Application FAQ's

We evaluate all application documents that are submitted to the online application system.
All emails regarding pre-evaluation of application documents will not be answered. 

There is a standard university-wide application fee.

All application materials should be written personally by the applicant.

What are the admission requirements?

Master’s programs

Ph.D. Programs

  • For more information on PhD admission requirements, please visit our PhD program webpage.
  • Our Grad Selection Committee cannot evaluate your academic background before we receive a complete application online from you.

Am I eligible for an application fee exemption?

  • No. You must pay the application fee payment in order to have the Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC) review your application. 

Which program is the best choice for me?

  • To help you make that decision, we encourage you to explore our list of graduate programs here.

Where do I submit my application?

You will be required to answer the following supplementary questions for all fields of study offered by the Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences:

  • Briefly explain how your educational background provides you with the foundation required for your chosen field of study.
  • Briefly outline any relevant work experience in your chosen field of study and why it has motivated you to pursue this degree.
  • Please provide a statement of academic intent.

If I don’t meet the minimum requirements for admission, can I take some courses at Western to build up my background?

  • Yes, but you need to apply to Western as a special undergrad student.
  • Admission Requirements to undergrad program.

When should I submit my application?

  • The online application is available in mid-November. Application deadlines are:
    • International Applicants - February 15
    • Domestic Applicants - July 1
  • There is a limited number of spaces available; priority will be given to early applicants.

How much is the application fee?

  • A non-refundable application fee of $125 CAD is required for each application.

Can I apply for more than one program in your Department

  • Yes, you may apply to as many programs as you would like. You are required to pay the application fee for each application submitted though.

I applied last year. Do I have to pay and send all my documents again?

  • Yes, as a part of the online application, you will need to upload all your supporting documents online again and pay the fee.

Should I contact potential faculty supervisors before applying?

  • We do not require candidates to contact potential faculty supervisors before applying. All applications are reviewed by the Graduate Committee and then passed on to potential supervisors. If you are interested in working with a specific supervisor, please mention their name in your application.

How many referees do I need? Can I submit a referee from my employer?

  • Two referees are required; at least one of them must be academic. If you are using a professional reference, they must be from a previously held position related to the program you apply to.

Do you provide financial support to admitted grad students?

  • We provide full or partial financial support to all MSc students.

  • We provide at least $13,000 plus tuition fee for all PhD students.

How much is tuition?

Do I need to submit an English Proficiency Test?

  • Applicants are automatically exempted from our English language proficiency (ELP) requirement if their first language is English, or they have completed at least two full-time years of post-secondary education in a degree program in an English-speaking institution located in a country whose primary language is English

  • English Language Proficiency Information (bottom of the page, second drowp-down) 

Can I receive a conditional Offer of Admission if my English proficiency score is too low when I apply?

  • No. We do not make conditional offers of admission for English proficiency. You must submit a passing test score before your application will be reviewed.

Should I provide an English translation of my transcripts/documents if they are in a language other than English?

  • Yes. You must upload all notarized English translations along with the original document to the application site when applying. 

How do I check the status of my application?

  • Each applicant should receive an automatic e-mail acknowledging their on-line application and giving them instructions on how to create a Western account to access the Student Centre where you can update your personal information, check your application status as well as accept an offer of admission.

When will I receive a decision?

  • Generally, decisions will be made starting in December and will be ongoing until spaces are filled. 

Can I receive feedback on why my application was not successful?

  • Unfortunately, we are not in a position to provide individual feedback to applicants. We have very few places in the program for the number of applications we receive, and as a result, it is not uncommon for even outstanding applicants to be refused admission. Admission to the program is quite competitive, and meeting or exceeding the admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Contact Information

Graduate Chair
Dr. Jiandong Ren
jren6@uwo.ca 

Academic Program Coordinator
stats-grad-inquiry@uwo.ca
519-661-2098 x88252