Founded in 1878 by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth and the Anglican Diocese of Huron as "The Western University of London Ontario," Western is one of Canada’s oldest and best universities. The first students graduated in arts and medicine in 1883.


Today, The University of Western Ontario is a vibrant centre of learning with 1,164 faculty members and almost 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Through its 12 Faculties and Schools, and three affiliated Colleges, the University offers more than 60 different degree and diploma programs.

Research is an integral part of the University’s mission and external support for research projects totals nearly $190 million per year.

The University is located on 155 hectares of land along the banks of the Thames River in London, Ontario - a thriving city of 432,451 people, 200 kilometres west of Toronto