Although the University of Western Ontario, or Western University, is usually thought of as the only post-secondary school in London, Ontario, there are actually several universities in London, Ontario. There are over four other post-secondary schools in London, Ontario which is only a few kilometres north of the US border and sits close to Lake Erie. London, Ontario is a university town with almost 40,000 students attending Western alone. It is also the 11th largest city in Canada and home to one of the six medical schools in Ontario, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. This blog will take you through the other options for universities in London, Ontario and give you in-depth admission information to help your college application stand out.
Disclaimer: Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.
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Universities in London, Ontario
- University of Western Ontario
- Huron Western University
- Brescia University
- King's University College
- Fanshawe College
- St. Peter’s Seminary
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1. University of Western Ontario
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 91%
Minimum GPA to Apply: n/a
First Year Tuition: $7,891 (in-province); $8,510 (out-of-province); $44,830 (international)
The University of Western Ontario, or Western University, is the centerpiece of universities in London, Ontario since it is one of the biggest universities in Canada, let alone Ontario, in both population and size. The campus covers almost 1000 acres and as of last year, the school’s student population passed over 31,000 undergraduate students. The school has over 12 different faculties including the professional schools, and one of the best MBA programs in Canada. Getting into Western is competitive.
It does not have minimum grade averages to apply, but makes a point of saying that you need to match at least the averages of past applicants. Each program has its own admissions requirements, and some even ask you to submit additional materials, such as a college essay, or personal statement explaining why you want to enter the program. Speaking of programs, there are close to sixty different programs for you to choose from, and since Western is a comprehensive university, you can also combine degrees, such as a major and a minor, or a double major.
For most programs, if you are an Ontario resident, you need at least:
- A minimum of six Grade 12 courses
- One Grade 12 English course
If you’re a Canadian student from outside Ontario, you need requirements specific to your province, but they are often similar to requirements for Ontario students. The school also has various admissions pathways if you fall into any specific categories, such as a mature student or Indigenous student or independent youth. You can also apply under the extenuating circumstances pathway that gives you the chance to tell your story about what has kept you out of university.
As it is a university in Ontario, Western uses the Ontario Universities Application Center, which is how you apply to university in Ontario regardless of your origin. If you’re an Ontario high school graduate and want to apply to Western, you have to submit your application before January 12, which is the application deadline, but other programs such as nursing or engineering have other deadlines.
2. Huron at Western University
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 90%
Minimum GPA to Apply: n/a
First Year Tuition: $8,415 (in-province); $9,034 (out-of-province); $46,079 (international)
Located within the campus of Western, Huron at Western University was the original college that eventually grew into the University of Western Ontario. Huron is distinct from Western and there is a separate application that you have to complete to apply. Huron is unique in a few ways. The first being its small size – only 800 students are admitted every year. The second is that it is a competitive school, so you really need to impress the admissions committees with a variety of extracurriculars for college or other student engagement activities to demonstrate what makes you unique beyond your grades.
About your grades, Huron has a mission to keep class sizes small – the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, and the average class size is 30 – which means it looks carefully at all applications to determine whether you are a good fit for the university's culture. Because it is a small school, there are only three faculties where you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in either:
- Arts and Social Science
- Management & Organizational Studies
- Theology
The school uses OUAC, but it has several downloadable forms, such as a statement of activities form, which is similar to the OUAC activities section that you can attach to your application to list the things you’ve done outside of school to help you prepare to become a university student. As we mentioned, Huron takes seriously its commitment to small class sizes and personalized education, which means you need to impress with more than just good grades, although that helps too.
3. Brescia University
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
Average GPA of Admitted Students: 85%
Minimum GPA to Apply: n/a
First Year Tuition: $8,055 (in-province); $8,674 (out-of-province); $45,469 (international)
Another institution associated with Western, Brescia University is a completely unique learning environment dedicated to empowering women. Brescia is another institution that was absorbed into the Western University family, but retains its original mission to educate women, as it is one of the few all-women universities in Canada. Despite its mission and origin, many of the programs are co-ed, and the school accepts applications from all genders or non-binary people.
Like Huron, Brescia prides itself on keeping class sizes small so you can get the most out of your education. The school boasts a 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 25, which is much lower than either Western or Huron. The application requirements do not differ that much from the other schools affiliated with Western, but Brescia has recommended averages for most programs that range between 70-85%.
Many programs have their specific requirements, but if you are an Ontario student, you only need the standard six Grade 12 courses, and a minimum average of 80% to enter the Arts program. The school has 14 departments within the Faculty of Art, but it also features a Graduate program, along with four certificate and diploma programs aimed at training in various professions from a dietician to management consultant.
