Language of instruction
Western University (also known as University of Western Ontario) is one of the oldest and most beautiful campuses in Canada. Western prides itself on having a strong sense of community. In addition to an outstanding academic reputation, Western is recognised for offering the best student experience in Canada. The Faculty of Law, established in 1959, offers a unique blend of academic study, practical experience and extracurricular academic activities.
Set in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, London is the region’s economic, entertainment and cultural hub. London is big enough for the ‘big city’ experience, but offers the safe and clean atmosphere of a small community.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Winter Term | January–April |
| Semester 2 | Fall Term | September–December |
Guides and additional information
Western has online resources to help you get the most out of your exchange:
- International guide to student life at Western
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Student testimonials
- B Environmental ScienceSemester 1, 2019
Easily a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Canada in a whole different light.
- B Engineering/CommerceSemester 2, 2018
It's way to cold, but you'll be alright.
- B. Laws / ArtsSemester 2, 2015
Full-time study load
2.5 credits at Western is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
14 credit hours at Western Law is equivalent to 8 UQ units (Law students)
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at Western.
Find courses
Search the Western University course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database.
Ensure you search for the correct level of courses - see "Additional Academic Information" below for more detail.
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Western provide a full list of course restrictions on their course restrictions page.
Business & Economics courses are only available through the Faculty of Social Sciences. Courses can be found here.
Exchange students cannot take courses in the following:
- The Richard Ivey School of Business
- All professional programs in the Faculty of Health Science or Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
The following courses often have limited space and are not always available to exchange students:
- Economics
- Management and organizational studies
- Political science (especially upper-year courses)
- Psychology
Western Law will not accept students whose educational background is Canadian, as a result Canadian citizens who apply will need to provide relevant information about their educational background.
Students wishing to study las subjects can only study within the law faculty.
Additional academic information
Students who apply for UQ Semester 2 (Western fall term) will have a greater selection of courses. Students who apply for UQ Semester 1 (Western winter term) may need a level of flexiblity in the courses that they choose.
Law students are encouraged to apply to Global Experiences by the 31 October deadline for exchange to Western Law in either semesters. You may still apply to Global Experiences by the May deadline for exchange to Western Law in sem 1 of the following year but course selection may be limited.
- 0001 - 0999*: Pre-University level introductory courses
- 1000 - 1999: Year 1 courses
- 2000 - 4999: Senior-level undergraduate courses
- 5000 - 5999: Professional Degree courses in Dentistry, Education, Law, and Medicine
- 6000 - 6999: Courses offered by Continuing Studies
- 9000 - 9999: Graduate Studies courses
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Accommodation
Western provides a variety of housing options. Exchange students can choose to live on-campus in student residences or university apartments, or can opt to live in off-campus accommodation.
Cost of living
As an exchange student at Western, you will be required to purchase a Bus Pass, University Health Insurance Plan, and a Western One Card, which allows access to libraries and facilities and serves as a meal card and bus pass. The university provides a breakdown of these fees.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in the Student Exchange Program are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
While in Canada and registered at Western, students are required to purchase and be enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the High Commission of Canada for visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, Global Experience programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
You must register your travel plans on the International SOS so that you can be contacted and supported in an emergency.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.