• Admission Requirements
• International Applicants
• Applying to More than One Graduate Program
• Reference Letters
• Official Transcripts
• Test Scores
• English Language Proficiency
• Fee for Application for Admission
• Mailing Instructions for Application Package
• Offers of Admission
• Financial Information
• Your Privacy

A list of available graduate programs is located here.

Before you apply, ensure you meet the admission requirements and that the program you wish to undertake will meet your academic and career goals. Full admission requirements are outlined in the Graduate Studies Calendar. You should also visit the academic department’s website for further information. A graduate program co-ordinator is available to answer your questions on each graduate program; a list of these individuals is available here.

Entry into the programs, faculties and schools of the university is competitive. Possession of the minimum requirements for entry does not guarantee admission.

International applicants should review the section on International Students and International Credentials.

Applicants are advised that it may take several months from the time of admission to the receipt of a study permit and should consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for full details.

Students admitted to Wilfrid Laurier University on a Study Permit must present their valid Permit (and temporary resident visa, if applicable) to the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office to confirm their registration by no later than the last date of late registration for the term of entry.

You may apply for admission to several graduate programs on a single application form. An application fee will be required for each program.

Supplementary materials, as outlined in the Application Checklists, must also be forwarded for each program to which you are applying.

References are required and must be written by qualified academic contacts who are able to attest to your academic ability and preparedness for graduate-level work. Some programs require additional references from non-academic, professional contacts.

Applications for admission must be accompanied by official transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) for all previous undergraduate and graduate work. One copy is sufficient. Transcripts are considered official only if they are received in an envelope bearing the institution's name which is sealed and signed on the flap by a person in the office issuing the transcript (or bears a university seal). Applicants must not open the envelope. Transcripts must show all coursework completed and grades received. Evidence of degree completion is required; if the transcript does not state that the degree was granted, a copy of the degree and graduation certificates must accompany the transcript.

Applicants who attended a university or college in Ontario may order transcripts through the web application (EDI transcript) when the online application is submitted. A request for an EDI transcript can only be completed if a corresponding entry for the same institution exists in the Academic Background section of the online application. Applicants who attended a university or college outside of Ontario must provide official transcripts issued in the official language of instruction of the issuing institution. If that language of instruction is not English or French, the transcript must be accompanied by a certified literal translation issued by the institution or another recognized authority (eg, a government office). Some programs (eg, MBA) also require professional assessments of foreign credentials (more information on this process).

Notes:

1. previous or current Wilfrid Laurier University students do not need to submit a Laurier transcript, but are required to submit all other transcripts;
2. applicants to general graduate studies who are submitting a paper application must arrange with all issuing institutions for delivery of transcripts to Laurier; EDI transcripts are not available to these applicants;
3. all documents and transcripts submitted in support of an application become the property of Wilfrid Laurier University and will not be returned; transcripts will be verified for authenticity; Wilfrid Laurier University reserves the right to cancel admission or registration in any cases where documentation or information is found to have been misrepresented or falsified; Wilfrid Laurier University may disclose information on falsified documents with other Canadian universities, as well as with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Some programs require tests such as the GMAT or GRE. Test results must be sent to Wilfrid Laurier University directly from the original source. Where available, a photocopy of your results can be included in your application package. 

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution where English is the language of instruction are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Official test results must be submitted to Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies directly from the testing agency.

More information on acceptable English Language Tests and scores is available.

A non-refundable application fee is required for each program to which you are applying. This fee is payable to the Ontario Universities Application Centre by Visa, MasterCard, internet banking, cheque or money order (payable to the “Ontario Universities Application Centre”), at the time you are completing your online application. Applications will not be processed without the application fee. If paying by cheque or money order, you must include your OUAC Reference number. Mail your payment to:

Fees (WLU)
Ontario Universities' Application Centre
170 Research Lane
Guelph ON N1G 5E2

Application fees vary by program, as follows:

• MA/MES/MSc/PhD (Faculty of Arts & Science): $100
  
• MSW, MMT, PhD (Faculty of Social Work): $125
  
• MBA, MFin, PhD (Business): $125

Review the Application Checklists to ensure you submit all the supporting documents required for admission. Ensure your package is mailed to the correct mailing address for your program, by the deadline noted.

Note: It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required materials (as noted on the Application Checklist) are submitted correctly and promptly, as application fees are non-refundable. 

Only offers of admission from the Dean of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies are valid. Communication with a program representative or a faculty member does not constitute an offer of admission. Wilfrid Laurier University may revoke an offer of admission and cancel registration for admission if it finds that the applicant has provided false or incomplete information.

Applicants for admission should review the tuition and incidental fees and funding opportunities associated with graduate study at Wilfrid Laurier University. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that sufficient funds are available to pursue the degree. Information concerning tuition and incidental fees, as well as funding opportunities, should be reviewed carefully.

Applicants for admission will be asked to read and consent to the following privacy statement: