Western University (UWO) London, Ontario

Established in 1878, Western University is in London, Ontario, Canada, and offers an excellent learning experience to over 40,000 students comprising 5,800+ international students from 128 countries from all over the world. It was earlier known as the University of Western Ontario Canada (UWO). Western University is a founding member of the U15- Canada’s most distinguished research universities and is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. 

When was Western University Established?

UWO Canada was established on March 7, 1878, by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth. It officially opened for students in 1881 as the Western University of London Ontario with four faculties of arts, divinity, law, and medicine.

Where is Western University?

Western University is located in London, Ontario, Canada. Its campus is spread across 481.2 hectares and is home to two art galleries and a Museum of Archaeology. 

Western University Accreditation

Western University is officially recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities of Ontario. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry of Western University has received accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS).

Education at WesternU

UWO Canada offers over 400 combinations of undergraduate majors, minors, and specializations and 88 graduate degree programs, including a range of interdisciplinary programs through its 12 faculties in areas of study such as engineering, law, business, medicine, and more.

Western University Highlights

Western University is one of the most distinguished research universities in Canada and is home to a diverse student population of 40,000 students from 128 countries around the world. Some of the highlights of Western University are as follows:

Why Choose Western University?

Western University is one of the top 10 research-intensive universities in Canada known for its exceptional academic programs and breakthrough research discoveries offering an outstanding experience to students from 128 countries around the world. It offers 480+ undergraduate and graduate courses in various study areas such as engineering, law, medicine, etc. Find below some of the reasons to choose Western University for higher studies in Canada:

• Western offers unique programs and academic choices for students through its 11 faculties and a School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
• It has over 3M National teaching award-winning faculty than any other institution in Ontario
• The diverse student body at Western consists of 40,000+ students belonging to different nationalities
• The accommodation provided at Western is one of the best residence experiences among large universities in Canada
• It offers exceptional financial support with guaranteed admission scholarships for high-achieving high school students
• Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) allows residents to have real-world experiences by connecting with local and global communities
• Students can gain work experience through support networks. Over 8,000+ employers recruit at Western with an average $33,150 - $49,134 annual salary range for paid internships
• Western is home to 4,500 international students from 121 countries and has an alumni community of 300,065 alumni in 154 countries worldwide. It also offers 170+ international learning programs in more than 40 countries
• The Western campus is one of the most picturesque campuses in Northern America situated along the banks of the Thames River in London, Ontario

Faculties and Departments at Western University

Western University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through its 12 faculties and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The courses are offered in various academic departments of journalism, engineering, economics, and more. Given below are the faculties and academic departments at Western University:

1. Faculty of Social Science
2. Faculty of Science
3. Faculty of Health Sciences
4. Faculty of Engineering
5. Faculty of Law
6. Faculty of Arts and Humanities
7. Faculty of Education
8. Faculty of Information and Media Studies
9. Don Wright Faculty of Music
10. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
11. Ivey School of Business
12. School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Some of the academic departments at Western University are:

Financial Aid and Scholarships at Western University

Western University provides financial aid to international students through scholarships, bursaries, work opportunities, and emergency loans. Both undergraduate and graduate students can avail themselves of various funding options. Find below some of the scholarships, bursaries, and other financial aid options available for international students at Western University:

Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students

International Student Emergency Bursary Program

Undergraduate international students in need of financial assistance can avail of the International Student Emergency Bursary valued from $300 to $2,000. The student should be registered as a full-time, undergraduate student at Western University in a degree program. The financial difficulties faced by the student should be a result of an unforeseen emergency that the student could not control and not due to lack of planning.

International Student Work Opportunities Program (ISWOP)

This work-study program is for undergraduate international students that offer financial assistance through paid part-time employment on the campus. The student should be pursuing an undergraduate program on the main campus of Western University. Students have an opportunity to gain and enhance skills, obtain work experience in a Canadian context, engage with the campus community, and enhance their experience of studying and living in Canada.

International Presidents Entrance Scholarships

Three scholarships worth $50,000 each are available for exceptional international students as a part of the National Scholarship Program. Students are selected based on outstanding academic performance, creative and innovative thought, and significant achievement in extracurricular activities.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Funding from the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)

The Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) offers financial aid to graduate students through various programs. International students enrolled in graduate programs at Western are eligible for Emergency Loans, Child Care Subsidy, Travel Subsidy, and Out of Province Bursaries. 

Funding from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS)

SGPS offers financial assistance to international graduate students. These funding options are available for students entering into a program at Western or based on recommendations from the program. Students can also apply for financial aid either to Western University or to an external funding agency.

Doctoral Medical Leave Bursary

International doctoral students are eligible for a Medical Leave Bursary of up to $5,000 for one term of leave during the full duration of their degree program. The medical leave bursary is granted for a maximum of one term. International graduate students requiring a medical leave longer than one term would not receive additional funding.

Student Services 

The Student Central at Western University offers a wide range of support and services for current students, future students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Listed below are a few amenities offered at Western University for all students:

1. Housing
2. Food & Dining
3. Financial Services
4. Academics & Learning
5. Athletics
6. Health and Wellness
7. Career Support
8. Campus Recreation Centre
9. Clubs & Associations
10. Western Technology Services (WTS)
11. Services for Students with Disabilities
12. Bookstore
13. Libraries
14. Western Technology Services