Western Ontario University: Student Population Insights

The University of Western Ontario, branded as Western University, is a public research university in London, Ontario, Canada. It has a student population of over 40,000, including more than 5,000 international students from 126 countries. The university has 11 faculties and schools, with over 400 undergraduate options and more than 150 graduate degree programs.

The University of Western Ontario has over 40,000 students

The University of Western Ontario (UWO) has over 40,000 students, with 43,000 students from 129 countries as of 2025. The university offers a unique learning environment with exceptional academics, outstanding facilities, and internships, co-ops, or practicums in every program.

UWO is a global community of passionate individuals committed to making a positive impact in the world. It is a top Canadian research and teaching institution, bringing together diverse minds and disciplines to empower individuals and drive collective change. The university fosters meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

UWO offers 400 undergraduate options and over 150 graduate degree programs across various fields, including the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Students can tailor their academic journey to meet their goals and interests. The university's 12 faculties and schools provide a full range of degree options and specialisations, including professional programs in business, medicine, dentistry, engineering, law, and education.

The university's campus spans 500 hectares and is considered one of the most beautiful in Canada, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus includes 11 on-campus residences, providing a safe and comfortable living community for students. London, Ontario, the university's home, is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community and a blend of urban amenities, natural spaces, and cultural attractions.

UWO has a long history dating back to its founding in 1878 by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. Initially called The Western University of London, Ontario, the university became non-denominational in 1908 and was later renamed The University of Western Ontario in 1923. The university has grown substantially over the years, especially after World War II, expanding its faculties and schools. Today, UWO is a leading research-intensive university, ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide.

5,720 of these students are international

The University of Western Ontario, branded as Western University, is a public research university in London, Ontario, Canada. The university has a total of 42,148 students, 5,720 of whom are international students. This means that around 13.5% of the student population at Western University are international students, coming from 126 countries.

Western University is a founding member of the U15, a group of Canada's most distinguished research universities. The university is also ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. It has 11 faculties, including professional programs in medicine, business, law, and engineering. The university offers over 400 undergraduate options and more than 150 graduate degree programs.

The Western University campus spans 422 acres and is considered one of the most beautiful in Canada. It offers a mix of modern and historic architecture, with student residences making up the largest part of the building area. The university also has a strong focus on internationalization, striving to create a welcoming environment for international students and promote cross-cultural understanding.

With a high retention rate, Western University is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for its diverse student body, which includes a significant number of international students.

The university has 11 faculties

The University of Western Ontario, branded as Western University, is a public research university in London, Ontario, Canada. It is a member of the U15, Canada's group of most distinguished research-intensive universities, and is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide.

Western University offers a comprehensive academic experience with over 400 undergraduate options and more than 150 graduate degree programs. The university's faculties provide a wide range of professional programs, including business, medicine, law, and engineering. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is the central administrative unit for graduate education but is not considered its own faculty or academic school.

The university's 11 on-campus residences provide a safe and comfortable living community for students. With a vibrant and diverse community of over 43,000 students from 129 countries, Western University fosters a unique and exceptional learning environment.

It is located on 455 hectares of land

The University of Western Ontario, also known as Western University, is located on 455 hectares of land in London, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods, with the Thames River bisecting the eastern portion. The central campus, which includes most of the student residences and teaching facilities, covers approximately 170.8 hectares.

The university's land area includes a range of buildings and facilities to support its academic and research endeavours. The campus features a mix of modern and historic architecture, with the oldest building being the boiler room/power plant, which opened in 1922. The central campus is also home to the University College and the Physics and Astronomy Building, which were both completed in 1924. In recent years, new construction projects have added state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB), which houses the Brain and Mind Institute, BrainsCAN, and the Rotman Institute for Philosophy.

The university's land is utilised for various purposes, including academic and residential buildings, research facilities, athletic centres, and natural spaces. The student residences comprise the largest portion of the building area, accounting for approximately 31% of the total space. Teaching and research facilities make up the second-largest portion, with about 28% of the space dedicated to these purposes. The university also places importance on sustainability and ecological preservation, incorporating green spaces and sustainable building practices into its campus development.

Western University's vast land area allows for a diverse range of activities and experiences for its students and faculty, fostering a vibrant and engaging community within the university.

The university is divided into 11 faculties and schools

The University of Western Ontario is divided into 11 faculties and schools, each offering a diverse range of academic programs and specialisations. The 11 faculties include:

• Don Wright Faculty of Music: The Don Wright Faculty of Music offers a range of programs in music education, performance, and research. It provides students with opportunities to develop their musical talents and perform in various ensembles and recitals.
• Faculty of Arts & Humanities: This faculty encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including classical studies, French studies, philosophy, and women's studies. Students can explore different cultures, languages, and artistic expressions.
• Faculty of Education: The Faculty of Education prepares students for careers in teaching and educational leadership. It offers programs such as Althouse College, which became the Faculty of Education in 1965.
• Faculty of Engineering: With departments like chemical and biochemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, and mechanical and materials engineering, this faculty equips students with the skills to innovate and solve complex problems.
• Faculty of Health Sciences: This faculty covers a broad spectrum of health-related disciplines, including anatomy and cell biology, anesthesia and perioperative medicine, family medicine, and occupational therapy.
• Faculty of Information & Media Studies: Students in this faculty gain critical insights into the world of information and media. It includes departments such as communication sciences and disorders and health information management.
• Faculty of Law: The Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario has a long history, dating back to the university's early years. It offers programs to prepare students for legal careers.
• Faculty of Science: The Faculty of Science provides a strong foundation in various scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, and physics and astronomy.
• Faculty of Social Science: This faculty explores human behaviour, social trends, and cultural dynamics. It includes departments such as anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
• Ivey School of Business: The Ivey School of Business, formerly known as the School of Business Administration, offers a range of business programs. It is recognised as a leading business school in Canada.
• Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry: This faculty is known for its research and clinical contributions, particularly in the fields of medicine and dentistry. It includes departments such as anatomy, biochemistry, and pathology.

Each faculty at the University of Western Ontario offers a unique set of programs, allowing students to pursue their academic interests and passions. With a comprehensive range of disciplines, the university provides a well-rounded educational experience and fosters a vibrant academic community.

Frequently asked questions