Western University
Ivey is Canada's top business school - and Western surrounds it with a beautiful campus life.
Western University is best known nationally for the Ivey Business School, which offers Canada's most selective and prestigious undergraduate business program (HBA). Western has a reputation for a vibrant social campus life alongside genuine academic excellence. The campus in London, Ontario is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Canada.
What average do you need to get into Western?
There is no single Western acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Ivey HBA (Business) require high 80s-low 90s (for admission to Western; Ivey selection internal), while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around high 80s. A competitive overall average for most Western programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: London, ON
- Founded: 1878
- Students: 40,000
- Maclean's ranking: #10
- QS World ranking: #151
- Approximate domestic tuition: $11000/year
- Co-op available: No
Top Strengths
- Business (Ivey HBA)
- Medicine
- Law
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for Western programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Ivey HBA (Business) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (for admission to Western; Ivey selection internal) (Entered after 1st or 2nd year. Internal selection is very competitive - grades + ECs.)
- Medical Sciences — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Western's most popular pre-med pathway. Very competitive internally.)
- Neuroscience — admission average: high 80s (Rigorous science program, strong for graduate and medical school.)
- Biochemistry — admission average: high 80s (Strong research program, good pre-med and pre-pharmacy pathway.)
- Chemical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Solid program, good grad school and industrial placement.)
- Civil & Environmental Eng. — admission average: high 80s (Strong infrastructure and environmental sector connections.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good research and industry outcomes.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong automotive and aerospace placement through Western's co-op.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Solid engineering stream with connections to London's growing tech presence.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Growing program, good London tech sector connections.)
- Commercial Aviation Management — admission average: low-to-mid 80s (Only program of its kind in Canada combining business degree and commercial flight training.)
- Kinesiology — admission average: high 80s (Among Canada's top sport science and health-focused programs.)
- Political Science — admission average: high 70s-80s (Popular pre-law program, strong alumni in government and policy.)
- English Literature — admission average: high 70s-80s (Strong humanities program, good for law and education paths.)
- Psychology — admission average: high 70s-80s (Large program with strong research opportunities.)
- Nursing (BScN) — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (Competitive, strong clinical placements in London health system.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: high 70s (Teacher certification, Ontario focused.)
- Law (JD - post-undergrad) — admission average: LSAT-dependent (Western Law is one of Canada's top five law schools.)
Things to Know
- Getting into Ivey requires strong first-year grades (typically 80%+ at Western) plus extracurriculars and an application - grades at Western aren't everything.
- Western's social culture is a real part of the experience - many students cite it as a key reason they chose it.
- London is a mid-sized city - lower cost of living than Toronto but fewer industry connections.
- Western's MD program is one of Canada's most respected - Medical Sciences is a very competitive pathway.
Notable Alumni
- Justin Trudeau (briefly)
- David Onley
- Prem Watsa