Indigenous Applicants

About the Indigenous pathway

Western is committed to increasing Indigenous voices and presence across all levels of work, study and research and offers a minimum of 5 designated seats for Indigenous students who have Canadian citizenship and who have fulfilled the admission requirements. Applications submitted through this pathway are reviewed by members of Indigenous communities. In recognition of the inherent and treaty-protected rights of Indigenous Peoples whose Nations pre-date and transcend the Canada–United States border (i.e., beneficiaries of the 1794 Jay Treaty), Indigenous students who are citizens or members of Indigenous Nations with recognized cross-border mobility rights may be considered eligible for admission, enrollment, and participation through this pathway.

We endeavour to elevate applicants who can enrich the program and profession through their life experience and deliver on this commitment through equitable admission practices and inclusive learning spaces. Self-identifying Indigenous students are also welcome to engage with the space, programs and services at all Indigenous spaces on campus, including the Indigenous Student Centre.

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• Exceptional Career Outcomes: Graduates of the MPT program at Western University enjoy a remarkable 100% employment rate.

For this pathway, we will consider Indigenous applicants with an Academic record that may not yet reflect the student’s full potential such as 3.4 GPA as determined by the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS). Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous on the online ORPAS application and complete all application components.

In Summer 2025, Western University implemented a policy to Affirm declarations of Indigenous citizenship and membership, MAPP 5.8. Individuals wishing to access opportunities reserved for Indigenous peoples are required to have your Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed. Click here to access and complete the requisite Student Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership Form. Completion of this form is required on or before February 26, 2027.

Please note, self-identifying or applying for a designated seat does not remove your application from the general applicant pool.

For any concerns or questions regarding this process please contact:

• indigenous.admissions@uwo.ca
  519-661-4095 x89176

All personal documentation is kept in strictest confidence and securely housed within the Indigenous Student Centre. The personal information is collected under the authority of the University of Western Ontario Act, 1982. The information is collected for the purposes of offering accessible admission pathways for Indigenous applicants and providing additional support to applicants who become students. For further information about this collection, please contact the Indigenous Student Centre, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7; Phone 1-519-661-4095.

*Indigenous to Canada/Aboriginal as defined based on the Canadian Constitution Act 1982 as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.