A Guide to the University of Western Ontario

If you are looking for the best university in Canada to provide the “Western Experience,” you must consider the University of Western Ontario. Many will be thrilled to know that it is a research university in London, Ontario, and a much sought-after institution in Canada. It is also known as Western University; many call it “Western.”

The University of Western Ontario is said to have a history of excellence in fundamental and applied discovery, with annual funding of more than $240 million.

The campus is simply stunning, covering over 400 hectares of land and featuring a mix of elegant and modern architecture. They range from Gothic-style to modern and sustainable structures, surrounded by residential complexes with the Thames just across its eastern border.

The University of Western Ontario is responsible for more than ten departments of faculties and educational institutions, which is one of its most intriguing facts. The University is also part of the Regroupement des Canadian public research universities, or U15.

1. University of Western Ontario – A Brief Outlook

Bishop Hellmuth founded the University of Western Ontario on March 7, 1878. Western University was named in 2012 to give it a global name and identity.

There are twelve academic facilities and schools at the University of Western Ontario. It includes the School for Graduates and Post-doctorate study and professional courses in law, business, engineering, and medical studies.

Western University was a non-denominational college in 1908. Since 1919, it has been affiliated with numerous denominational colleges.

After World War II, the University expanded dramatically, adding numerous departments and institutions.

There are over 41940 students enrolled at Western University. Of which 25991 are undergraduate students, around 3869 are graduate students, and nearly 2231 are Ph.D. students.

As for international students in the University, there are over 4490 students who belong from more than 120 countries.

Among the most notable alums are several officials from the government, top educators, leading CEOs, Nobel laureates, scholars, and numerous distinguished fellows.

Many Western Faculty members have received numerous honours, including Orders of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour.

The University of Western Ontario students can experience some of the best cultures in London, Ontario, Canada’s eleventh-largest city. It is a thriving shopping, theatre, dancing, cinema, and physical activity center.

The campus’s backdrop is simply stunning, as its 200 parks provide the University with a natural setting and a spectacular landscape, earning it the moniker “ForestCity.”

2. University of Western Ontario’s Rich and Vibrant History

The founder of the University, Bishop Hellmuth, aspired greatly to produce top-class and internationally renowned Western students that pioneered research. His main goal was to shape the future of Western University by having a clear vision, courage, and imagination.

Therefore, the top reason to study at the University of Western Ontario would be to follow in its footsteps of vibrant history. Since its inception on March 7, 1878, Western University opened its doors to graduate and undergraduate students for the first time in 1881.

The first four faculties, namely, Arts, Divinity, Law, and Medicine, have existed since the beginning. However, since the first class of students graduated in 1883, the University of Western Ontario has become a vibrant and awe-inspiring learning center.

So, what better way to begin your college education than from the most prestigious Western University that has offered more than 36000 students and 400 specializations in majors and minors?

Would you not like to be a part of a University wherein Sir Frederick Banting got up from his restless sleep and wrote down 25 words that ultimately led to the discovery of Insulin?

Another historic moment would be Canada’s first French Immersion program, established at Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, in 1932. And yes, you guessed it, right? At Western University, this excellent program began and continues to exist today.

Would you like to know about Ivan Smith? A top research scientist at the University of Western Ontario developed the World’s first ‘Cobalt Bomb’ to treat cancer in 1951. And what a discovery it was! It has increased the cervical cancer recovery rate from a mere 25% to an astonishing 75%.

Western University is seeped in history and has continued well into the 21st century with top-class, next-generation discoveries.

It has been the leader in wind engineering since 1965. In addition, Western University has been part of testing internationally known structures such as the World Trade Center, Sears Towers, and Jakarta Tower.

Western University is also a leader in medical advancement. With discoveries such as Insulin, Cobalt Bomb, and, more recently, the development of the HIV vaccine in 2012, it is a University that has exceeded expectations and is sure to reach many milestones in the future.

Be a part of a university with an enriching and collaborative environment, complete with a vibrant community of scholars and academic partnerships that will have a lasting impact on your life.

3. World Rankings of The Western University

The University of Western Ontario has consistently ranked among the top Canadian universities. As per the current QS World University Ranking, Western University is ranked #172.

The University has been ranked among the top 10 best Universities in Canada according to Maclean’s Rankings 2021.

It is an excellent achievement for the University of Western Ontario to receive top rankings regularly. The University has set the right goals with such an impressive ranking.

4. Fantastic Campus Of The Western University

The University of Western Ontario has a great campus. It is charming in many aspects, with beautiful gothic-styled buildings and trees everywhere. Western Hill is perfect in different ways. Although you must think twice if you desire to hike up the hill, it can be pretty strenuous. The Central Campus is mostly student residences and teaching facilities. 

Fun Facts of Western University Campus

• Development of the Campus started in 1920.
• The Western University’s building plan in 1934 included Collegiate Gothic designs.
• The University of Western Ontario board wanted modern designs in 1960.
• The University’s boiler room is the campus’s oldest building, which opened in 1922.
• The University College is the campus’s oldest academic building.

