Western University International Exchange Guide

Western University Overview

Western University, founded in 1878, is one of Canada’s most prestigious research-intensive universities and a member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities. With 40,000 students including 6,000 international students from 130 countries, Western offers the scale and diversity of a world-class institution combined with the tight-knit community feel that characterizes the Canadian university experience.

The university comprises 12 faculties and schools and 3 affiliated colleges, offering over 400 undergraduate program combinations and more than 160 master’s and doctoral programs. Its 1,200-acre campus is consistently rated among the most beautiful in Canada, with stunning Gothic Revival architecture set among mature trees, expansive green spaces, and modern research facilities. For students comparing Canadian exchange destinations, our guide to McGill University programs provides another excellent option.

Western welcomes over 350 exchange students annually, providing a well-established infrastructure for visiting students. The International Learning office manages all aspects of the exchange experience, from pre-arrival support through to departure, ensuring that exchange students can focus on their academic and cultural growth during their time at Western.

Location: London, Ontario

London, Ontario—nicknamed the “Forest City” for its abundant parks, green areas, and trail system along the Thames River—is a vibrant mid-sized city of 423,000 residents. Located approximately 200 km west of Toronto, London offers all the amenities of a major urban centre at a fraction of the cost.

The city’s strategic location provides easy access to some of North America’s most exciting destinations. Toronto’s cultural offerings are just a two-hour drive away, while Niagara Falls, Detroit/Windsor, and the freshwater beaches of Lake Huron and Lake Erie are all within comfortable day-trip distance. Transportation options include London International Airport, rail service via VIA Rail, and extensive intercity bus connections.

For exchange students, London’s affordability is a major advantage. Compared to Vancouver or Toronto, housing costs, food expenses, and entertainment are significantly lower, allowing students to enjoy a rich social and cultural life without the financial stress common in larger Canadian cities. The local transit system is included in your Western student fees via a bus pass, making it easy to explore the entire city.

Available Academic Programs

Exchange students at Western can access courses across a wide range of disciplines. Here’s what’s available:

• Arts & Humanities: Classical Studies, English, Film Studies, French Studies, Gender Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Visual Arts, Writing & Professional Communication
• Music: Music Education, Performance Studies, Research and Composition
• Health Sciences: Health Studies, Kinesiology (limited availability)
• Engineering: Chemical & Biochemical, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Social Science: Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology (some with limited availability)
• Science: Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics
• Media Studies: Media, Information & Technoculture (limited availability)

Important restrictions: Exchange students cannot enroll in Law, Medicine, Aviation, Dentistry, Business (Ivey), Education, or professional Health Sciences programs. These programs maintain separate exchange arrangements with specific partner institutions. Students interested in engineering exchanges should also explore our guide to Georgia Tech ECE programs.

Application Process and Eligibility

The application process for Western’s exchange program involves two steps:

1. Official Nomination: Your home university must submit a formal nomination to Western, along with supporting documents including your official academic transcript.
2. Student Application: Once nominated, you complete an online application through Western’s system.

English proficiency is required since all instruction is in English. Proof must be provided at the time of application. Exchange students must be present for the entire duration of their chosen term—Fall Term runs from early September to late December, and Winter Term from early January to late April.

Course Load Requirements

Visa and Immigration Requirements

Immigration requirements vary by nationality and length of stay. Here are the key considerations:

• Study Permit: Required for programs longer than 6 months. Students with a valid study permit registered full-time may work on campus. Students without a study permit cannot work in Canada.
• TRV/eTA: Most people need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. If approved for a study permit, the TRV/eTA is issued automatically.
• Documents at Border: Valid passport, Letter of Introduction, TRV (if applicable), admission letter from Western, proof of sufficient funds

Western’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is O19375892122 (the first character is the letter “O” for Ontario). This number is required on your study permit application.

Fees and Cost of Living

One of the most attractive aspects of an exchange at Western is that exchange students do not pay tuition—you continue paying tuition at your home institution. The only compulsory fees at Western are:

Estimated Living Expenses Per Term

Housing Options On and Off Campus

Western offers both on-campus and off-campus housing options for exchange students. On-campus residences include hybrid-suite style rooms and apartment-style suites, most of which include a meal plan. Availability is subject to demand, so early application is recommended.

Off-campus housing is plentiful in the neighborhoods surrounding Western’s campus. The Off-Campus Housing Office provides listings, advice, and even helps with translation of rental agreements for international students. Typical off-campus rents range from $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and proximity to campus. Students considering other Canadian exchange options may find our Ohio State International Admissions guide useful for comparison.

Student Support and Campus Life

Western International provides comprehensive support throughout your exchange:

• Arrival & Orientation: Pre-arrival assistance and orientation programming to help you settle in
• International Student Advising: Guidance on study/work permits, visas, cultural transitions, and university policies
• Cultural Adjustment Support: Including support for accompanying spouses, partners, or families
• English Conversation Program: Informal spoken English practice sessions
• Global Café: Weekly social gatherings to meet international and Canadian friends
• Intercultural Learning: Volunteer and leadership positions, workshops, and cultural events each term

The campus itself is a hub of activity with 200+ student clubs, an impressive recreation centre featuring a 50-metre pool, 6 gymnasiums, and 200+ pieces of fitness equipment. The University Community Centre houses a bookstore, grocery store, movie theatre, and wellness centre. Western’s Mustangs varsity athletics program is one of the strongest in Canadian university sports, offering exciting game-day experiences throughout the academic year.

Health Insurance and Wellbeing

All registered exchange students must enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)—this is mandatory, not optional. UHIP covers most doctor visits but does not cover prescriptions or supplemental items. Western strongly recommends purchasing supplementary health insurance for comprehensive coverage.

Western’s health and wellness services include an on-campus health clinic, counselling services, and mental health support programs. The Student Experience office coordinates wellness initiatives throughout the year, ensuring students have access to the support they need during their exchange.

Key Contacts and Next Steps

Ready to start your exchange journey at Western? Here are your key contacts:

• Exchange Program Office: goabroad@uwo.ca
• Ivey Business School (HBA Exchange): international@ivey.ca
• Western Law: lawintl@uwo.ca
• Address: International & Graduate Affairs Building, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7

Follow Western International on social media: Instagram @westernuinternational, Twitter @westernuintl, Facebook @westernuInternational. The first step is always to speak with your home university’s international office about available Western partnership agreements.