Western University is deeply committed to supporting outstanding students through a wide range of scholarships, awards, and bursaries. Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, or international student, Western provides numerous opportunities to help ease the financial burden of studying in Canada — rewarding academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
Western University offers several merit-based scholarships to high-achieving international students entering their first year of study.
Western Admission Scholarships
These are automatically awarded upon admission — no separate application required.
| Scholarship | Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Western Admission Scholarship of Distinction | CAD $2,500–$8,000 | 90%+ admission average |
| Western Admission Scholarship of Excellence | CAD $3,000–$10,000 | 92%+ admission average |
| Western Scholarship of Excellence for International Students | CAD $10,000 | Top international students entering first year |
President’s Entrance Scholarships
- Value: CAD $50,000 total (CAD 20,000 in first year + CAD 10,000 annually for the next three years)
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic record and exceptional leadership qualities.
- Application: By nomination or through the National Scholarship Program.
International President’s Entrance Scholarships
- Value: CAD $50,000 each (distributed over 4 years).
- Eligibility: International students demonstrating top academic excellence and community leadership.
- Application: Requires a separate submission and school nomination.
International President’s Entrance Scholarships
- Value: CAD $50,000 each (distributed over 4 years).
- Eligibility: International students demonstrating top academic excellence and community leadership.
- Application: Requires a separate submission and school nomination.
Western Continuing Scholarships
- Awarded annually to current students who maintain a strong academic average (usually 80% or higher).
- Values range from CAD $1,000 – $5,000.
2. Postgraduate Scholarships
Graduate students at Western have access to university-funded, government-funded, and external scholarships to support their research and studies.
Western Graduate Research Scholarship (WGRS)
- Automatic consideration for all full-time graduate students.
- Value: CAD $10,000–$30,000 per year, depending on program and funding availability.
- Covers: Tuition, research, and living expenses.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Funded by the Government of Ontario and the university.
- Value: CAD $15,000 per year (CAD $5,000 per term).
- Eligibility: Graduate students with at least 80% average in previous studies.
- Open to both domestic and international students.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Value: CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years.
- Eligibility: Doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
- Highly competitive national-level scholarship.
Trillium Scholarship for International Doctoral Students
- Value: CAD $40,000 per year (renewable for 4 years).
- Eligibility: Outstanding international PhD students.
- Must demonstrate superior academic achievement and research potentia
Ivey Business School Scholarships (MBA)
Western’s Ivey Business School provides generous funding to MBA candidates based on merit and leadership potential.
| Scholarship | Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Ivey Global Leader Award | Up to CAD $20,000 | Exceptional leadership & international experience |
| Women in Leadership Award | Up to CAD $15,000 | Female applicants with proven leadership |
| Merit-Based Admission Scholarships | CAD $10,000 – $40,000 | Strong GMAT, GPA, and professional record |
3. Bursaries and Need-Based Financial Aid
Western understands that some students may face unexpected financial challenges. The university provides bursaries and emergency funds based on financial need.
- Western Bursary Program: Offers up to CAD $3,500 per year for students demonstrating financial need.
- Work Study Program: On-campus part-time employment opportunities to help students earn income while studying.
- Emergency Bursaries: Available for students facing unforeseen financial hardships during their studies.
4. External and Government Scholarships
In addition to university-funded awards, students can apply for national and international scholarships:
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
- Fulbright Canada Awards
- Mitacs Globalink Research Awards
- IDRC Research Awards (for developing countries)
Summary
Western University’s commitment to making education accessible and rewarding excellence ensures that every talented student has the opportunity to succeed — regardless of financial background.
Whether through merit-based scholarships, research awards, or financial aid programs, Western empowers its students to focus on what truly matters: innovation, discovery, and leadership.