Admissions & Applying

Academic Requirements

Admission into the School of Kinesiology’s graduate programs is competitive. To be considered for admission:

Master’s Programs (Thesis-based and Course-based)

  • Applicants to master’s programs require an admission average of 70% or greater in the last two years of full-time study (calculated by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies upon submission of the application) in a bachelor-level honors degree in Kinesiology or equivalent

PhD Programs

  • Applicants to the PhD programs should have a master’s degree in Kinesiology or equivalent
  • The program does not accept students with admission averages lower than 70% (calculated by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies upon submission of the application)

International Applicants



The Government of Canada recently announced a cap on new study permits. We have been assured that this cap will not affect incoming Master’s or Doctoral applicants.

If you have any immigration-related questions, Western International’s immigration advisors are happy to help. Please visit Western International’s website, make an appointment with an advisor, or contact the advising team at iesc@uwo.ca.



  • International applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English as evidenced by scores on TOEFL, IELTS or  Duolingo
    • The minimum IELTS score is 7.5/9.0, with no individual component score less than 6.5
    • The minimum TOEFL requirements for applicants to graduate programs in Kinesiology are Internet-based 105, paper-based 620 and computer-based 260
    • The minimum Duolingo English Test score is 120
  • Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL or IELTS and to have the official results sent directly to Western’s  School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency

Step 1: Explore Your Opportunities

Choose a program/degree, identify research topics of interest and identify a research supervisor*

Step 2: Identify a Supervisor 

NOTE: All applicants to the following programs must indicate a supervisor on the application:

  • All thesis-based master's programs
  • All PhD programs

*NOTE: Students are are not required to contact a supervisor prior to submitting an application to the course-based program.

Applicants are encouraged to make contact with prospective supervisors well in advance of submitting an application.

  • Making a suitable match with a supervisor is a key element to gaining entry into the program
  • Applicants may wish to set up an appointment to meet prospective supervisors, learn about their research program and meet their current graduate students
  • When submitting an application, applicants will be asked to identify one faculty member to serve as a supervisor (thesis-based and internship programs only)
  • Topics for Discussion:
    • Eligibility/requirements for admission into their research group
    • Research areas
    • Expectations
    • Grant supported funds

Step 3: Contact Graduate Program

  • Explore degree requirements
  • Discuss financial support and scholarships

Contact Information

Jennifer Plaskett
Graduate Program Coordinator
Tel: 519-661-2111 x85179
Email: jennifer.plaskett@uwo.ca

Step 4: Apply

To apply, applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility requirements indicated above.

Timeline for Kinesiology Graduate School Applications

Admission into Kinesiology graduate programs is for September only.

Thesis-based Programs

Domestic Applications

  • November 1 – Online applications open
  • June 1 – DEADLINE – Application submissions and all supporting documents must be received by this date
  • NOTE: Decisions are often made well in advance of the posted deadline dates (usually between January – April). Supervisors agree to supervise a limited number of students each year. It is to the advantage of the applicant to ensure their application is complete and submitted as early as possible.

International Applications

  • November 1 – Online applications open
  • January 31 – DEADLINE – Application submissions and all supporting documents must be received by this date

MKin Course-based Programs

Domestic Applications

  • November 15 – Online applications open
  • January 31 – Application submission date for guaranteed consideration
  • June 1 – DEADLINE – Application submissions and all supporting documents must be received by this date
  • NOTE: Decisions are often made well in advance of the posted deadline dates (usually between January – April). It is to the advantage of the applicant to ensure their application is complete and submitted as early as possible.

International Applications

  • November 15 – Online applications open
  • January 31 – DEADLINE – Application submissions and all supporting documents must be received by this date

Preparing an Application

Transcripts

  • Upload an unofficial copy of your transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended.
  • The document must be saved as a .pdf file and must be less than 3mb in size.
  • If offered admission, part of your admission conditions will be to provide official transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended. An official transcript is an unopened envelope with the institution’s stamp on the seal.

References

Before applying, applicants should contact faculty members (or other individuals) to ask whether they would agree to provide a strong reference letter supporting an application to the graduate program.

Master’s Applicants

  • Two references are required
  • One reference must be academic and the second can be either academic or professional/character
    • Academic referees include professors who have taught a course in which the applicant was enrolled
    • Professors providing these references should be able to evaluate the applicant’s oral and written communication skills, as well as research potential
      • Academic referees cannot include: TAs, lab instructors, coaches or activity instructors

PhD Applicants

  • Two academic references are required
    • Academic referees include professors who have taught a course in which the applicant was enrolled
    • Professors providing these references should be able to evaluate the applicant’s oral and written communication skills, as well as research potential
      • Academic referees cannot include: TAs, lab instructors, coaches or activity instructors

Questions regarding the application process or online application content can be directed to:

Laurie Bodin
Program Assistant
Tel: 519-661-2111 x83092
Email: lmbodin@uwo.ca 

Submitting an Application

When submitting an application, applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Biographical information
  • Contact information
  • Academic information
    • Information from all previous academic institutions attended
  • Referee information
    • Name
    • Title
    • Email Address
  • Answers to supplemental questions
    • Identify the name of the requested supervisor
    • For course-based master's programs, please indicate "not applicable" on this section of the application
  • Non-refundable fee payment ($150)
  • English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

Applicants must include required supplementary documents.

  • Statement of Intent (in PDF format)
    • A 500- to 1,000-word document that provides supplementary information in conjunction with transcripts to assist the admissions committee in evaluating the application and the applicant’s suitability
    • Summarize any personal and academic experiences that prompted application to the Kinesiology graduate program and include evidence of individual suitability to the program’s aims and objectives
    • Applicants should indicate:
      • Why they are a good fit for the program.
      • Why they have selected a particular research supervisor (if applicable).
      • Any exceptional or unique qualities or experiences that make them a good fit for the program.
  • Academic Transcripts (in PDF format)
    • Unofficial copies of transcripts from all institutions attended are required

APPLY NOW

Applications for admission into Kinesiology graduate programs is administered through Western's School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.