The School of CSD at Western is committed to facilitating the development of healthcare practitioners prepared to serve the diverse health and functional needs of Canadians and International communities. We acknowledge and embrace an environment of respect and value for unique life experiences of international applicants. We deliver on this commitment through equitable admission practices. Our review and evaluation of international applicant files reflects these values. We aim to select candidates who can enrich the program and profession with their life experience and could benefit from studying in Canada.
The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western University is renowned for housing two of Canada's top programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. These programs excel in both professional clinical practice, basic sciences research, and practice-based research. We take pride in integrating teaching with clinical experience and cutting-edge research.
The Master of Clinical Science (MCISc) in Audiology and MCISc in Speech-Language Pathology are intense full-time programs. To be considered for admission to either program, prospective students must meet minimum academic requirements including pre-requisite courses. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. If you earn admission to any of the programs and accept your offer as an international student, you agree to pay international fees for the duration of your program.
- A 4-year degree from an accredited university.
- Transcripts outside of Canada and US must be evaluated for equivalency by WES (World Education Services).
- Both the original transcript and WES evaluation must be submitted with your application.
- Possess a minimum 3.40 sub-GPA in the final 2 years (10 Full or 20 Half Courses) of your undergraduate program.
- Applicants who did not complete their entire undergraduate degree in an English-Speaking institution must submit proof of English Language proficiency.
- TOEFL IBT, Minimum Score of 105.
- IELTS Academic Test Centre, Minimum Score of 7.5
- Duolingo English Test, Minimum Score of 135.
- Applicants must submit a professional or personal reference from someone who knows the applicant from a non-academic setting (e.g. work supervisor, coach, clergy member)
- Two academic references
- Fulfilled prerequisites (must have been completed within the past 10 years)
- A curiculum vitae (CV)
- A complete Casper test
- Completion of Statement of Intent
All applicants are required to complete Casper as part of their application. Casper is an online, open-response situational judgement test that takes 65-85 minutes to complete.
You will register for CSP-10211 (assessment code) and Casper 2 (assessment type).
Casper measures different personal and professional skills that the School believes are important for successful students and graduates to our program. It will complement the other tools we use for applicant review and evaluation, and we require Casper as part of our efforts to enhance fairness in our selection process.
How to sign up for Casper
- Go to takecasper.com to create an Acuity Insights account and register to complete Casper.
- You will register for CSP-10211 (assessment code) and Casper 2 (assessment type) using your ORPAS ID and a piece of government-issued photo ID.
- Please register with the email address you are using for your application and check it regularly, as there may be updates to the schedule.
- Select a Casper test date from the available testing dates and times, which have been approved in line with our admissions timelines.
- These are the only testing dates for applying to our program and no additional tests are likely to be scheduled.
- Register for your test at least 3 days before your preferred thest date and time to allow time to perform a system requirements check and take the sample test in your account. Last-minute bookings are not recommended.
- Ensure you have selected Western University Audiology or Western University Speech-Language Pathology for distribution before the distribution deadline on the Dates and Fees page.
Technical Requirements
- Valid email address (the same one you will use to submit your application).
- Desktop or laptop computer, ideally using Windows or macOS.
- Smartphones and tablets are not supported.
- Working webcam and microphone.
- Wired inputs on your computer's built-in microphone are recommended.
- Reliable high-speed internet connection with download speed of at least 1.5 Mbps and upload speed of at least 2 Mbps.
Students in both Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology programs are required to utilize specialized computer software as part of their courses. As such:
- Students are required to have access to a personal laptop / computer that runs recent Windows or Mac OS for the purposes of completing coursework and utilizing specialized software.
- App-based devices (Chromebook, Android Tablet, IPAD) do not have the computing capabilities to run the required specialized software.
Given the intensity, breadth and depth of the information and clinical training, students in the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Programs must possess very strong cognitive, communication, sensory and interpersonal skills necessary for provision of safe, ethical, and effective assessment, treatment, counseling, and educational services. Prior to applying to our programs, potential candidates are encouraged to review the ‘Essential Skills’ documents and carefully reflect on whether they meet the requirements for these professions.
Overview of Prerequisites
There has been a change in our prerequisites. For the 2026-27 and 2027-28 admission cycles, we will accept prerequisites consistent with our prior requirements (see prerequisite legacy documents) OR our current prerequisite requirements. Thereafter, we will only accept our current prerequisite requirements as described below.
Prior prerequisite requirements
Our prior prerequisite requirements can be found here. Accepted until January 2027.
Current prerequisite requirements
Applicants are required to complete the stated prerequisite undergraduate university level courses with a pass in each course in order to be considered for the MClSc program. Prerequisites must have been completed within the past 10 years.
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- Child Development (0.5 full course equivalents);
- Statistics (0.5 full course equivalents);
- Human Anatomy or Human Physiology (1.0 full course equivalents);
- Phonetics (0.5 full course equivalent);
- General Linguistics (0.5 full course equivalents)
Description of Prerequisite Courses
Child Development (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept courses that cover a broad range of developmental issues (cognition, perception, social, emotional, sensorimotor, language) across the entire child developmental stage. We do not accept courses that are limited to language development or language disorders. Nor do we accept courses that are limited to biological growth.
