Fees and Funding

MPEd TESOL, PhD and MA Programs: Fall term ancillary fees are proportionately higher for domestic students because part of this fee is the SOGS (Society of Graduate Students) Health and Dental Plan. Health and Dental Plan fees provide coverage from September through August and are collected from graduate students in September. Students who are admitted and have their own coverage will be provided information on how to opt out of the SOGS Health Plan.

All other MPEd Programs: Online students pay only a portion of the ancillary fees each term and are not automatically enrolled in the Health & Dental Plan. MPEd program students who wish to enrol in the Health and Dental Plan must opt in through the SOGS (Society of Graduate Students) portal.

Entrance Scholarships

Professional Programs (EdD and MPEd)

The Faculty of Education recognizes the financial commitment required to pursue professional graduate studies.

As the majority of our programs are fully online, we offer students flexible learning that allows them to fund their education by remaining in their current employment. Some employers offer subsidization or time release opportunities for the professional learning of their employees. As a result, internal funding is not available for these programs.

There are also many external funding opportunities for competitive candidates and we encourage you to visit online sites that contain numerous award opportunities. For example;

Please note that students must apply for these awards individually. Read the qualifications carefully, and contact the award provider for more criteria and award information. Some application support is available from the Research Office for research-based awards only.

Many private financial institutions offer financing options (with particular rates and payment plans) to full-time students. Please contact a representative of your preferred financial institution for more information.

Provincial governments offer a variety of loan programs to help students finance their studies. Ontario residents may be eligible to apply for OSAP.

The Government of Canada's CanLearn website provides a listing of contact information for the offices of all government student financial assistance programs. Please visit CanLearn to find your province or territory listing. The Government of Canada implemented the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) to encourage higher education and training. The LLP allows you to withdraw up to $10,000 a year from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance training or education for you or your spouse or common-law partner. For further information on this plan, visit the government's website at www.ccra.gc.ca.

Research Intensive Programs (PhD and MA)

Doctoral Funding

Doctoral students receive a funding package that includes the cost of annual tuition plus an additional $17,000 per year. A portion of the funding package involves either a Graduate Student Assistantship (GSA) or Departmental Teaching Assistantship (DTA) requiring 10 hours of work per week for 28 weeks (September to April) in the Faculty of Education. Details of the assignments are determined in consultation with students after they have formally accepted the offer of admission from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Taking on the role of GSA or DTA provides students with crucial experience for their academic career after completion of the Ph.D. The maximum term for funding is 4 (four) years or 12 (twelve) terms. Please note that those who win major financial awards (OGS, Tri-Council or other awards valued at $15,000 or more) will be responsible for their own tuition fees.

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology/School and Applied Child Psychology

All admitted applicants to the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology or Master of Arts in School and Applied Psychology who meet the required entrance average will be offered an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per term for up to 6 terms (up to $6,000). (Note: This scholarship is conditional on maintaining full-time student status and meeting the requirements for progression toward the degree.)

Master of Arts in Education Studies (Curriculum Studies and Studies in Applied Linguistics)

All admitted applicants to the Master of Arts in Education Studies (Curriculum Studies and Studies in Applied Linguistics) who meet the required entrance average will be offered an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per term for up to 6 terms (up to $6,000). (Note: This scholarship is conditional on maintaining full-time student status and meeting the requirements for progression toward the degree.)

Master of Arts in Education Studies (Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership)

All admitted applicants to the Master of Arts in Education Studies (Critical Policy, Equity and Leadership) who meet the required entrance average will be offered an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,000 per term for up to 6 terms (up to $6,000). (Note: This scholarship is conditional on maintaining full-time student status and meeting the requirements for progression toward the degree.)

Western Education Graduate Students Living with Disabilities Scholarship Program

Awarded annually to two graduate students who are beginning their studies in the Faculty of Education’s MA and PhD programs. This program strives to seed the roots for positive change and reinforces the Faculty of Education’s strategic plan to create systemic, social, and ideological changes across the faculty. It also supports students living with disabilities who have historically faced social and economic barriers that disproportionately hinder access to and completion of their graduate studies.

To apply for this scholarship, please complete the application form for the Western Education Graduate Students Living with Disabilities Scholarship Program  and return it to graded@uwo.ca.

Value: 2 at $4,500 (annually up to 4 years)
Deadline: April 30

The Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program – Education

Awarded annually to Indigenous graduate students (First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit ancestry) who are beginning their studies in the Faculty of Education’s programs. This program strives to foster academic excellence and innovation in Indigenous scholarship and Indigenous research, increase Indigenous student representation in the Faculty of Education and reduce social and economic barriers that disproportionately hinder Indigenous student access and completion of graduate-level studies.

