Step 1

Learn about Western Education's Graduate Programs

Choose a Program and Area of Study

Fees and Funding

Indigenous Education

Western's Faculty of Education is distinguished by its on-going commitment to Indigenous Education. Graduate students will discover a range of opportunities to learn more about Indigenous scholarship and research through course work, internships, seminars, visiting speaker programs and other events. First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are encouraged to apply and are warmly welcomed and supported in their studies through the Faculty's Indigenous Education Office.

Indigenous Access Program
Indigenous People candidates who meet the minimum admission requirements will be given special consideration in the application process. In accordance with the Constitution Act, 1982, an Indigenous People candidate is an Indian, Inuit or Métis person of Canada. Applicants who wish to be considered through the Indigenous Access program must provide proof of native status (such as a copy of the status card or letter from the band). Indigenous Access applicants are invited to contact the Graduate Programs Office at 519-661-2099.

To see more information, please visit Indigenous Education at the Faculty of Education

International Students

Western University strives to create a diverse culture of learning in which international students are valued, supported, and celebrated. Our campus is filled with students from all over the world and we encourage non-Canadian citizens to apply to our programs.

Please note, the Faculty of Education will offer a maximum of 4 International PhD applicants admission (with full funding) for entry in Fall 2024. 

To be considered, International applicants must have a complete application with all relevant supporting documentation submitted on or before the deadline. 

Please visit our International & Exchange Student Centre for information on housing, VISA, health information, and more.

Step 2

Review Requirements and Deadlines

Admissions Requirements

Admission to a program is granted by the Dean of the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies on the recommendation of the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, Faculty of Education, who shall be advised by the applicable Admissions Committee and other individuals as appropriate.

Doctor of Education Degree (Field of Educational Leadership)

Required:

  • A Master's degree in the area of Educational Leadership or Educational Administration is preferred. Master's degrees in other areas will be considered.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5. Typically an "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work.
  • Minimum three years of full-time work experience in an Educational Leadership role. OR, 
  • Minimum five years of full-time work experience in a role allied with leadership such as a role in a community setting. 
  • Formal or informal leadership experience in an educational setting, clearly demonstrated in your CV or Resume and Statement of Intent.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. For more information go to the requirements and deadlines section of the apply page. 

Doctor of Education Degree (Field of Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice)

  • Master's degree in education and/or related fields
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5. Typically an "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work.
  • Minimum three years of work experience in education and/or related fields.
  • A commitment to addressing Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice is clearly demonstrated in the Statement of Intent.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. For more information go to the requirements and deadlines section of the apply page. 

Doctor of Education Degree (Field of Applied Behaviour Analysis)

  • Master's degree in applied behaviour analysis, psychology, education, and/or related fields*
  • Candidates must be Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) or eligible to sit for the BCBA exam, or have a record of coursework and research experience in behaviour analysis.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5. Typically, an "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work.
  • Minimum three years of work experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis, such as in schools, private practice, or clinical programs in agencies.  
  • A commitment to advancing the scholarship and practice of ABA is demonstrated in the Statement of Intent. 
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. For more information go to the requirements and deadlines section

Master of Professional Education (MPEd) Degree

Required:

  • A four-year degree (20 full courses or equivalent) from an accredited university.
  • Minimum "B" standing (70%) or equivalent in the final two years of study.

Recommended:

  • Honours degree.
  • For applicants to the field of Educational Psychology/Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) only, a background in psychology should be apparent.
  • For applicants to the field of Educational Leadership a minimum of one year of teaching experience, or experience within the field of education is recommended.

Notes & Exceptions:

  • Bachelor of Education and Additional Qualification course grades are not used in calculating admission averages.
  • Applicants with 3-year degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis if seats are available in programs. Successful experience as an educator in a professional setting may be considered in the selection process.
  • Probationary Status:  If an applicant does not meet all of the minimum admission requirements (e.g. average below 70% and/or has only a 3-year degree plus B.Ed.) the applicant may be offered admission as a Probationary Student with Conditions.
  • Conditions:  Applicants will be required to maintain a 75% average in each of these courses to clear conditions.