Furthermore, the University of Western Ontario has many new buildings to its credit. The Amit Chakma is a new building that opened in 2018. A splendid reason to study at Westen University would be state of the art research facilities offered at their latest building on the campus. The Western Interdisciplinary Research Building provides the study of neuroscience. Other programs and services include world-renowned research centers such as the Rotman institute and the Robarts research institute.

All undergraduates interested in literature or medicine can enroll at the University of Western Ontario. All graduate students interested in research would also be thrilled with the incredible facilities offered here.

5. Accommodation At The Western University

The University of Western Ontario offers off-campus and on-campus housing facilities that will be desirable and suitable for each student. There are three types of on-campus housing offered:

1. Western Apartment
2. Summer Accommodation in Western
3. Residence

The on-campus accommodation and meal expenses usually range between CAD 13210 to CAD 15800. The University is willing to assist those students wishing to reside off-campus by providing them with rental and lease agreement information.

5.1. Housing and Student Amenities

The University of Western Ontario offers outstanding housing and student amenities. There are many student residences housing provided to students in the first year.

Each residence has a Residence Council. All of whom have their constitutions. Accommodations such as Delaware, Medway-Sydenham, and Saugeen-Maitland are traditionally styled. Residences that are suite-styled are in Elgin and Essex, among others. Accommodations that are hybrid styled are the Perth and Ontario halls.

With so many choices, undergraduate and graduate students would love to live on campus.

If it is apartments that you desire, then the University of Western Ontario also has apartments exclusively for students in their final year and graduates.

The following are the different types of Apartments:

1. Bayfield Hall – 1-Bedroom Apartments
2. Beaver & Ausable – 2-Bedroom Apartments
3. Lambton Hall – 2-Bedroom Apartments

Furthermore, Western University has 500 upper-year students supporting the residences at the University.

They take on many roles in this capacity. The main goal of these students would be to assist students in the first year and be a mentor to them.

The task is crucial as a new student may find it challenging to understand the mannerisms of the University.

Upper-year students take various leadership positions, such as staff in residence, Academic Programmers, Leaders of the community, etc.

Assisting students is essential as the new students need to accommodate the unique atmosphere at the University.

The University Community is a student activity center. It directs all types of social activities. In addition, the center helps out the students by providing recreational and cultural entertainment.

5.2. Splendid Off-Campus Facilities

Apart from its central campus, a wide range of properties is owned by the University of Western Ontario. It will interest those research students who cannot find accommodation within the campus.

The Western University owns 309 hectares of land, including several properties with research facilities. In addition to its central campus, its affiliated university colleges also have facilities.

Western Research Park manages the additional properties. The parks have a research link between corporations and academics.

6. Library and Museums Of The Western University

The library system of Western University is indeed quite fantastic. Since the appointment of its first librarian Mr. James Waddell Tupper, the University of Western Ontario has grown and excelled in every way.

In 1918, after John Davis Barnett donated 40000 books from his library, the library indeed sought a name for itself.

Any student wanting to learn and be proficient in various topics would love to join the University of Western Ontario because of the excellent library system.

A Western University student can access a library collection of over 11 million print and electronic items. 

Apart from the above, the Western University Libraries maintains a Shared Library Catalogue. It provides uniform access to all the collections at the Western Libraries and the groups belonging to its affiliated colleges, such as Brescia University College, Huron university college, King’s College, two teaching hospitals, London Health Sciences Centre, and St Joseph Health Care London.

Western University owns and operates two remarkable galleries.

1. Artlab Gallery-Showcases 14 projects per year. It explores conceptual and experimental production through a wide range of media. It also assists research and practices of the student body and faculty members.
2. McIntosh Gallery– Opened in 1942. It is a university-based public art gallery that showcases advanced practices and research in art history and visual art.

The Western University has comprehensive links with the Museum of Ontario Archaeology. After living out of various buildings in London, including Western University College, it opened on February 28, 1978. The University President and Western’s Faculty of Social sciences facilitated the formal inception.

Western University’s library and galleries are suitable environments for students with a real thirst for knowledge and learning. A dedicated staff, quality service, world-class collections, and innumerable connections are promoters of success.

7. Educational Programs Offered By Western University

 The following institutions are affiliated with the University:

1. Association of Universities
2. Colleges in Canada
3. The International Association of Universities (IAU)
4. The Canadian Bureau for International Education CBIE

The University extends its support to international students with English language coaching.

The University offers, through its excellent 12 facilities, graduate programs, and postdoctorate degree programs in business studies, engineering fields, and medical and law programs

Western Ontario provides more than 80 graduate programs and interdisciplinary degree courses. It offers undergraduate courses and many types of degree programs. They are:

1. Honor’s Bachelor’s
2. Three-year bachelor’s
3. Four years of bachelor’s programs

It also offers simultaneous and combined degree programs for:

1. Courses in Technoculture and Law programs
2. Kinesiology
3. Food & Nutrition
4. Engineering and Business
5. Media Information

The University has various student options, such as student exchange programs, co-op, and long-distance courses.