More information about the Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program

Value: 2 at $4,500 (annually up to 4 years)
Deadline: April 30

Awards and Funding

Awards Administered by the Faculty of Education

Dr. Allen Pearson Graduate Award in Educational Leadership

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student in the Education program, based on academic achievement and a one-page letter outlining: 1) how student’s studies align to the development of research in the area Educational Leadership, and 2) student’s aspirations for having an impact on leadership in Education. The scholarship and awards committee in the Faculty of Education will select the recipient. At least one representative of the committee must hold current membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This award was made possible by a generous gift from the Estate of Dr. Allen Pearson. This award is in memory of Dr. Allen Pearson, former Dean of the Faculty of Education from 1995 to 2007 and full-time faculty until 2010. Allen is remembered as a philosopher of education, a supportive and encouraging mentor for many, a respected negotiator and one who extended his service into many areas of the University including Senate and Western’s Centre for Teaching and Learning. He was admired not only for his intellect but also for his good nature, gentleness, kindness and humility.

Value: 1 at $1,500
Application Deadline: October 30
Submit application to the Graduate Programs Office, Faculty of Education

Scotiabank Graduate Award for Studies in Violence Against Women and Children

Established by Scotiabank, awarded annually to a graduate student in any year of any program who demonstrates strong academic achievement and financial need. Candidates must have an interest in research and education regarding violence against women and children and involvement with the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC). Preference will be given to a student in the Faculty of Education who is involved with a community agency, and whose work addresses issues relating to violence against women and children.

Value: $3,250
Application Deadline: March 31
Please apply here

The David Wolfe Scholarship on Research on Violence Prevention

The David Wolfe scholarship was established in 2016 to recognize Dr. Wolfe’s work in research on violence prevention. Awarded annually in June to a graduate student in the Faculty of Education based on academic achievement and research on violence prevention and student well-being in schools. Dr. David Wolfe is a Senior Research Scholar and Professor with the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at the Faculty of Education at Western University. Dr. Wolfe is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, past President of Division 37 (Child, Youth, and Family Services), and received a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Value at: $1,500.00
Application Deadline: March 31
Please apply here

AER Graduate Scholarship for Literacy Studies in Education

Students who are accepted into this program may be eligible for one of a limited number of $8,000 AER Graduate Scholarships for Literacy Studies in Education. This award is provided annually to full-time graduate students in a Master's program in the Faculty of Education, registered in the literacy studies' stream, who have achieved academic and research merit. This scholarship was established with Foundation Western by a generous gift from an anonymous donor. Students should contact the Faculty of Education for details.

John Dearness Memorial Graduate Award

Awarded annually to a graduate student in the Faculty of Education whose research investigates an aspect of literacy development. To be eligible for the award, a person must be a graduate student in the Faculty of Education, have conducted research on literacy development in conjunction with a thesis or directed research project, have at least an A- average in the graduate program, and have been nominated for the award by his or her graduate supervisor.

Value: $500 – Fully endowed fund through the Development Office.
Application Deadline: September 15 – submit application to the Graduate Programs Office, Faculty of Education.

Terry Demers Memorial Graduate Bursary

The Terry Demers Memorial Graduate Bursary is presented annually to a Masters student in the Faculty of Education (odd numbered years) and in the Department of Anthropology (even numbered years) who has demonstrated financial need. Eligible applicants should provide a two-page summary of their thesis proposal that includes the research questions, rationale for the study, potential contribution to the research literature, methodology, and an itemized list of necessary expenses. The bursary will be given in consultation with the Graduate Awards Committee of the respective Faculty or Department.

Value: $1000 – Funded through Foundation Western
Application Deadline: September 1 – submit application to the Graduate Programs Office, Faculty of Education.

Joan Pedersen Memorial Graduate Award

Awarded annually to a full or part-time student who has submitted a Primary-Junior research Proposal (Thesis or Directed Research Project) in the M.Ed. Educational Studies/MA Education Studies program. Preference will be given to a student focusing on “early years” education. Preference will also be given to candidates with a demonstrated academic record of at least a B+. The candidate’s Thesis or Project Supervisor is asked to submit a short essay outlining the student’s attributes and his/her demonstrated commitment to “early years” research. (Candidates may apply or be nominated by their thesis or project Supervisor, or the Associate Dean.)

Value: $2,200 – Fully endowed fund through the Development Office
Application Deadline: December 31 – submit application to the Graduate Programs Office, Faculty of Education.

Art Geddis "Learning About Teaching" Memorial Award

This award is in honour of Art Geddis and his contributions to the field of education. The award is available to a graduate student working in the area of Reflective Practice.

This award was established by generous contributions from faculty, staff, students, family and friends in memory of the late Arthur N. Geddis, Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education.

Criteria: Awarded to a student pursuing a graduate degree at the Faculty of Education who:

  • has displayed strong skills and abilities, as well as academic excellence
  • has completed at least one year of the Masters or PhD program
  • has teaching experience at the Elementary or Secondary level (with preference being given to a minimum of five years teaching experience)
  • is focusing on the area of reflective practice (preferably in Science or Mathematics) and using qualitative research methodology, and
  • has submitted a 500 word essay to the Art Geddis Award Committee for selection of the recipient, describing why he or she should receive the award.