PhD Degree (Field of Curriculum Studies and Studies in Applied Linguistics)

Required:

  • Research based Master's degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited university
  • Normally an "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work
  • Evidence of previous scholarly research, such as a Master's Thesis, Masters Research Project, or Qualifying Research Paper acceptable to the Doctoral Admissions Committee and the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs
  • Clear statement of plans for future study and research

Recommended:

  • Professional qualifications and work in an educational setting (teaching experience or other)

Notes & Exceptions:

  • Students with Master's degrees and an excellent academic record in a related field, who have experience in education and teaching in universities, colleges, or organizations other than public schools, and who may not have professional teaching credentials or qualifications, will also be considered for admission.
  • Students may be required to make up for any deficiencies in their specific backgrounds by taking appropriate additional course work.

PhD Degree (Field of Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership)

Required:

  • Research based Master's degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited university.
  • Normally an "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work.
  • Evidence of previous scholarly research, such as a Master's Thesis, Masters Research Project, or Qualifying Research Paper acceptable to the Doctoral Admissions Committee and the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs
  • Clear statement of plans for future study and research

Recommended:

  • Professional qualifications and work in an educational setting (teaching experience or other)

Notes & Exceptions:

  • Students with Master's degrees and an excellent academic record in a related field, who have experience in education and teaching in universities, colleges, or organizations other than public schools, and who may not have professional teaching credentials or qualifications, will also be considered for admission.
  • Students may be required to make up for any deficiencies in their specific backgrounds by taking appropriate additional course work.

PhD Degree (Field of School and Applied Child Psychology)

Required:

  • A Master's degree or equivalent (with thesis) in Clinical, Developmental, Cognitive, Counseling, Educational or School Psychology;
  • Normally an "A" standing (80%) or equivalent in previous graduate work.
  • Although separate admissions are required for the MA and PhD in School and Applied Child Psychology, the two levels are one coherent program. When accepted into the PhD program, the transcripts of candidates who did not take the MA in School and Applied Child Psychology are assessed. Students are required to complete the MA courses for which they do not have equivalence as part of their previous MA program to ensure that they have learned the skills and content taught in the MA program. These courses are listed in their admissions letter. If they believe that they have fulfilled the requirement, they may appeal to the Program Chair for a re-assessment of their previous coursework.
  • There are certain core courses that must be taken at the Master’s Graduate Level.  If you received a Master’s degree from a different university, and these core courses are not on your transcript, you may need to take additional courses. Students who enter the PhD without Ethics in Psychological Practice MUST take it during the first year of the PhD program.  Given the requirement of breadth when registering as a psychologist, students must also meet the 5 cognate (core content areas identified below) requirements in their upper senior undergraduate (3 rd or 4 th year) or in their graduate program.  Most of these requirements (with the exception of one; historical and scientific foundations of general psychology) can be obtained through the existing program.   If you have not taken a course that meets the criteria for the historical and scientific foundations of general psychology, you will have to obtain that credit prior to your internship placement.

    The five core content areas are:

    1. Biological bases of behaviour (e.g., physiological psychology, comparative psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology)
    2. Cognitive-affective bases of behaviour (e.g., learning, sensation, perception, cognition, thinking, motivation, emotion),
    3. Social bases of behaviour (e.g., social psychology; cultural, ethnic, and group processes; sex roles; organizational and systems theory),
    4. Individual behaviour (e.g., personality theory, human development, individual differences, abnormal psychology), and
    5. Historical and scientific foundations of general psychology (this content area can be fulfilled with a one-semester, senior undergraduate course).

OPTIONAL: Graduate Record Examination (GRE); General & Psychology. There is no pre-determined cut-off score on the Graduate Record Examinations

NOTE: Students short-listed for the PhD in Educational Studies in the field of School and Applied Child Psychology may be required to participate in a telephone or in-person interview.

MA Degree in Counselling Psychology

Required:

  • A four-year Honours degree (20 full courses or equivalent), with a major in Psychology, from an accredited university.
  • An undergraduate honours thesis
  • Minimum "B" standing (70%) or equivalent in the final two years of study.
  • Minimum one year or equivalent paid and/or volunteer experience in the helping professions (see note for more information).

Recommended:

  • Courses/background in research statistical methods.

