Advice for applying to graduate school

Are you thinking about grad school? Laurier is currently accepting applications to our 40+ graduate programs.

Whether you are in the midst of preparing your application, or you're just considering your options, here is some advice from our Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:

Funding Matters

Getting paid to go to school makes your decision little easier. Eligible students in Laurier's research-intensive master’s programs receive $14,500 on average. Many students receive more. The funding is typically made up of a teaching assistantships and scholarship support. Review our funding policies to learn more.

Our Supportive Faculty

Our dedicated and supportive faculty are the backbone of our graduate programs. Laurier faculty balance world-class research with high-quality teaching and they are eager to help you meet your professional and academic goals.

Start having conversations with faculty members and potential supervisors. Review their web profiles and reach out to those who have similar interests to your own. If you are unsure who to speak with, contact the graduate coordinator of a program and arrange a time to chat.

After you speak with faculty members, we're sure their passion and expertise will motivate you to study at Laurier.

Your Professional Development

Professional development for graduate students is a priority at Laurier. Our award-winning professionalization program, ASPIRE, will help you craft a learning plan tailored to your interests, so you can achieve your professional goals.

ASPIRE helps to identify, develop and translate your academic knowledge and skill into valuable professional skills for a variety of workplaces – higher education, the private sector, non-profit organizations, government and more.

Admissions

Not sure how to apply? The Graduate Admissions Toolkit will walk you through each step. Here are the basic steps:

1. Complete the online application. There is a 2-3 business day delay from the time you submit your online application (and pay your application fee) and when we can process the application. Once we have the application, you will receive an email from fgps@wlu.ca, telling you it's time for the next step. 
2. Submit your additional documentation to Laurier. Each program requires different documentation, so be sure to review the application checklist for your desired program. 
3. Follow all the steps to accept your offer. 

Additional Tips for Your Application

To avoid missing important correspondences, be sure to add fgps@wlu.ca to your approved senders list in your email settings.

After you complete the application process (steps one and two), the wait begins. Laurier faculty and staff are working hard to give you a decision as soon as possible. However, depending on the program, it could take six weeks or more to review your application. 

Take the next step to achieve your academic goals, and apply as soon as possible. If you have any questions, be sure to contact the program’s graduate coordinator with any questions.