Application Process

Laptop computer and resumes

The APPLICATION PORTAL is now open for September 2024 admission.

 

Application Process

Please note that the application deadline is February 1st. Our programs only admit students for September entry. Applications received after the due date will only be considered if spots are still available up until July 30th. 

In order to apply to graduate studies at Western, a completed application using our application system must be submitted. Select either the MA or PhD in Political Science using this link: “Apply Now".   

Application Requirements:

  1. An application fee of $150.00 CDN paid upon submission of your application
  2. Referees’ email addresses (two academic references required)
  3. Western accepts digital academic records within your application; however, if you are offered admission you are required to provide one official academic transcript from each post-secondary institution attended
  4. Applicable supporting documents - e.g., writing sample
  5. PhD applicants must submit a statement of interest

If you decide to mail supporting documents to our School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, we will scan and attach the document to your application. Please be sure to include your Application Number with the information you provide. The mailing address for the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is below: 

School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
1151 Richmond Street,
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7

Electronic References

Within 24 hours of entering or updating your reference information, our electronic reference system will send reference requests directly to your referees. Submission of the reference will, in turn, be collected electronically and distributed alongside the application once it arrives at Western. No paper reference letters are required.

Transcripts

Western accepts digital academic records within your application however if you are offered admission you are required to provide one official academic transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended.

  • Past or current students of Western University do not need to provide transcripts* for their academic history at Western (exchanges excluded). This information will be obtained internally.

*Western considers a transcript official only if it is received in a university envelope that is sealed and signed on the flap by the official person in the office issuing the transcript. If the transcript and degree certificate are not in English, a certified translation must also be included. (Non-English transcripts from institutions within Canada do not require a translation). Electronic transcripts are accepted if sent from the institution's Registrar's Office (sent to gradapps@uwo.ca)

Supporting Documents

Writing samples and PhD statements of interest must be submitted in digital format with the application.

  • A Writing Sample is your best written work, preferably a term paper. Applicants should submit a substantial graduate-level paper.  No specific length requirement.
  • PhD applicants should submit a brief statement describing their academic background and research interests (PhD statement of interest). Normally 1-2 pages, there is no specified length requirement. MA applicants do not need to submit a statement of interest.

Scholarships/Fellowships

In addition to our guaranteed funding, applicants with an average of 80%+ should also consider applying for:

1. Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's Program (CGSM) - $17,500

The application deadline is December 1st. This scholarship is open to all MA applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For details see: Financial Support.

2. SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships

Applications open August 1st and close mid-September.  Apply through the institution at which you are registered. For details see: External Funding.

3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) - $15,000

Open to both international and domestic students, students do not apply (nomination based). OGS can be offered to domestic students who are (or will be) registered in our program. International students may be nominated by our Graduate Chair. 

4. For those admitted to Political Science PhD program

EDSSDF or ISSDF Fellowships are available - $5,000 per year for four years

Eligible applicants must apply by the first Friday in March.  For details, please see:

Equity and Diversity Social Science Doctoral Fellowship (EDSSDF) 
Indigenous Social Science Doctoral Fellowship (ISSDF) 

 

Admission Decisions

Admission decisions are e-mailed directly to the applicant from the Department of Political Science. Official offers of admission will come directly from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Applicants who have been offered admission to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies can accept or decline their offers of admission online through the Western Student Center.

  1. Login to the Student Center with the information provided with your Western Personal Computer Account and locate the Admissions grid.
  2. Select “Accept or Decline” to begin the decision process.

Re-Admission / Re-Activation

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn or who have been withdrawn and wish to complete their program must formally re-apply for admission using the application system. Credit for previous work completed must be approved by the program and SGPS.

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