How to Apply to the Master of Library & Information Science Program

Applicants may enter the MLIS program in September, January, or May.

We are currently accepting applications for the May 2025 term of the program. The application for the September 2025 term will open October 1. We do not have specific application deadline dates for each term as we continue to accept applications as long as there are spaces available. Applications are reviewed as they are submitted, and we attempt to accommodate your requested start date, so the earlier you apply, the earlier you may receive a decision on your application.

No application will be considered until it is complete. The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure all required supplementary documents are uploaded to their application prior to submission, and that referees submit their letters as soon as possible. Completed applications will be evaluated by the program, which makes the admission decision. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies sends out offers of admission.

Students whose first language is not English, and have not completed a four year university degree in Canada, the US, or the UK, must provide proof of achieving a score of at least 107 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 8.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), taken within the last 2 years.

• Name and personal information
• Contact information
• Academic background
  
  
• Electronic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
  • Past or current students of Western University are required to upload an electronic copy of their academic record to the online application. An unofficial academic record, available from your Western Student Center, can be used.
  • If you have attended or are currently enrolled at any university or college other than Western, you MUST upload and attach an electronic copy or scanned PDF copy of your transcripts from each institution attended to the online application. Applicants who are offered a space in the program will be required to provide one official* copy of their transcript to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies prior to the start of the program.

• Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable). Applicant must have testing service send score electronically to Western. Proof of proficiency in English is required from applicants whose first language is not English, and who have not completed a four year university degree in Canada, the US, or the UK.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum score required: 107 Internet-based. Western's TOEFL ID is 0984
  • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum score required: 8
    
    
• Referee Information
  Applicants are required to enter the names and contact information (including e-mail address) of two academic referees (academic referees are people who have taught the applicant in a university degree credit course) into the online application. If several years have passed since the applicant attended university, references from supervisors in professional employmentmay be substituted. Within 24 hours of the time the applicant enters the referee information into the application, each referee will receive a request via e-mail to complete an electronic recommendation form on the applicant’s behalf. A link to the form will be included in the e-mail. The applicant will receive an e-mail when Western receives the referee's letter of recommendation.
  
  
• Non-refundable application fee of CAD $150.00

• A CV detailing your education, employment and volunteer experience
• A brief statement of why you wish to be admitted to the MLIS program and how it fits with your goals and interests (no more than one page in length)
• If you have library or information industry experience, a letter from your employer commenting on your potential in the field
• If you have library technician training, a transcript for library technician courses
• For permanent residents of Canada only, please include a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card or a photocopy of your Record of Landing. If you are applying to be a permanent resident, but have not been granted landed-immigrant status, you must apply as an international applicant.
• Proof of name change, if applicable (photocopy of change of name documentation, such as marriage certificate or other legal change of name and a photocopy of photo ID showing your current name)