Western University Complete Guide

Western University in London, Ontario is known for its beautiful campus, strong school spirit, and the prestigious Ivey Business School.

Quick Facts

• Ranking: Top 10 in Canada
• Founded: 1878
• Undergraduate Enrollment: ~30,000
• Location: London, Ontario (2 hours from Toronto)
• Notable: Ivey Business School, School Spirit

Campus and Culture

Western offers a unique campus experience:

The Purple Pride

• Beautiful campus - One of Canada's most picturesque
• Strong school spirit - Mustangs athletics are legendary
• Social scene - Active Greek life and student community
• London, Ontario - Mid-size city with affordable living

Student Life

• 200+ student clubs
• Strong varsity athletics (Mustangs)
• USC (student government)
• Active social calendar

Ivey Business School (HBA)

Ivey is unique among Canadian business schools:

The AEO Pathway (Advanced Entry Opportunity)

How AEO Works

Apply in high school with supplementary application

Complete any first-year program at Western

Maintain 80%+ average in Years 1 & 2

Complete required AEO activities

Enter Ivey in Year 3

Career Outcomes

• Average starting salary: $85,000+
• Employment rate: 98%+ within 3 months
• Top employers: McKinsey, Bain, Goldman Sachs, Big 4
• Global network: 30,000+ alumni worldwide

Case Method Learning

• 600+ cases studied over 2 years
• Discussion-based classes
• Team projects and presentations
• Builds real-world business skills

Engineering

Western Engineering offers:

Programs

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronic Systems
• Software Engineering

Key Features

• Average: 85-90%
• Co-op available - 12-16 month placements
• Industry connections - Strong local employers
• Dual degree options - Law, Business combinations

Medical Sciences

Western's Medical Sciences is competitive:

Program Details

• One of the most competitive in Canada
• ~300 students accepted annually
• Strong preparation for medical school
• Research opportunities available

Schulich School of Medicine

• SWOMEN (Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network)
• Regional advantage for SW Ontario applicants
• MCAT required for admission
• Interview + GPA weighted equally

Other Strong Programs

Science

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Environmental Science

Arts and Humanities

• English, History, Philosophy
• Media Studies
• Music, Visual Arts

Health Sciences

• Nursing, Kinesiology
• Health Studies

Scholarships

Major Awards

• National Scholarship: $40,000-$80,000
• Western Continuing Admission Scholarship: Based on average
• Faculty-specific awards: Various amounts

Automatic Entrance Scholarships

• 90%+: $3,000 renewable
• 95%+: $4,000-$5,000+ renewable
• Additional faculty awards

Residence

Western residence is highly regarded:

First-Year Residences

• Saugeen-Maitland: Large, social
• Ontario Hall: Suite style, newer
• Delaware Hall: Traditional, close to campus
• Medway-Sydenham: Mixed styles

Meal Plans

Flexible dining options with meal hall dollars

Application Tips

Ivey AEO: Apply early - it's competitive

AEO Supplementary: Show leadership and impact

First-year grades matter: 80%+ required for AEO

Plan your first degree: Choose something you'll excel in

Get involved early: AEO activities start in Year 1

Sources: Western Future Students, Ivey Business School