You can apply as a Canadian or Ontario high school graduate, but, as with other schools on this list, Brescia offers several different admissions pathways depending on your background, such as if you are a mature, home-schooled or international student. But you can also take pre-university courses at Brescia to both learn what it's like to be a student, and to earn micro credits toward a certificate of completion that will look great on your application, if you apply here.
4. King's University College
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
Average GPA of Admitted Students: n/a
Minimum GPA to Apply: 79-80%
First Year Tuition: $8,076 (in-province); $8,695 (out-of-province); $45,015 (international)
Yet another university affiliated with Western, but, again, with a completely different mission and history, King’s University College combines the tenets of Catholicism with a liberal arts education. The school has a similar history as Brescia and Huron, as it also started as a theological school but evolved into the institution it is today with over 25 different departments and seven degree programs. The school offers degrees in everything from philosophy and Catholic studies to human rights and disability studies. You can also complete some degrees within three years, but they also have four-year options for the same program.
You can also choose an interdisciplinary degree or the King’s Scholar program, which is the school’s version of independent study where you can design your own degree around various subjects. The admission requirements are different for each program, and you need to check what they are for each program, but, in general, you need at least:
- A minimum 65% grade average
- Five completed Grade 12 classes
- One Grade 12 English course
You need to apply through OUAC, but you can attach additional materials to your application and fill out the applicant profile form the school provides to describe things such as your extracurricular activities, non-academic achievements, or hobbies and interests. But you also have to include your transcripts from all the high schools you’ve attended as well as any supporting documentation.
5. Fanshawe College
Acceptance Rate: program-dependent
Average GPA of Admitted Students: n/a
Minimum GPA to Apply: 70-90% (for competitive programs)
First Year Tuition: program-dependent
Fanshawe College is the only college on this list, but its student population mirrors those of some of the biggest universities in Canada, as it is home to almost 40,000 students in bachelor, graduate and diploma or certificate programs. Fanshawe offers bachelor degrees in several fields from nursing, marketing, and behavioral psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in various fields along with 200+ certificate programs for anyone who wants to enter a specific trade, or industry.
You can also enroll in 20 different apprenticeship programs that give you access to teachers and trainers in these fields, which gives you a better chance of finding employment afterwards, as Fanshawe College boasts an 86% employment rate six months after graduation. As this is a college, you won’t find other courses or programs typical of liberal arts universities, but you can transfer in or out of Fanshawe College and apply your credits to another school or degree.
The college has partnerships with other colleges and universities in Canada but also around the world, so you can even take your education international. You can apply to the college through the Ontario Colleges online application form, and you do not often have to submit supplemental college essays. If you are applying for any of the bachelor or graduate degrees, you can use the OUAC website, and the apprenticeship programs you can apply to directly.
6. St. Peter’s Seminary
Acceptance Rate: 60-70%
Average GPA of Admitted Students: n/a
Minimum GPA to Apply: 70-90% (for competitive programs)
First Year Tuition: $8,061 (Canadian)
St. Peter’s Seminary is another school that falls under the purview of Western, and unlike many of the other schools on this list, St Peter’s has retained its original mission to train priests in the Catholic ministry, while also offering two graduate degrees in theology and divinity, a certificate in parish nursing, and a single bachelor undergraduate degree program in philosophy. You can apply to the undergraduate program through the OUAC, but as the seminary is associated with Western, you have to meet the stated requirements for the Philosophy program at UWO to gain admission to St. Peter, which are:
- Completion of at least six Grade 12 courses
- Meeting the prerequisites for the Philosophy program
- Completion of one Grade 12 English course
The seminary is the main training site for the Diocese in London, Ontario and if you are interested in joining the priesthood, you must contact the seminary directly, as there is no centralized application service, as with the other degree programs offered by the seminary. If you’re interested in any of the graduate programs, you must also apply directly to the school, and meet certain requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree and a certain GPA (70%) to be eligible.
How to Apply to Universities in London, Ontario
All the universities in London, Ontario participate in the central Ontario Universities Application Center, which collects and distributes all university applications to the various universities in Ontario. You have to create an account with the OUAC and upload your required documents, which can vary between the different universities in London, Ontario. The only exception to this is Fanshawe College, which only uses OUAC for specific, degree-conferring programs, but all other certificate or diploma programs accept applications only through the Ontario Colleges website.
Why Study at Universities in London, Ontario
A personalized learning experience is one of the main reasons you should think about applying to universities in London, Ontario. But that applies to the other universities in London, Ontario that are not Western, as it is one of the biggest universities in Canada. But even if you decide to go to Western or any of the other universities in London, Ontario you will still be immersed in a traditional, university-town environment, similar to what you would get if you went to any of the universities in Nova Scotia. The other universities in London, Ontario pride themselves on their small class sizes, affordability and wealth of academic offerings, so if any of those things interest you, then you should consider one of the universities in London, Ontario.
