Information for Indigenous Applicants

The School of Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing functional mobility for the attainment of health and wellness of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis People in Canada. To encourage more Indigenous individuals to consider a career in physical therapy, we have created a pathway to increase enrollment into the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) Program.

Our Commitment

Western is committed to increasing Indigenous voices and presence across all levels of work, study and research. We are proud to have a minimum of 5 designated seats for Indigenous students who have Canadian citizenship and who have fulfilled the necessary admission requirements. We endeavour to elevate applicants who can enrich the program and profession through their life experience and deliver on this commitment through equitable admission practices and inclusive learning spaces. Self-identifying Indigenous students are also welcome to engage with the space, programs and services at all Indigenous spaces on campus, including the Indigenous Student Centre.

Why Study Physical Therapy at Western?

  • Our Beautiful Campus: Get a great view of Western's campus and discover our dynamic community of learning .

  • World-Renowned Excellence: Western University among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide (Center for World University Rankings 2023).
  • Global Campus: Our diverse community of 43,352 students includes over 4,759 international students from 129 different countries.
  • Student Services: Western University among the top 3 universities in Canada for exceptional student services according to Maclean's University Rankings for 2024.
  • Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Western University placed #114 overall out of nearly 1,500 institutions for 2024.
  • Outstanding Sustainability Rankings: Western University boasts impressive rankings, standing as the only Canadian institution to place in the top 10 for sustainability in both the QS and THE rankings:
  • Exceptional Career Outcomes: Graduates of the MPT program at Western University enjoy a remarkable 100% employment rate.

Application Process

For this pathway, we will consider Indigenous applicants with a sub-GPA (as calculated by ORPAS) of 3.4 or higher. Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous on the online ORPAS application and complete all application components.

In Summer 2025, Western University implemented a policy and associated procedure to verify declarations of Indigenous citizenship and membership for designated or preferred opportunities for Indigenous students. If you self-identify as Indigenous and want to be considered for a designated seat, you must submit a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership and upload the requisite documentation using the Student Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership Form. Completion of this form is required by February 27, 2026.

The consent form and Indigenous documentation must be received by the Indigenous Student Centre by: February 21, 2025. 

Please note, self-identifying or applying for a designated seat does not remove your application from the general applicant pool.

For any concerns or questions regarding this process please contact:

Confidentiality

All personal documentation is kept in strictest confidence and securely housed within the Indigenous Student Centre. The personal information is collected under the authority of the University of Western Ontario Act, 1982. The information is collected for the purposes of offering accessible admission pathways for Indigenous applicants and providing additional support to applicants who become students. For further information about this collection, please contact the Indigenous Student Centre, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7; Phone 1-519-661-4095.

*Indigenous to Canada/Aboriginal as defined based on the Canadian Constitution Act 1982 as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.