Elementary Statistics (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept statistics courses that address most of the basic statistical methods including statistical inference, experimental design, sampling design, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing for means and proportions, regression and correlation.
Human Anatomy or Human Physiology (1.0 full course equivalents):
We accept courses on general human anatomy or physiology that covers the structure and/or physiological principles of human neural, muscular, and respiratory systems.
Phonetics (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept courses that are fully dedicated to phonetics (sound patterns of English, including transcription of normal speech), but courses that have only a component related to phonetics are not acceptable, nor are courses on speech disorders. Phonology courses are not accepted.
General Linguistics (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept courses that cover all aspects of general linguistics, this course should include semantics, pragmatics, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology, language acquisition. Courses in language development or acquisition alone are not acceptable, nor are courses on language disorders.
How to Verify Prerequisites
We have reviewed several courses from a variety of institutions across Canada. Several courses have been pre-approved by the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. To view a list of pre-approved courses, visit the Approved Prerequisites page and then select the institution. For example, clicking on the University of Alberta will open a list of prerequisite courses that we have previously accepted from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Please note that the acceptable list is subject to change and not all courses listed on the Approved Prerequisites section are necessarily offered at any given time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm course offerings with the institution of interest.
If the course you would like to use to satisfy a prerequisite does not appear on the Approved Prerequisites section of the website, you must obtain pre-approval from the department and submit this documentation with the program application. You must submit the Prerequisite Verification Form to get approval.
Please check the course content carefully with the criteria listed above. If it does not fit, please do not send a request for verification. It will not be accepted.
Overview of Prerequisites
There has been a change in our prerequisites. For the 2026-27 and 2027-28 admission cycles, we will accept prerequisites consistent with our prior requirements (see prerequisite legacy documents) OR our current prerequisite requirements. Thereafter, we will only accept our current prerequisite requirements as described below.
Prior prerequisite requirements
Our prior prerequisite requirements can be found here. Accepted until January 2027.
Current prerequisite requirements
Applicants are required to complete the stated prerequisite undergraduate university level courses with a pass in each course in order to be considered for the MClSc program. Prerequisites must have been completed within the past 10 years.
-
- Child Development (0.5 full course equivalents);
- Statistics (0.5 full course equivalents);
- Human Anatomy or Human Physiology (1.0 full course equivalents);
- Phonetics (0.5 full course equivalent);
- General Linguistics (0.5 full course equivalents)
Description of Prerequisite Courses
Child Development (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept courses that cover a broad range of developmental issues (cognition, perception, social, emotional, sensorimotor, language) across the entire child developmental stage. We do not accept courses that are limited to language development or language disorders. Nor do we accept courses that are limited to biological growth.
Elementary Statistics (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept statistics courses that address most of the basic statistical methods including statistical inference, experimental design, sampling design, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing for means and proportions, regression and correlation.
Human Anatomy or Human Physiology (1.0 full course equivalents):
We accept courses on general human anatomy or physiology that covers the structure and/or physiological principles of human neural, muscular, and respiratory systems.
Phonetics (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept courses that are fully dedicated to phonetics (sound patterns of English, including transcription of normal speech), but courses that have only a component related to phonetics are not acceptable, nor are courses on speech disorders. Phonology courses are not accepted.
General Linguistics (0.5 full course equivalents):
We accept courses that cover all aspects of general linguistics, this course should include semantics, pragmatics, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology, language acquisition. Courses in language development or acquisition alone are not acceptable, nor are courses on language disorders.
How to Verify Prerequisites
We have reviewed several courses from a variety of institutions across Canada. A several courses have been pre-approved by the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. To view a list of pre-approved courses, visit the Approved Prerequisites page and then select the institution. For example, clicking on the University of Alberta will open a list of prerequisite courses that we have previously accepted from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Please note that the acceptable list is subject to change and not all courses listed on the Approved Prerequisites section are necessarily offered at any given time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm course offerings with the institution of interest.
If the course you would like to use to satisfy a prerequisite does not appear on the Approved Prerequisites section of the website, you must obtain pre-approval from the department and submit this documentation with the program application. You must submit the Prerequisite Verification Form to get approval.
Please check the course content carefully with the criteria listed above. If it does not fit, please do not send a request for verification. It will not be accepted.
Before applying or accepting an offer of admission to the School of CSD, prospective students should be aware of the following:
- The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology programs are two-year (6 term), full-time, in-person programs. We do not have the traditional Fall and/or Winter reading weeks that University undergraduate programs have. Applicants must be prepared to be a full-time student during the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer terms. Students must be prepared to participate in daytime and evening classes, and evening and weekend practicums.
- Students must obtain and complete all mandatory immunizations, vaccinations, medical and non-medical requirements specified by Western University, the School of CSD, and community-based sites.