Notes & Exceptions:

  • With regard to work experience, the Admissions Committee will add time in positions together to make up the equivalent of one year. There is no minimum requirement in terms of hours of work. However, there should be a reasonable accumulation of time that is the equivalent of one or more years in a related field.
  • When considering whether or not an applicant's helping experiences qualifies them for consideration the admissions committee will examine both the role of the helper and the conditions under which a person is seeking help. Helping experience encompasses any activity where the helper is aware that they are providing assistance to someone who needs support for emotional or mental distress and needs. The person who seeks help is looking to the helper to provide assistance and help them improve and modify their current emotional and mental state. Helping experience does not include tutoring, teaching, or sport/performance coaching, which would be focused on making change to a cognitive or physical state. It does include experiences where the helper is aware that they are responsible for attending to the emotional/mental needs and state of the client, and can include distress centres, shelters, street-level services for vulnerable people, and mentoring programs, for example. One marker of an acceptable helping experience is the inclusion of training on the role and limitations of a helper and the psychological needs and vulnerabilities of the client population.
  • Decisions for the Counselling Psychology program are based on application materials and a personal interview. Approximately 24 candidates are selected for personal interviews based on their application, which are held in March each year.

MA Degree (Field of Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership, Field of Curriculum Studies, Field of Applied Linguistics)

Required:

  • A four-year degree (20 full courses or equivalent) from an accredited university.
  • Minimum "B" standing (70%) or equivalent in the final two years of study.

Recommended:

  • Honours degree.
  • A qualification leading to certification as a teacher (e.g. B.Ed.).
  • Minimum one year of teaching experience, or experience within the field of education.

Notes & Exceptions:

  • Bachelor of Education and Additional Qualification course grades are not used in calculating admission averages.
  • Applicants with 3-year degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis if places are available in programs. Successful experience as an educator in a professional setting may be considered in the selection process.
  • Probationary Status:  If an applicant does not meet all of the minimum admission requirements (e.g. average below 70% and/or has only a 3-year degree plus B.Ed.) the applicant may be offered admission as a Probationary Student with Conditions.
  • Conditions:  Full-time applicants will be required to register in 2 half courses during the Fall Term and maintain a 75% average in each course to clear conditions.  Part-time applicants will be required to register in one half course in the Fall Term and one half course in the Winter Term and maintain a 75% average in each of these courses to clear conditions.

MA Degree (Field of School and Applied Child Psychology)

Required:

  • A four-year Honours degree (20 full courses or equivalent), with a major in Psychology, from an accredited university.
  • An undergraduate thesis, or equivalent research and writing experience, is required.
  • A course in undergraduate statistics or quantitative research methods is required (second year or beyond); or students must complete 9621 Introduction to Quantitative Methods during the first year of the program.
  • A 0.5 course in child development (second year or beyond).
  • An undergraduate average of 80% is required.  
  • A professor must agree to supervise the applicant’s thesis before an offer of admission is made; students must contact potential supervisors when preparing an application, and list 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd choices of supervisors on the application.
  • For International applicants, an IELTS average score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 on each scale, and a Skype interview, will be required.

OPTIONAL: Graduate Record Examination (GRE); General & Psychology. There is no pre-determined cut-off score on the Graduate Record Examinations

NOTE: Students short-listed for the MA in Educational Studies in the field of School and Applied Child Psychology will be required to participate in an online interview.

Progression to the PhD in School and Applied Child Psychology Program:

  • Students who successfully complete this program may apply to the PhD in School and Applied Child Psychology.
  • Admission to the PhD in Education Studies in the Field of School and Applied Child Psychology program is competitive, but those graduating successfully from our MA are given first consideration.
  • If you’re interested in applying to the PhD after the MA, it is advisable that you check the admission requirements to ensure you have the necessary coursework

English Proficiency Requirements

Who must provide proof of English proficiency?


