Finding Scholarships

It’s not always easy to see how you’re going to be able to afford a post-secondary education. There are, though, many and varied means by which you can help yourself fund many, if not all, of your future expenses. With more than $25 million in financial aid available to our students, here are four of the most popular avenues worth exploring.

1. Scholarships (guaranteed – no application necessary!) – If you enter Western as a full-time student from high school with a final average of 88% or higher, you are automatically eligible for one of our Admission Scholarships.

   Scholarships (requiring application/nomination) – Our National Scholarships are designed to recognize all-round excellence. They are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic performance to candidates who demonstrate ability for creative and innovative thought and a passion for the pursuit of learning. National Scholarships also recognize exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities such as the arts and athletics. A special emphasis is placed on a candidate's commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life.

   In-Course Scholarships – Once you get to Western, more help is available. We have in place a comprehensive scholarship and award program that recognizes student achievement. In-Course Scholarship and Award eligibility is determined during the academic year based on the student's previous academic performance and current registration.

2. Bursaries – These are non-repayable grants that are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Bursaries supplement students’ major sources of funding such as OSAP, bank loans/lines of credit and parental/spousal contributions.
3. Student Loans –The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is for full-time university students who have a demonstrated financial need. OSAP is intended to supplement student and family resources.
4. Work Study, Internships, Co-op, Part-Time Employment – Western’s Work Study program offers opportunities after first year for students to work part-time on campus in jobs that accommodate their studies. The Work Study program is designed to support students in financial need with a regular source of income that does not add to their debt load, and offer training and experience that will assist them in further studies and eventual entrance into the workforce. You should also check out the many ways to gain practical experience and financial reward through internships, co-op and part-time work on- or off-campus!