- Students must also be aware that most clinical placement sites (e.g., hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics) have pre-placement policies for students that include mandatory vaccination requirements. Students will be required to be compliant with the policy requirements of community-based sites to attend placements in those facilities. If students are not compliant with those policies, they cannot attend participate in those placements and will fail to meet clinical graduation requirements. Students who fail to meet clinical graduation requirements will not be eligible to complete the program.
- Students must obtain, pay for, and submit documentation of a clear police Criminal Reference Check-Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) as required by clinical placement sites.
- Students are encouraged to have a strong foundation in math, anatomy and physiology, and science prior to applying to the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology programs.
- Students must incur all costs associated with the clinical placements assigned to them (e.g., housing accommodations, travel, etc.). It is important for prospective students to realize that this may mean paying for housing in two locations (one at Western and one where the clinical placement happens). Funding and/or bursaries to cover costs associated with participation in the program, including in clinical placements, are limited.
- Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the CSD program, including:
- Oral presentations in front of groups/peers
- Fast turn-around in clinical documentation
- Interacting with clients and care-providers
- Receiving feedback about clinical and academic performance
- In-person and individual practical evaluations
- Audio and/or videorecording of client sessions
- Speech-Language Pathology students are required to participate in anatomy cadaver labs.
These are program expectations that cannot be waived. Please consider that you must participate in these important aspects of clinical training and help guide your admission acceptance decision-making process.
Co-op Work Permit and Study Permit
International students require a study permit to study at Western University. In the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology programs, an additional permit is required: a co-op work permit. A Co-op work permit is a special type of permit that allows students to work in Canada as part of their clinical placements. For this reason, your co-op work permit for the Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology program must allow you to work in a health service field occupation.
As part of your degree requirements, students in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders participate in clinical placements. International students need a co-op work permit with their study permits when starting the program, thus, students must apply for a co-op work permit alongside their study permit.
To avoid delays, the best time to apply for a co-op work permit while the application for the study permit is being completed. We will supply you with a letter to include with the co-op work permit application stating that placements are a required part of your studies, following being offered acceptance into the program. If you do not recieve it following acceptance into the program, please reach out to the School at earmouth@uwo.ca to request.
It is very important for international applicants to understand the rules and regulations when it comes to working as an international student in Canada. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure a co-op work permit is obtained prior to starting the program.
Additionally, as an international student, you may be eligible for the New-to-Canada Grant to help with your initial settlement costs. The amount is $1,000 per eligible student. More information can be found here.
Follow this link for more information regarding applying to a co-op work permit, or visit IRCC Website.
You can book an appointment with Western University International Student Advisors for assistance and your questions.
All international students should complete the International Student Orientation for Graduate Students offered through Western’s International & Exchange Student Center. You must present your study permit and co-op work permit to the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders by September 1.
There are two courses listed together on the preapproved courses form. Does this mean I have to take both to fulfill the prerequisite?
In certain instances, the necessary content is spread across two courses. In the instances that are outlined in the preapproved course documents, if two courses are listed together, this means that both must be completed to fulfill the prerequisite. For example, if you'd like to use either HEALTHSCI 2300 or 3300 to satisfy the prerequisite, you will also need to take (or have taken) the other course in the pair.
I have been out of school for more than five years. Must I have two academic references, or can I use professional references?
If you have been out of school for more than five years, you may use professional references rather than academic for your application.
How is my sub-GPA calculated?
Your sub-GPA is the basis of your admission. A calculation of the sub-GPA for admission purposes will be completed based on the final 20 half courses of university academic study (i.e., the equivalent of 10 full courses or 60 credit hours) completed by December 31 of the fall term preceding the application deadline. Summer, part-time, intersession, distance education, and undergraduate and graduate university courses taken beyond the four-year undergraduate degree are also included. Because the GPA does not include all university undergraduate courses, it is referred to as a sub-GPA.
English is not my first language. Do I need to provide proof of English language proficiency?
If English is not your first language but you attended studies in English in a country where the official language is English, you may be exempt from having to provide proof of English language proficiency. Alternatively, if you have taken at least two years of in-person studies in English in Canada, you may also be exempt. Please reach out to Canbulat Ozkurt, International Recruitment Coordinator, to confirm.
Applicants who do not fall into the above-mentioned criteria must provide proof of English language proficiency. The following methods are acceptable:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 105 on the internet-based version, or;
- An overall score of 7.5 on the IELTS, or;
- An overall score of 135 on the Duolingo English test.
I am an international student, and my WES evaluation is delayed. What should I do?
We are mindful of delays with WES evaluation processing. Please reach out to Canbulat Ozkurt, International Recruitment Coordinator and the Graduate Affairs Assistant, directly regarding this issue. Additionally, please provide proof of payment for your WES evaluation in your application as a placeholder until you can access your evaluation.
Is a curriculum vitae (CV) required for my application? Do you have a CV that I can reference?
Yes, CVs are now required for all applicants. Please see our sample CV here.