  • The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies reserves the right to ask any applicant whose first language is not English for a test score.  This includes Canadian Citizens, whose first language is not English, and who do not meet the above criteria.
  • International applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide an English Proficiency test score (TOEFL, MELAB or IELTS) along with their supporting application documents by the application deadline.
  • In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the Faculty of Education will be temporarily accepting the Duolingo English Test to satisfy the English Proficiency requirement of the application. More information about the Duolingo English test can be found on their website:  https://englishtest.duolingo.com/
  • Score reports are valid two years from the date of submission of a student's Online Application.  If the test results are older than two years, the test will need to be rewritten. 
  • Applicants who are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English and fail to do so may be denied admission.
  • "Each student granted admission to Western must be proficient in spoken and written English.  Students must demonstrate the ability to write clearly and correctly. Work presented in English in any subject at any level, which shows a lack of proficiency in English and is, therefore, unacceptable for academic credit, will either be failed or, at the discretion of the instructor, returned to the student for revision to a literate level.  To foster competence in the use of the English language within their own discipline, all instructors will take proficiency in English into account in the assignment of grades."
  • A student who, after admission, shows an inadequate command of spoken or written English must improve his or her proficiency to the satisfaction of the graduate program or department.

Who may be exempt from providing further proof of English proficiency?

  • Francophone students from Canada do not typically need to provide an English Proficiency test score, however, it is expected that applicants are bilingual. 
  • Students whose first language is not English may be considered exempt from providing an English Proficiency test score if they have studied academic courses, full time, for at least two years, in an English speaking University or full time, for at least three years, in an English Speaking College that is in a country whose official first language is English.  If in doubt, students should contact the Graduate Programs Office for clarification. 

Minimum required test scores for TOEFL, MELAB & IELTS

Minimum required test scores

Test Overall
TOEFL iBT (internet-Based Test): The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20. PdT (Paper-delivered Test): The minimum acceptable total score is 65, with no individual score below 20.  [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
IELTS

MA in Education Studies in the Field of School Applied Child Psychology: For International applicants, an IELTS average score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 on each scale, and a Skype interview, will be required.

EdD - Doctor of Education: For International applicants, an IELTS average score of 7.0 out of 9, with a minimum individual score of 6.5 out of 9 on each scale, and an interview, will be required.

MA Course-Based: For International applicants, an IELTS average score of 7.0 out of 9, with a minimum individual score of 6.5 out of 9 on each scale, and an interview, will be required for consideration of direct entry.  

All Other Programs: 6.5/9 overall with no individual score less than 6.0 for consideration of direct entry.

Applicants who fall below the score of 6.5/9 overall will be reviewed on a case by case basis with the requirement of attending a 12 week onsite session during the summer prior to the start of the program.

MELAB 85 (minimum 80 on each of the sections)
CAEL Assessment 60
Duolingo English Language Test* 115 (minimum)

* Important note: Duolingo English Test: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Faculty of Education will be temporarily accepting the Duolingo English Test to satisfy the English Proficiency requirement of the application. More information about the Duolingo English test can be found on their website: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/

Western's Institution & Department Codes

  • The Western University's Institution Code is 0984, and the Department Code for Education is 85.  These two numbers must be indicated on a student's test form in order for the Graduate Programs Office to receive your results.
  • Students who did not include these codes when they wrote the test should contact the testing centre to provide the codes.

Information on TOEFL, MELAB & IELTS

Students who are required to present proof of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB and to have the official results sent directly to the UWO by the testing agency.

Application forms for the TOEFL may be obtained by writing to:

Test of English as a Foreign Language 
Box 899
Princeton, New Jersey
08541, U.S.A.

The TOEFL is administered on several dates each year; registration forms must be submitted directly to the testing agency at least one month in advance of the test date. More information is available at the Official TOEFL web site.

 

The IELTS is not offered in Canada or the United States but is offered in most other countries. For information, please contact:

British Council Office or the IELTS Liaison Officer
British Council
10 Spring Gardens
London, England
SW1A 2BN

 

Arrangements to write MELAB may be made by writing to:

The International English Language Institute
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
48104, U.S.A.

Application Deadlines

Read the admissions details below carefully and then click on the Apply Now button to begin your application. You will need to reference the information on this page to complete your application, so keep it open and available. Please don't hesitate to contact us for assistance by emailing edrecruit@uwo.ca or calling 519-661-2111 ext. 82745.

Important note: To be considered for admission, all documents required for your application (including references) must be submitted by the application deadline listed below. The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents (including references) are submitted by deadline.  Applications for September 2024 are set to open on October 8, 2023, below are the application deadlines for each program.

