Upper-Year Applications

How to Apply

The deadline for upper-year applications is May 1st for studies commencing the following September.

All upper-year law school applications to Western are processed centrally by the:

Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS) 
Ontario Universities' Application Centre
170 Research Lane 
Guelph ON N1G 5E2
Telephone: 519-823-1940 
Fax: 519-823-5232
Email: olsas@ouac.on.ca

You may apply to Western Law online from the OLSAS website.

 

Categories of Applicants

There are three categories of applicants for admission to upper year: Transfer, Advanced Standing and Letter of Permission. The Faculty of Law does not admit National Committee on Accreditation candidates.   

Transfer Applicants

Students currently enrolled in first year at another Canadian law school may be admitted to the second year of Western's JD program. If admitted, candidates who successfully complete the last two years of the program will be eligible to receive the Juris Doctor degree from Western University.

Advanced Standing Applicants

Students who have successfully completed part or all of their legal education outside Canada may be considered for admission with advanced standing. Except in extraordinary circumstances, a student will not receive more than one year's advanced standing. If admitted, candidates who successfully complete the last two years of the program will be eligible to receive the Juris Doctor degree from Western University. The granting of advanced standing and the extent of credit to be given are at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.  

A Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score is required. Please visit www.lsac.org for more information and to register for the LSAT. June LSAT scores are accepted for Fall admission for upper-year applicants.

Letter of Permission Applicants

Students currently enrolled at a Canadian law school can apply to study for one academic year at Western Law on a Letter of Permission prescribing a program of courses approved by their current law school. Students who have been granted permission to study on a Letter of Permission do not receive the Juris Doctor degree from Western University. 

Admission Considerations

While a holistic review of all applications is undertaken, the following are major considerations in upper-year admissions decisions:

  • the availability of places in second and third year courses;
  • compassionate grounds, if applicable; and
  • academic performance in law school (a competitive upper-year applicant will generally have a B average, or higher, in law school to date).

Foreign Transcripts

Applicants who have undertaken undergraduate studies outside of Canada and the United States must have their foreign transcript(s) assessed by World Education Services, or an equivalent credential evaluation service.  This is not required for graduate studies, although an assessment may be requested.