Western's Initiative for Scholarly Excellence

Western's Initiative for Scholarly Excellence (WISE): Tuition Free University Course!


The applications for 2011/12 are now closed. Applications for 2012/13 will be due in June 2012.

Click here for more information: WISE Flyer (pdf).

Attention Grade 11 and 12 students:

High achieving students may be eligible to take one course tuition free at The University of Western Ontario concurrently with your secondary school studies.

Important Dates:

January 12 - WISE Winter Social

February 1 - Scholars Career Night

February 9 - Public Speaking workshop

March 31 - Scholars Conference

What type of courses can I take?
  • Click here (pdf) to see Undergraduate Program descriptions.
  • The range of subject areas is wide - Astronomy, English, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Math, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Philosophy and more!
  • Click here (pdf) to see course descriptions for the available courses
Additional Points
  • eligible students may take a maximum of 1.0 full or 2 half courses tuition free
  • Prerequisites (if applicable) for the university course must be satisfied prior to beginning the course.
  • A course may be taken at Western's main campus, at one of the Affiliated Colleges (Brescia University, Huron University and King's University College) or by distance studies
  • Credit for the course studied in this program may be applied towards a degree at Western if passing grade was obtained in the university course and you satisfy Western's admission requirements
  • This is a competitive program with a limited enrolment of 100 students. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance to the program
  • We encourage applicants to apply well before the deadline due to the demand for the program.
Testimonials

“First, thank you for coordinating so many events that have opened my eyes to the environment at Western. I never realized that there were so many opportunities available. WISE has been a great educational experience because I definitely feel more prepared for university now. As well, I learned a lot of interesting information that I never knew before, so I feel fortunate to have participated in WISE.”
Grace Zhang, A.B. Lucas Secondary School
WISE student 

"The WISE program provided me with an enriching and positive experience at The University of Western Ontario. I established a productive work ethic, became an enthusiastic participant in class discussions, and was encouraged to further my academic skills. My first day was challenging and intimidating, but the professor and students were very welcoming. Soon I discovered that I thrived in the university; my passions for learning and writing translated extremely well to my class. Through WISE, I gained a half credit and an experience that I will never forget. My professor was more like a coach than an instructor and I continued to develop confidence week after week. After completing my course, I am proud to say that I am attending Huron University College at The University of Western Ontario in September. Thank you, Western, for this amazing opportunity that has enhanced my organizational skills and propelled my zeal for academics!"
Emily Fister, St. Anne's Catholic Secondary School
WISE Student

"The WISE program has been terrific. It has allowed me to explore a subject that I was not able to learn about in high school. I learned the differences between studying and learning styles of high and school and university, and I think it will better prepare me for university. It's helped me learn how to organize my time better as well as the methods in getting good marks in courses which emphasize more high percentage exams rather than a combination of mini-assignments and projects. In this way, it's helped me to deal with highly stressful exams and learn how to do well in them. Since in the psychology course, there are only four examinations and one single big project that constitute my whole mark for the course, I have learned how to distribute my time to focus on specific sections and to retain the knowledge in my brain for the large exams. I think it helped me both to explore a new subject, as well as a different learning environment. Thank you for this opportunity!"
Cathy Yuan, A.B. Lucas Secondary School
WISE Student