Program Application Deadline

Master of Arts in Education Studies (MA)

  • Field of School and Applied Child Psychology
  • Field of Counselling Psychology

January 15, 2024

Master of Arts in Education Studies (MA)

  • Field of Curriculum Studies
  • Field of Applied Linguistics

Janaury 15, 2024 - Early Applications

February 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed in two rounds.  The first round of applications will be reviewed after January 15 (to be reviewed in this round applications must be considered complete).  For an application to be considered complete, it must be “Released to Program” and have all required documents submitted, including references.  The remaining applications will be reviewed after the application deadline in February. Early applications are encouraged for consideration for merit-based entrance scholarships.

Master of Arts in Education Studies (MA)

  • Field of Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies

November 30, 2023

We are still accepting applications. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Studies (PhD)

  • Field of School and Applied Child Psychology

International and Domestic Applicants: January 15, 2024

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Studies (PhD)

  • Field of Curriculum Studies
  • Field of Applied Linguistics

International Applicants: January 15, 2024

Domestic Applicants:

January 15, 2024 - Early Applications

February 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed in two rounds.  The first round of applications will be reviewed after Janaury 15 (to be reviewed in this round applications must be considered complete).  For an application to be considered complete, they must be “Released to Program” and have all required documents submitted, including references.  The remaining applications will be reviewed after the domestic application deadline in February. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Studies (PhD)

  • Field of Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies

International and Domestic Applicants: November 30, 2023

We are still accepting applications from domestic applicants. Our international spots are filled. 

Master of Professional Education -Leadership in Indigenous Education

April 15, 2024

Master of Professional Education - TESOL

September 2024 Intake February 1, 2024

January 2025 Intake June 30, 2024

 

Master of Professional Education - ABA

February 1, 2024

Master of Professional Education (MPEd) - all other programs

April 15, 2024 (rolling offers)

Doctor of Education (EdD)

  • Field of Educational Leadership 

January 15, 2024

We are still accepting applications. 

Doctor of Education (EdD)

  • Field of Equity, Diversity, Social Justice

January 15, 2024

We are still accepting applications. 

Doctor of Education (EdD)

  • Field of Applied Behaviour Analysis

 March 17, 2024

 Last updated: February 2024

Step 3

Get your documents

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all aspects of the application have been submitted.  Ensure you follow up with your referees to ensure that their reference letters are submitted on time.  Your application will not be considered complete if any of your supplemental documents are missing from your application.  Please be sure to check the email address that you provided in your application regularly, as the University may contact you via email if more information is required.

All supporting documents should be included in your application digitally.  The application system will allow you to include additional supporting documents (if you require more space).  Supplemental documents include:

  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Statement of Intent
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Writing sample
  • Reference Information
  • Work verification letters (only required for applications to the Master of Arts in Education Studies in the field of Counselling Psychology program.)
  • English Proficiency Scores (if applicable)
  • Copy of Marriage certificate to provide proof of name change (if applicable)
  • If born outside of Canada, provide proof of Canadian Citizenship, Landed Immigrant Status, or Permanent Residency
  • Any other information that you feel the Admission Committee should have when considering your application (submit electronically)

Please note that the GRE is not required when applying to any of the programs at the Faculty of Education. But if you have scores you would like to submit, we will accept them.   

More information about each of the supplemental documents can be found below.

Please don't hesitate to contact us for assistance by emailing edrecruit@uwo.ca or calling 519-661-2111 ext. 82745.

Unofficial Transcripts

At the time of application, Western accepts digital academic records. There is no need to submit paper copies of your transcripts. The following transcripts must be provided:

  • All College/University courses and programs that are completed or in progress;
  • Courses taken on a letter of permission, exchange, or courses for which you have received transfer credit, even if they appear on your home institution’s transcript;
  • CEGEP;
  • Past and current students of Western University need to provide an academic record for Western (web academic report).

If you are admitted to one of our programs, you will be required to provide one official academic transcript from each postsecondary institution you attended. More information will be provided if you are offered admission.  There is no need to provide an official transcript from Western.

