Western University

Overview

Western University dates from 1878 and is a public research university in London, Ontario, southwest of Toronto. Besides the main campus, students can enrol through two affiliated university colleges, Huron and King's, both a short walk from the main campus. Each has some programs of its own, its students earn the Western degree, and affiliate students can take courses on the main campus.

Western is home to the Ivey Business School, whose Honours Business Administration (HBA) begins in third year. That timing shapes how many students plan their first two years.

How to apply

All first-year applications go through OUAC. If you are in an Ontario high school you use the 101, and everyone else uses the 105 (see OUAC 101 vs 105). When choosing programs on OUAC, you pick Western main campus, Huron or King's, so read each one's program list first.

Some Western programs need supplementary materials, and Western says you must submit them before you can receive an offer. Its supplementary forms page lists the items and dates; for 2027 entry these include a Music audition and interview by February 1, 2027, a Visual Arts portfolio by February 15, 2027, and the Casper test for Engineering, which you should book as soon as your OUAC application is in. Not every form appears on your to-do list, so track them yourself.

Ivey AEO: a high school route into business

Ivey's Advanced Entry Opportunity lets Grade 12 students secure a conditional place in the HBA before starting university. For fall 2027 the steps are:

1. Apply to Western, Huron or King's through OUAC and indicate on the form that you want AEO status (it is a status, not a program).
2. Complete the Ivey AEO supplemental application by January 15, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Eastern: non-academic awards, two activities written up as essays of up to 500 words each plus up to five more in point form, a reference to verify each activity, and a mandatory five-question video interview on Kira Talent.
3. Receive an offer from Western or an affiliate college; Ivey decides on AEO status after that.
4. In years one and two, meet the AEO progression requirements and take the pre-Ivey business courses, then move into the HBA in year three.

Ivey says it weighs academics and leadership equally and publishes its academic expectations on that page, including a Grade 12 university-preparatory math course.

Grades, costs and funding

Offers to current high school students are conditional on graduating, keeping the required average and meeting English requirements where they apply. Final official documents are checked after you graduate. Tuition differs by program, campus and domestic or international status; Western posts current fee schedules on the Office of the Registrar's official fee schedules page. For study permits, use the Government of Canada page on studying in Canada.

Getting ready with StudyBrix

• Rehearse timed spoken answers for the Ivey video interview with the interview skills deck.
• AEO essays reward clear structure: practise with the academic English bridge.
• Pre-business students can preview Canadian business law vocabulary.

For the full Canadian picture, see our guide to universities in Canada.