Western University's two-year, full-time MScOT program combines coursework and fieldwork. Applicants apply through ORPAS, while international applicants may use Western's direct stream. Admission requires a four-year bachelor's degree, a qualifying sub-GPA and Casper; exposure to occupational therapy is strongly recommended.
- Program
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT)
- Credential
- MSc(OT)
- Location
- London, Ontario, Canada
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- January 7, 2027 (ORPAS application deadline)
- Length
- Two years across six consecutive terms
Casper Requirement for Western University Occupational Therapy
Western University Occupational Therapy requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- Canada Casper 2 (English)
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- OUAC/ORPAS applicant ID for ORPAS applicants; international direct-stream applicants may use the application year followed by six zeros as an ORPAS-ID placeholder.
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Complete Casper by January 22, 2027 if applying through ORPAS, or February 18, 2027 through the international direct stream. Add Western's School of Occupational Therapy to your distribution list and use the same name and email as on your application.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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Western University Occupational Therapy Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- ORPAS; international applicants may instead apply directly through Western SGPS
- Applications open
- 2026-10-08 (ORPAS); 2026-09-14 (international direct stream)
| What | When |
|---|---|
| ORPAS application deadline | January 7, 2027upcoming |
| International direct-stream application deadline | February 5, 2027upcoming |
| Final transcripts and degree conferral | June 30, 2027upcoming |
Pay the application fee and submit required documents. Applicants through ORPAS send official transcripts to ORPAS; international direct-stream applicants apply through Western SGPS. Western sends initial offers on May 13, 2027; the initial-offer response deadline is May 27, 2027.
Western University Occupational Therapy Admissions Statistics
Period: 2026 first-round offers
- Average GPA: 3.85 average sub-GPA among applicants receiving a first-round offer
Eligibility Requirements for Western University Occupational Therapy
- Degree / credits
Four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university with high academic standing. Western University evaluates postsecondary credentials from degree-granting institutions across Canada.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide English-proficiency results unless exempt. Accepted minimums: TOEFL iBT/Home Edition 5.5 overall, no section below 4.5; IELTS Academic/Online 7.5 overall, no section below 6.5; PTE Academic 72; or Duolingo 135. Results must arrive by the application deadline.
Admission pathways
- Indigenous applicants: Ten spots are reserved for eligible Indigenous Canadian citizens with a four-year undergraduate degree; indicate Indigenous status and upload documentation through ORPAS.
- International applicants: Ten spots are reserved for eligible international students, who may apply through ORPAS or Western's SGPS direct stream.
Applicants must have studied full time for at least two terms within the last two years of university study; Western defines full time as at least 12 credit hours per semester. Applicants currently registered in another Canadian OT program, or required to withdraw from a professional rehabilitation sciences program, are not considered.
Other requirements
- Essential skills: Read the Essential Skills and Attributes Required for Study of Occupational Therapy document before applying.
- Special consideration: If requesting consideration for extenuating circumstances, submit the form and supporting documentation by the application deadline.
- After admission: Submit a police Vulnerable Sector Check and meet medical and non-medical placement requirements.
Selection Factors Western University Considers
GPA
- How it is calculated
ORPAS calculates the sub-GPA from the most recent 20 half courses (10 full courses or 60 credit hours) of university-level study completed by December 31 of the application year. Western includes eligible summer, part-time, online and graduate courses; it excludes pass/fail and placement courses, among others.
- Minimum
- Minimum 3.4 sub-GPA on the ORPAS 4.0 scale for standard admission. Indigenous applicants seeking reserved spots are considered case by case; Western strongly recommends a sub-GPA of at least 3.0 for that pathway.
- Competitive
- The average sub-GPA among applicants receiving a first-round offer is 3.85; meeting the 3.4 minimum does not guarantee admission.
Once admitted, you maintain an overall average of 75% or higher each term to progress.
Admissions tests
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL iBT/Home Edition, IELTS Academic/Online, PTE Academic or Duolingo (required for some applicants): Required if the applicant's first language is not English, unless exempt; minimum scores and submission instructions are in the language-proficiency requirements.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
Western strongly recommends exposure to occupational therapy through paid or volunteer work, observational visits or job shadowing. It does not state a required number of hours.
Supplementary application
Submit official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended and any applicable English-proficiency results or permanent-resident card. References are not required. International transcripts submitted through ORPAS require WES evaluation; international direct-stream applications do not.
How applicants are ranked
Applicants are ranked on their combined sub-GPA and Casper scores. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Interview Format at Western University
Western does not describe an admissions interview in its published application components or ranking process.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Western University Occupational Therapy
- Program length
- Two years across six consecutive terms
- Structure
A two-year, six-term, full-time, course-based program combining coursework and experiential learning, including more than 1,000 hours of fieldwork.
- Campuses
- London
Culminates in a master's degree upon meeting all requirements. Students achieve an overall average of 75% or higher each term to advance. Classes focus on practical application. The structure fosters innovation in therapy scope.
Campus and facilities
Supportive environment at Western University's London campus, where peer networks form quickly among small cohorts. London, Ontario, offers affordable living and proximity to clinical sites. Program culture stresses reflective practice and systems thinking.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe classes as manageable compared to other Ontario programs, though Casper performance proves critical—one applicant reported devastation over a first-quartile score despite strong preparation. Current students report the workload as manageable relative to other Ontario OT programs. Matriculated students describe a supportive environment where peer networks form quickly among small cohorts. Forums like Student Doctor Network highlight positive placement experiences, with alumni noting success without prior healthcare exposure. Many report wait times for decisions from Western alongside peers applying to Queen's or McMaster OT programs.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Western University Occupational Therapy Application
- Calculate your ORPAS sub-GPA from your most recent eligible university-level courses.
- Research occupational therapy and seek relevant paid, volunteer, observational or shadowing exposure.
- Book an eligible Casper sitting and add Western's School of Occupational Therapy to your distribution list.
- Arrange transcripts and any required English-proficiency results before your application deadline.
- Read the Essential Skills and Attributes document.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western University Occupational Therapy
Is Casper required for Western University Occupational Therapy?
Yes. Complete Casper and add Western's School of Occupational Therapy to your score-distribution list.
What is the minimum GPA for Western University OT?
The standard minimum is a 3.4 ORPAS sub-GPA, not a 3.0 cumulative GPA. A separate Indigenous pathway is assessed case by case.
Does Western University Occupational Therapy require healthcare experience?
There is no stated minimum number of hours, but Western strongly recommends exposure to occupational therapy.
What are the Casper test dates for Western University?
Check Acuity Insights for Western's available sittings and last acceptable test dates for each application stream.
How long is the Western University MSc(OT) program?
The program runs two years over six consecutive terms, requiring 75% average per term for progression.
Are interviews part of Western University OT admissions?
Western publishes ranking by combined sub-GPA and Casper scores but does not specify an admissions interview.
Can international students apply to Western University Occupational Therapy?
Yes. International applicants may apply through ORPAS or Western's SGPS direct stream; both require the published admission components, including Casper.
What is the ORPAS deadline for Western University OT?
Check the application deadlines for ORPAS and the international direct stream. Casper has separate last acceptable test dates.
Sources
- Western MScOT Admissions & Applications
- Western MScOT International Applicants
- Western MScOT Program Model
- Acuity Insights: Casper Test Types
- Acuity Insights: Finding Casper Dates and Deadlines
- ORPAS Key Dates
Last updated: September 26, 2026