Please note: Western considers a transcript official only if it is received in a university envelope that is sealed and signed on the flap by the official person in the office issuing the transcript. If the transcript and degree certificate are not in English, a certified translation must also be included. (Non-English transcripts from institutions within Canada do not require a translation).  Western does not accept translations from World Education Services (WES).

Statement of Intent

The Statement of Intent is how the Admissions Committee will get to know you. Anything you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you should be included in this document. For PhD applicants, include your research interest and your research background. Please review the details below for each program.

Important note: When submitting an application to the MA and PhD in Education Studies program, applicants must indicate their preferred Thesis Supervisor in their Statement of Intent. Applicants are advised to review the Faculty Research page and contact faculty in their area of interest to confirm that this potential exists. 

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

All programs: 

  • Please provide an up-to-date version of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

EdD applicants should clearly indicate:  

  • A minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in education or related fields 
  • EdD Educational Leadership: Formal or informal leadership experiences in educational settings 
  • EdD Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice: Demonstrated commitment to addressing equity, diversity, social justice, and human rights 
  • EdD Applied Behaviour Analysis: Formal or informal leadership experiences in the field of applied behavior analysis.

Writing Sample

The writing sample is only required for applicants to the MA, PhD, and EdD programs. It must demonstrate your potential and current ability to write at the graduate level. It must prove that you can coherently present a thesis, develop an idea, and present ideas on paper. Regardless of topic, the paper must include citations and a reference list.

MPEd - all programs & MA Course-basedNo writing sample is required. 

MA and PhD applicants: The writing sample should be approximately 15 to 20 pages of content.

MA in the field of Counselling Psychology: No writing sample is required.

MA in the field of School and Applied Child Psychology: No writing sample is required.

PhD in the field of School and Applied Child Psychology: No writing sample is required.

EdD applicants: The writing sample length is specific to the field of study:

  • EdD Educational Leadership & EdD Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice:
    Between 15-20 pages / 3,800-5,000 words – content (excluding references)
  • EdD Applied Behaviour Analysis:
    About 10 pages

Samples must be double spaced and use correct referencing format. You must be the sole author of any work you submit.Please read this FAQ carefully (PDF)for more details about the EdD writing sample. You are responsible for ensuring that all writing sample guidelines have been met before submitting your application to the EdD program.

Reference Information

References are a very important part of your application, since references address your potential for success in the program from the perspectives of those who know you well, in different contexts.

Note: Referees (the person providing a reference) will receive an email with a link to complete an online form that will be attached to your application, these are not separate letters of reference.

MA Applicants: Two academic references

MPEd & MA Course-based Applicants: Three academic references, professional references will be accepted.

PhD Applicants: Three academic references

EdD Applicants: Three references are required:

  • An immediate supervisor;
  • A person who is familiar with your academic work; and
  • Someone who is familiar with your professional experience and history.

Every effort should be made to obtain an academic reference since academic referees speak to your potential for academic success in the program(s). However, you may submit another professional reference if you are unable to secure an academic reference.

Please note: It is the applicant's responsibility to follow up with their referees to ensure that they complete the online form by the deadline. Your application will not be considered complete if references have not completed the required documentation. Referee contact information is gathered through the application portal. References are sent an email with next steps to complete the reference letters online. 

Work Verification Letters

These supplemental documents are only applicable for those who are applying to the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program. Work Verification Letters must be on company letterhead and come from where you are working or volunteering and attest to the number of years of counselling-related experience, including a brief description of your counselling-related responsibilities. The letters need to be uploaded to your online application portal. 

English Language Proficiency Scores

Students whose first language is not English must arrange to have official Score Reports sent to Western University directly from the Testing Centre. Western’s Institution Code is 0984 and the Department Code for Education is 085.  We can not accept faxed copies or photocopies of score reports. More information on English Language Proficiency (ELP) test scores is located on the requirements and deadlines section of this page

English Language Exemptions will be automatically considered in the following scenarios, and a formal exemption request is not necessary:

  1. The student has studied academic courses, full time, for at least two years, in an English-speaking University that is in a country in which the official first language is English.
  2. Or, the student has studied academic courses, full time, for at least three years, in an English-speaking College that is in a country in which the official first language is English.
  3. Or, countries that do NOT require English Proficiency scores (PDF)

Please note, exemptions beyond these criteria are extremely rare and must be requested in writing.  Exemption requests must be uploaded to your application as a PDF document which includes a brief explanation as to why you are requesting an exemption from providing English Proficiency scores.  You will also need to include all corresponding documents (i.e. letter from your institution, transcripts).

