Student Finances
Funding at Western
Western University offers various funding opportunities for thesis-based MSc and PhD students in the Department of Computer Science. Funding varies depending on the program and student status (domestic or international). Below is a detailed overview.
Funding Summary by Program Type
| Program Type | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| MSc – Thesis-Based | Minimum funding support typically includes GTA, WGRS, and supervisor support. Covers tuition and provides a modest living stipend. | Similar structure, but students are responsible for a portion of international tuition fees. Additional external funding may be needed. |
| PhD | Fully funded through a combination of GTA, WGRS, and supervisor support. | Similar funding model as domestic. |
| MSc – Course-Based | No funding provided. Students must be fully self-funded. | No funding provided. Students must be fully self-funded, including all tuition and living costs. |
Typical Funding Sources (Thesis-Based Students)
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) | Monthly Paid position assisting with undergraduate courses (up to 10 hours/week in Fall and Winter). |
| Western Graduate Research Scholarship (WGRS) | Institutional funding support awarded to thesis-based students. |
| Supervisor Funding | Support from research grants—amounts vary depending on the supervisor and project. |
| External Scholarships | Includes OGS, NSERC, and international awards. Students are encouraged to apply where eligible. |
Summer Term Funding
| Student Type | Summer Term Support |
|---|---|
| Thesis-Based (MSc/PhD) | May receive supervisor funding (GTA not typically available in summer). Must maintain full-time status. |
| Course-Based | No departmental funding available. Summer tuition still applies as the program is continuous. |
Additional Resources
|
Annual Doctoral Funding Support Package - Domestic Students |
||||||
|
Scholarship Amount |
Total Funding** |
|||||
|
No external scholarship |
$4,110 |
$7,500 |
$14,953.12 |
$26,563.12 |
$0 |
$26,563.12 |
|
$2,610 |
$2,500 |
$14,953.12 |
$20,063.12 |
$15,000 |
$35,063.12 |
|
|
$0 |
$3,000 |
$14,953.12 |
$17,953.12 |
$40,000 |
$57,953.12 |
|
|
Annual Doctoral Funding Support Package - International Students
Department of Computer Science |
||||||
|
Scholarship Amount |
Total Funding** |
|||||
|
No external scholarship |
$4,110 |
$8,100 |
$14,953.12 |
$27,163.12 |
$0 |
$27,163.12 |
|
$2,610 |
$3,205 |
$14,953.12 |
$20,768.12 |
$15,000 |
$35,768.12 |
|
|
$0 |
$3,000 |
$14,953.12 |
$17,953.12 |
$40,000 |
$57,953.12 |
|
|
Annual Master’s Funding Support Package - Domestic Students |
||||||
|
Scholarship Amount |
Total Funding** |
|||||
|
No external scholarship |
$2,500 |
$7,100 |
$14,953.12 |
$24,553.12 |
$0 |
$24,553.12 |
|
$700 |
$2,400 |
$14,953.12 |
$18,053.12 |
$15,000 |
$33,053.12 |
|
|
$0 |
$3,000 |
$14,953.12 |
$17,953.12 |
$27,000 |
$44,953.12 |
|
|
Annual Master’s Funding Support Package - International Students |
||||||
|
Scholarship Amount |
Total Funding** |
|||||
|
No external scholarship |
$8,600 |
$9,600 |
$14,953.12 |
$33,153.12 |
$0 |
$24,553.12 |
|
Annual Master’s Funding Support Package – Course-Based Students |
||||||
|
Scholarship Amount |
Total Funding** |
|||||
|
No external scholarship |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
* Total from Western includes funding from research grants. |
|
** Funding support packages can be comprised of funds from a variety of sources and can differ from student to student. Funding sources include scholarships, graduate fellowships, and part-time employment such as graduate teaching assistantships or graduate student assistantships. The amounts represent the minimum funding an awardee is expected to receive in each scholarship category. |
** MSc students are guaranteed funding for 5 terms (if all requirements are being met)
** PhD students are guaranteed funding for 4 years (if all requirements are being met)
