx. CAD 2,400 including rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition is set by Western's Board of Governors and reviewed annually. An online Affordability Calculator is available. International students must also budget for UHIP health insurance (~CAD 1,010/year).
Admissions
High School AverageCompetitive programs require 85–95%+ average; general admission from ~78%
Ontario ApplicantsApply through OUAC; 6 Grade 12 U/M courses required including prerequisites
International ApplicantsEquivalent secondary credentials reviewed on a country-by-country basis
IELTS AcademicMinimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBTMinimum 86 overall
Duolingo English TestMinimum 120
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025151
Center for World University Rankings 2025Top 1%
Maclean's University Rankings 2026 (Student Services)#2 in Canada
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 (Sustainability)Top 15 globally
University scholarships
Western Scholarship of DistinctionCAD 2,000/year for students with 95%+ average
International Student Entrance ScholarshipCAD 2,000–10,000 based on academic merit
Undergraduate Summer Research Award (USRA)CAD 9,856
Accreditation
Western University is a publicly funded provincial university in Ontario, Canada. The Ivey Business School holds AACSB accreditation. Medical and law programs are accredited by their respective national bodies. Western is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and the U15.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Western Ontario · Canada
BA in French Studies
The Department of French Studies at Western University offers undergraduate programs designed to develop advanced proficiency in the French language, along with a deep understanding of French and Francophone literatures, cultures, and societies. Students can pursue various modules within the French Studies program, including Honors Specialization, Major, and Minor options, as well as a Certificate in Practical French. These programs cater to students interested in becoming fluent communicators, scholars of French culture, or educators in French.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Western Ontario · Canada
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Honours Specialization in Studio Art
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Honours Specialization in Studio Art at Western University offers a comprehensive and intensive program for students passionate about developing their artistic practice. This program provides a deep dive into various studio disciplines, encouraging students to explore their creative potential through hands-on work, critical thinking, and theoretical engagement. Students will develop a strong foundation in artistic techniques, conceptual development, and professional practices within the visual arts. This specialization is designed to foster individual artistic growth, pushing students to refine their skills and articulate their artistic vision. The curriculum balances studio practice with art history and theory, providing a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for a variety of paths in the arts and beyond. Graduates emerge with a refined portfolio, a critical understanding of contemporary art, and the confidence to pursue further studies or a professional career in the arts.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Western Ontario · Canada
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at Western University prepares you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and lead the future of healthcare. Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career in nursing. The program emphasizes health promotion, equity, and social justice, preparing graduates to address diverse healthcare needs. You'll gain practical experience in state-of-the-art clinical skills labs and simulation suites, as well as through real-world placements with leading healthcare partners in urban, community, and rural settings across southwestern Ontario. Graduates are well-prepared to write the RN licensing exam.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
42 mo
Duration
University of Western Ontario · Canada
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Western University's Civil and Environmental Engineering program provides a comprehensive education, preparing graduates for diverse careers in sectors such as consulting, government, resource industries, and even space exploration. The program is designed to equip students with the essential graduate attributes recognized by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), ensuring a high standard of professional readiness and opening doors to leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Western Ontario · Canada
Civil Engineering
The Civil Engineering program at Western University provides a comprehensive education in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. After completing a common first year in Engineering, students specialize in Civil Engineering. The program offers several options for further specialization in the third year, including Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and International Development. The International Development option includes a unique community development placement. Students can also pursue dual degrees with Business (Ivey HBA) or Law, or combine Civil Engineering with other major modules from faculties such as Science, Music, Social Science, or Arts & Humanities. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to address complex engineering challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Western Ontario · Canada
DAN Management & Organizational Studies
The Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) program at Western University offers a unique approach to business education, integrating business principles with social science perspectives. This program equips students with analytical skills and organizational insight, preparing them to manage the complex interactions between people and data within enterprises. You'll learn to apply evidence-based approaches to understanding consumer behavior, compensation structures, and ethical considerations. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of human factors and organizational success, making graduates well-rounded professionals ready for diverse career paths.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at the University of Western Ontario?
+
International undergraduate tuition ranges approximately CAD 30,000–80,000 per year, depending on the program. Medicine and Ivey Business School programs are at the higher end of this range.
What is the cost of living for students in London, Ontario?
+
Estimated monthly living costs for students in London, Ontario are around CAD 2,400. This includes expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and personal items.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 86 overall. The Duolingo English Test is also accepted with a minimum score of 120.
What academic average is needed for admission to competitive programs?
+
Competitive programs at Western University often require a high school average of 85–95%+. For general admission, the average is typically around 78%.
Does Western University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Western offers scholarships for international students, including the International Student Entrance Scholarship which provides CAD 2,000–10,000 based on academic merit.
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