How to Get into Universities in London, Ontario
1. Include Supplemental Application Materials
While submitting things such as personal statement, college interest statements, and “why this college?” essays are not usually part of how to get accepted to Canadian universities, you should take the option to write and submit these documents to bolster your application. You should consult with your guidance counsellor or engage a college admissions consulting firm to give you advice on whether you should send these materials or not, as your application may be strong without them. But if you have your heart set on getting into a professional school (medicine, law, MBA), which all require loads of supplemental materials, you can start practicing how to write a personal statement or college recommendation letters now so it is easier to do in the future.
2. Review the School’s Mission Statement, History and Values
While there is one main university in London, Ontario, with various affiliates, the affiliated schools are still distinct and have unique histories and features. For example, Brescia University is the only all-women university in the country, and its program offerings, school culture and campus life all reflect that fact. But most of these schools also started life as Christian or religious institutions, which some have retained, while others such as Huron and Brescia have evolved to serve the needs of all students regardless of faith, gender or origin. If any of these schools appeals to something personal in you, you should follow that feeling and explore more of what it has to offer you in every sense.
3. Go for a Visit
College interview prep is not usually a part of the university application process in Canada, although you should prepare some questions if you end up visiting the campus or doing a student-for-a-day program. All the universities in London, Ontario encourage you to visit as there is no better way to get a feel for what being a student will be like if you are admitted. You can also visit to decide on which school is best for you, but you should take an active role in your visit and not just take a tour. Talk to as many people as you can, especially if the school provide you access to current students, faculty, administrators, or alumni. Leaving a good impression on the decision-makers is something that you can do easily but you need to go through the effort to visit.
4. Get Excellent Grades
We mentioned that many of these schools are competitive, meaning they regularly deny admittance to qualified applicants if they don’t stand out in some meaningful way. Many of these schools want to keep their small class sizes, and intimate learning environments, which means they don’t let everyone in. You can make it easier for yourself if you spend the time to get good grades during your final two years of high school, but you can also explore the paths these universities in Londo, Ontario lay out for you. You can try taking pre-university courses to get a head start on your education, while also demonstrating your commitment to learning.
FAQs
1. How many universities are in London, Ontario?
There are five universities in London, Ontario although four of them are all associated or affiliated with Western University, which is the main, and largest university in the city.
2. What can you study at universities in London, Ontario?
Western University is part of the U15 network of research universities in Canada, and is one of the biggest comprehensive universities in Ontario so there is almost no limit to what you can study at Western. The other universities in London, Ontario have more unique programs that appeal to their particular student population. Brescia University offers women degree programs in traditional liberal arts program, but also explores Family Studies, Early Childhood Development, and Leadership studies with a feminist perspective. With its beginnings steeped in religion and spirituality, you can study subjects as diverse as Thanatology (Death Studies) and Peace and Reconciliation at King’s University College.
3. What are the best universities in London Ontario?
Western University is the largest and most populus of all the universities in London, Ontario but the best university is the one that appeals to your individual academic and professional interests.
4. What is the best university in London, Ontario for international students?
Again, Western University is the school that receives and accepts international applicants regularly, but a place such as Fanshawe College also regularly accepts international students as part of its worldwide network of partner colleges and universities.
5. What GPA do you need to get into universities in London, Ontario?
You need high marks, at least 70% and above to get into universities in London, Ontario although there are no official cut-offs or minimums. Again, many of the smaller schools are more competitive than Western, as they have limited spaces and want to keep their student population small.
6. How do I get into universities in London, Ontario as an international student?
As an international applicant, you will need to submit an official copy of your high school transcripts (translated into English if applicable) meet the English language proficiency requirement, have a student visa or other permission to live and work in Canada and meet the requirements of your specific program.
7. How do I apply to universities in London, Ontario?
In Ontario, all university applications are sent to the main Ontario Universities Application Center, except for Fanshawe College, which accepts applications through the Ontario Colleges website.
8. Is it hard to get into universities in London, Ontario?
It can be, yes, especially if you don’t meet the admissions requirements. But most of the universities in London, Ontario has several admission pathways you can take, as they recognize that not all applicants will have followed the high-school-to-university roadmap. If you are worried you might not qualify, you can contact one of the schools directly to ask how you can apply as a mature, independent or homeschooled student. But, if you are either an Ontario or Canadian high school graduate, you mostly have to have excellent grades, written essays, and recommendation letters.
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