Advanced Academic Standing

  • Students wishing for advanced standing for accredited courses taken at the graduate level prior to registering in a Graduate Education program at Western must apply at the time of application.
  • Advanced standing cannot be granted on courses taken to complete degrees or diplomas.
  • Advanced credit may be recommended for courses that are clearly relevant to the current program.
  • Normally, advanced standing will be given for no more than two half courses (one full course).
  • At the time of application, please submit a written request for Advanced Standing, including course outlines.
  • Please connect with edrecruit@uwo.ca if you have further questions.

Note: Advanced standing is not available for the EdD program.

Re-applicants

  • Applicants from the previous year re-applying for the current year will be required to re-apply for admission via the online application and pay the application fee.
  • Students who have voluntarily withdrawn or who have been withdrawn and wish to complete their program must formally re-apply for admission via the online application.  Credit for previous work completed must be approved by the program and requested at the time of application.

Step 4

Submit your application online

To be considered for admission to our programs, a completed application must be submitted.  Please Note: The GRE is not a requirement to apply to our programs, but if you have scores you would like to submit, we will accept them.

There are two main program areas for Education in the application, be sure to select the correct academic program:

  1. Research Intensive programs can be found in the "Education" program area.
    1. MA & PhD
  2. Professional programs can be found in the "Professional Education" area.
    1. MPEd & EdD

Step 5

You’re done. What’s next?

Next Steps in the Application Process (2-part Assessment)

Once Western receives your completed application and payment, an automated confirmation email will be sent to you. At this point, your application will enter into a 2-part assessment process.

1 - The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) will complete a preliminary assessment of your application to calculate an admission average, establish an academic degree basis for your potential admission and determine any additional documentation required by Western should you receive an offer of admission. Please monitor your email for any messages from SGPS requesting additional information or confirmation about submitted documentation. After your application passes through this preliminary assessment phase, you will receive another automated email confirming your application has been passed on to the program to which you are applying.

2 - During the second part of the assessment process, the Admissions Committee for the program you have applied to will review your application and all provided documentation. This can take some time (up to several weeks) as all applications are looked at holistically. Once an admission decision has been made, that information will be communicated to you via email notification - you will be notified that your application has either been accepted, denied or waitlisted. Please note: there is no specific deadline for this step, or for receiving a final response from Western.

Admission Decisions and Deadlines

Once the Admissions Committee has made a decision, you will be notified via email. This email will indicate if your application has been accepted, denied or waitlisted.

  • For those who receive an offer of admission, 2 separate letters will be issued, please carefully read both (note: one will be your official offer letter from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) and the other will be a welcome letter from the Graduate Programs Office; both will be linked to your Western Student Center account).
  • For those who are placed on a waitlist, we do not rank the waitlists, so we are unable to advise how far down the list an applicant may be.

 

Although we understand and appreciate that applicants are anxiously waiting to hear about an outcome, there is no specific deadline for receiving a final response. Please be assured that if your application has not been marked denied, you are still being considered for a spot in the program you applied for.

If you have been offered admission, you can accept or decline your offer of admission online through the Western Student Center.

  • Login to the Student Center with the information provided with your Western Personal Computer Account and locate the Admissions grid.
  • Select ‘Accept or Decline’ to begin the decision process.

After accepting the offer, please ensure you pay the $500 program acceptance deposit, if applicable for your program. More information on how payments can be made can be found here.

Application Status

When Western receives your application, you will receive a confirmation email that will provide you with information regarding your application profile at Western. Use this information to access your Western Personal Computer Account. Once you’ve activated it, you can log into the Student Center, Western’s portal for student information.

As an applicant, the Western Student Center allows you to:

  • Update personal information (including contact information)
  • Check your application status
  • Explore the Western course catalogue
  • Accept an offer of admission (for successful applicants only)

For an overview of activation and password requirements associated with your application, visit Identities and Access.

Last updated: March 2024