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Online GDPA
Online GDPA courses are offered during fall (Sept-Dec) and winter (Jan-April) terms. They are fully online with asynchronous components and weekly synchronous Zoom classes.
Attendance and participation are expected and evaluated as part of the final grade for each course. On top of the scheduled weekly synchronous class mentioned above, significant asynchronous work in the form of readings, pre-recorded lectures, quizzes, and independent and group assignments take place outside of class time.
Classes generally comprise no more than 30 students, allowing ample opportunity for class discussion and individual attention. The professional contacts and friendships formed during the GDPA are one of the program's lasting benefits.
The Online GDPA stream is completed in one year. Students take two courses in the fall term and two courses in the winter term. Students must get permission from the LGP Director to extend their progression beyond one year.
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.
You will supply Western with a listing of all post-secondary schools you have attended. During the application process, you are allowed to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts (including unofficial records such as a grade report printout).
* Note: If you are made an offer of admission, Western requires you to submit formal, official transcripts from your institution directly to Western University’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (gradapps@uwo.ca).
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.)
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.
* Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency.
Ready to Apply?
The application portal is CLOSED.
Applications for 2027 will be accepted between October 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027.
Online GDPA applicants apply to start in Fall Term (September).
Graduate School Application Information
The online application is managed by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) at Western. There is a link below to their website for details regarding the online application. Inquiries related to the online application can be directed to SGPS Graduate Admissions Team at gradapps@uwo.ca. Their email auto reply is a great resource of information and is linked below.