Should the committee determine that none of the candidates meet the criteria, the award may not be given that year.

Value: $500
Application Deadline: April 15 – submit application to Graduate Programs Office, Faculty of Education.

Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education Research Awards

Awarded to part-time or full-time graduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Education who will be completing a thesis on a topic related to the inclusive education of students who represent a diversity of backgrounds or learning needs. Recipients will be selected based on their research potential and must submit an application to the Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education in the Faculty of Education by January 15. The application will consist of a cover sheet with demographic and program information, two letters of reference, a current CV, and a two-page proposal outlining the research to be undertaken. The Graduate Office willl send an email announcement when the award opens each year. A committee in the Faculty of Education, chaired by the Director of the Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education, with at least one representative holding membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, will select the recipient. These awards were established by gifts from alumni through Foundation Western. Value: Up to 3 awards of $750 each will be available annually.

Jessica Jean Campbell Coulson Award

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student who has submitted a research proposal for thesis or dissertation research related to the education of students with special needs and who has achieved at least a 78% average. Eligible graduate students may apply for this award through the Faculty of Education. Applications are due April 15. A committee in the Faculty of Education, chaired by the Director of the Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education, with at least one representative holding membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, will select the recipient. This award was established by Mr. David R. Campbell (BA '38) in memory of Jessica Jean Campbell Coulson. Value: 1 at $2,000

Angeliki Tataridou Memorial Graduate Award

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student in the PhD or MA program in the Faculty of Education based on academic achievement with a preference for a student with a research focus on mathematics education. The graduate scholarship committee, within the Faculty of Education, will select the recipients. At least one representative of the committee must hold membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies. This scholarship was established through a generous gift from George Gadanidis. Value: 1 at $2,000 Effective Date: May 2022 to April 2029 inclusive

Grad Pact '91 Education Bursary

Awarded annually to a full or part-time graduate student in a Master’s program in the Faculty of Education. This bursary was established by the graduating BEd class of 1991 with Foundation Western. This bursary is offered through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program, and recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements. Final selection of the recipient will be made by the Faculty of Education Scholarship Review Committee with at least one member holding membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The Graduate Programs Office will invite students to apply for this award in the fall of each year. Students should apply with a one page submission outlining financial need. Up to $1000.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

  • Since 1975, the Ontario government, in partnership with Ontario's publicly assisted universities, has encouraged excellence in graduate studies at the master's and doctoral levels through the awarding of Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS). OGS awards are merit-based scholarships available to students in research intensive graduate programs (Phd & MA). The OGS program is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and Ontario universities.
  • Value - $15, 000 for 12 months or $5,000 per term for 3 consecutive terms.
  • See the SGPS’  Ontario Graduate Scholarship page for details.

Social Science and Humanities research (SSHRC) - Doctoral Awards

  • The  Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) offers two streams of awards through one application. Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral (CGS D) and SSHRC Fellowships provide financial support to high calibre scholars who are engaged in a doctoral program in the social sciences or humanities.
  • Value:
    • CGS D – $35,000 a year for 3 years
    • Fellowship - $20,000 a year for 1 to 4 years
  • Deadline: See the SGPS’  SSHRC Fellowships and CGS Doctoral Awards page for details.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) - Doctoral Awards

  • The CIHR Doctoral Research Awards Program funds applications in any area of health research. Two streams of scholarships are administered through a single application:
    • The Frederick Banting & Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral Awards (CGSD) program provides special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field in Canada.
    • The Doctoral Foreign Study Awards (DFSA) program provides special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field abroad.
  • Value:
    • $30,000 per year plus a $5,000 research allowance per year
  • See the SGPS’ CIHR Doctoral Research Awards page for details.

Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master’s Program

  • The objective of the  Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master’s Program (CGSM) is to help develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified personnel by supporting students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies. The CGS M Program supports 2,500 students annually in all disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three federal granting agencies. Successful applicants will win one of the following awards depending on the focus of the research proposed:
    • CIHR – Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship
    • NSERC – Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship
    • SSHRC – Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship
  • Value - $17, 500 for 12 months
  • See the SGPS’  Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s page for details.

2023 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program

Governor General's Gold Medals

SWAAC Award 2023: Student Award in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Western and External Funding

MPEd ECE Bursary now available!

  • Up to $1,500 per term for domestic MPEd ECE students
  • Eligibility based on financial need
  • Apply via your Student Center (click on "Apply for Financial Assistance" link, Finances section)

The following pages include information on Western and external funding for Graduate Students:

School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies' Funding Opportunities page

Research Western's Funding page

Western Graduate Students can also search Pivot, a comprehensive database of grant funding opportunities.