8. Application And Admission Procedure At Western University

A student seeking admission at Western University must fulfill particular criteria. In addition, they need to submit supporting documents per the University’s requirements. The application process for a full-time student differs from that of a part-time student.

8.1. UG Admissions Process

The mode for UG admissions is through an online application. The total application fees would amount to CAD 156 with the following documents:

1. The finished application with official records of high school.
2. Secondary School Mark Sheet and a Letter of recommendation
3. Academic Resume and the Passport Copy
4. IELTS test score- A minimum score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 83.

8.2. PG Admissions Process

The mode for PG admissions is through an online application. The fees would be CAD 120 with the following documents:

1. All official certificates
2. A four-year UG degree from any institution validated and approved by Western University.
3. Recommendation letters from two known sources and test scores of all recognized international examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Tes (GMAT), etc.,
4. Resume with Work Experience
5. Proficiency test scores of 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System and 86 in the English as a Foreign Language Test.

8.3. Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

The tuition fees for Western University are reasonable. However, the following information on the approximate costs will help a student plan for the academic year.

1. Tuition Fees – CAD 44967
2. Residence and Meal Plan for eight months – CAD 15338
3. Personal items – CAD 3657
4. Books and Stationery CAD 2223

8.4. Scholarships Given At Western University

The University of Western Ontario provides scholarships and aid to its students to show them an appreciation for excelling academically.

Scholarships offered by the University are:

1. Western Admission – 2500 CAD given those that have scored 90-91.9%
2. Western Scholarships For Distinction – 3500 CAD given to those that have achieved 92-100%
3. Western Scholarships For Excellence – 8000 CAD given to students with a high average in high school.

Students can apply for the Scholarship program that recognizes academic excellence and extracurricular programs. In addition, those students wishing to accomplish in scientific fields, technology departments, engineering programs, and mathematics courses can avail of the Schulich Leader Scholarship.

8.5. Financial Aids At The Western University

Western University is one of the best public-funded research-intensive universities and is a member of the Universities and Colleges of Canada. It encourages students to seek financial aid from the Student Assistance Program and Student Loan and Grants of Canada. 

The University of Western Ontario regularly offers its students an opportunity to get credits when they study abroad through student exchange programs, internships, faculty-led international excursions, and clinical placements.

9. Part-Time Jobs While Studying At Western University

All students with valid visas can work while pursuing their studies at Western University. A part-time job helps students hone their employment skills and gives them the required experience.

Advantages of Working While Studying:

• Ability to interact with people and professionals working in similar fields.
• It helps international students avail high-paying jobs in Canada after completing their education.

10. Western University’s Alumni Network

There are many benefits of an alum network in a university. It improves the student’s professional performance and also aids in networking.

Western University’s alums also significantly contribute to society in many aspects. For example, over 300000 Western students settled in over 150 countries.

11. Placement Facilities At Western University

Western University has an exclusive placement division. It focuses on providing suitable jobs to its students. It enables students to broaden their cultural and social skills and gives them a comprehensive physical experience.

12. Why Choose Western University?

As a student trying to decide between universities, you can choose to become part of a community of scholars such as scientists, entrepreneurs, CEOs, academics, and many public servants. 

• The University of Western Ontario has ranked in the top 1 percent of the World’s universities. It is a leader in education, research, and healthcare.
• As a graduate student, you have a chance to participate in their first-class research facilities, infrastructure, funding, and the most extensive academic library system.
• It has 66 Canada Research Chairs. The Western Faculty is World renowned for research in most disciplines. They have recognized clusters of research excellence in Neuroscience, Imaging, Wind Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Philosophy of Science, and Musculoskeletal Health.
• At Western University, there are more award-winning faculty than at any other University. You are taught by distinguished academics, business leaders, and experts in many fields.
• As a place with in-depth exploration and collaboration, you can rest assured that your work will be presented at academic conferences, be taught to undergraduate students, and help to foster development as a scholar.

A Final Note

The University of Western Ontario believes that a successful student needs to possess a solid academic foundation and professional skills. Therefore, all their graduate students have an opportunity for professional development services and programs to supplement and promote formal education.

All the professional development opportunities allow students to have a unique experience that can meet their needs and aspirations.

Western University is one of the top universities with several innovative research facilities and centers. And is incredibly proud to collaborate with many universities on every continent.

When you study at the University of Western Ontario, you will look at the best Global University, ranked #258 in the World. You will gain a hands-on experience in your degree, supported by mentors. They will help you reach your goal and offer opportunities to build your network.

Western students become dynamic professionals and are ready to take up any challenges. The University will help you discover your unique strengths and give sufficient support in student welfare, career support, clinics, counseling, disability services, and Academics.

So, when you are in a dilemma in choosing the right University in Ontario, Canada, do look up this article, the Guide to the University of Western Ontario. It will help you take the right step and guide you in your ultimate goal of a successful life.