Admissions
Program Inquiries
Interested in a particular program? Visit the program website to learn more:
Application Inquiries
Inquiries related to the online application can be directed to SGPS at:
Email: gradapps@uwo.ca
Phone: 519-850-2341
Fax: 519-661-3730
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization
The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization in all aspects of graduate and postdoctoral studies. For more information regarding these commitments please visit grad.uwo.ca/edi-d.
Hispanic Studies
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Meet Sebastien Kouakou, PhD candidate in Hispanic Studies

Supervisor: Victoria Wolff
Where is “home” for you?
I am a citizen of Ivory Coast but "home" for me is where l feel welcomed and comfortable living.
Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
The quality of the Hispanic Studies program, especially the professors who are very supportive and building a community where both students and faculty enjoy academia. In addition, the reasonably affordable cost of life. London is a quiet and peaceful city that offers me the appropriate environment I look for in terms of studies.
Where’s your favourite place on campus?
Weldon Library, gives me access to resources and l can still consult the staff for their assistance when looking for a document in the Western Library catalogues. The Western Libraries offer a variety of resources accessible electronically and physically.
Have you worked as a TA or RA?
My TA experience is a very rich one. My TA experience has given me an opportunity to teach in a multicultural classroom environment.
What is your “dream” career?
My dream is to positively impact my generation by promoting peace and justice for a better world where every single citizen feels appreciated, loved and cared regardless of their origin, race or social rank. I would also like to promote quality and accessible education in developing countries. I am currently working on a project to reform the educational system in Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Program Websites
Program Contact
Sylvia Kontra (skontra@uwo.ca)Graduate Affairs Assistant
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Western UniversityUniversity College 2210
London, Ontario N6A 3K7
t. 519-661-2111 ext. 85846
f. 519-661-4093
Welcome to the Graduate Program in Hispanic Studies at Western!
A degree in Hispanic Studies delivers a world-class, interdisciplinary academic experience. But it's more than just a program - it's a rich experience filled with language, culture, extra-curricular activities, research, teaching, and community engagement so your graduate wti hthe skills you need to find a rewarding career in a multicultural world.
This program distinguishes itself from others because of our innovative approaches to Hispanic Studies. In our Literature and Culture programs we focus on connections in time, geography and medium. Our strengths lie in Transatlantic studies, Visual arts, text and music, Digital Humanities and their place in Hispanic Culture. The Linguistic stream focuses on an experimental approach to language acquisition, language loss, heritage speakers and language change due to contact.
Among other opportunities offered in our programs, students may be able to participate in the ground breaking research that takes place in the CulturePlex, the Digital Humanities lab which is unique in Canada.
The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program creates career-ready graduates with the Power Skills necessary to excel in their studies and achieve their future goals. Assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth and focus on what you want to get out of your time here at Western. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.
Program Length
- 12 Terms
Program Design
- Full-time study
- Thesis-based
Funding Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- A minimum of 80% overall average in the Master's degree.
- Sample of previous academic work (written work ie: previous essay).
- CV
- Statement of Interest (Letter of Intent). This statement is typically between 300-1000 words. This letter should address: your specific area of academic interest (the research topic you want to work on and with whom), how your past education and other experiences have prepared you to be successful in our graduate program, what you hope to achieve in our graduate program, and why our program is the best place for you to pursue your interests.
- Students are expected to gain reading knowledge in a language other than Spanish and English before graduation.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 550 for the paper and pencil version, 213 for the computer version, or 86 for the internet version with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum acceptable score is 6 out of 9.
- The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). Minimum acceptable score is 80 on each section and an overall score of 85.
- The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). Minimum acceptable score is 60.
- CultureWorks. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level. Click here for information regarding a conditional offer of admission, pending CultureWorks completion.
- Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.
- February 1 - Acceptance notification at the beginning of April
Admission Requirements
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
*Exit Requirement: Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language: