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On-Campus GDPA
On-Campus GDPA courses are offered during the summer term in May and June. These are intensive one-week courses (Monday - Friday all day).
Attendance and participation are expected and evaluated as part of the final grade for each course. On top of the in-person learning mentioned above, significant work in the form of readings, quizzes, and independent and group assignments take place outside of class time.
Classes generally are comprised of no more than 30 students, allowing ample opportunity for class discussion and individual attention. The intensive learning environment is a strength of the program, and the professional contacts and friendships formed during the GDPA are one of the program's lasting benefits.
Most students take two courses in their first summer term and two courses the following summer term. There is flexibility for students who need to extend their progression beyond two years.
Application Components
In order to apply to graduate studies at Western, it is important that you understand the essential elements of the Western graduate school application. The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents (e.g., transcripts, references, test results such as TOEFL scores) are submitted.
During the application process, you are allowed to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts (including unofficial records such as a grade report printout).
It is suggested that if you have completed an academic course/program that did not award transcripts, not to include this in your Academic History. This non transcript courses/program will be noted on your Resume and possibly your Letter of Intent if applicable.
* Note: If you are made an offer of admission, Western will require you to submit formal, official transcripts from all of your post-secondary institutions. They are to be sent directly to Western University’s Graduate Admissions Team (gradapps@uwo.ca). This admission condition requirement will be communicated to you via email and will have a submission deadline. Official transcripts are not required from past degrees awarded by Western University.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory* achievement within the last two years in one of the following:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test):
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 86, with no individual section score below 20. Some programs may require a higher minimum and/or specific band scores. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
- For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 4.5, with no individual section score below 4. Some programs may require a higher minimum and/or specific band scores. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9.
- The Duolingo English Test. The minimum acceptable score is 115.
- The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60.
- Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
- Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.
Western accepts two methods of payment in order to process your application.
- Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard)
- Money Order (this must be a money order or bank draft issued from a Canadian Banking Institution. Personal cheques will not be accepted.)
Ready to Apply?
The application portal is CLOSED.
Applications for 2027 will be accepted between October 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027.
On-Campus GDPA applicants apply to start in Summer Term (May).
Graduate School Application Information