Educational Assistance

Western's Educational Assistance Plan

At Western, we believe that educating our staff members is a smart investment. Educational Assistance funding is available to staff as per their employee agreement.

As an eligible staff member, you have access to educational funding for a variety of opportunities relevant to your current or future career aspirations at Western. Advance funding is available for many courses.

You may pursue credit courses at Western or from any other accredited Canadian university or college. Other funded courses include professional development through continuing studies programs and computer training from Western's WTS services.

To learn about the Educational Assistance Process, review the steps below and refer to the FAQs. To see the amount of funding available, see Amounts for June 2024 to May 2025.

Educational Assistance Process

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Review your employee agreement. After doing so, if you are unsure if you are eligible, please use ASK HR to contact Human Resources or call extension 82194.

Step 2: Identify your learning goals

Consider the knowledge and skills you wish to develop to meet your work goals and to advance your career at Western.

Step 3: Select a program or course

It is recommended that you consult with your supervisor if your course requires time away from work. In some cases, alternate work arrangements can be made to ensure operational needs are met.

Step 4: Verify if course will be funded

Submit the Application for Educational Assistance Form from the left web menu and check Approval.

Step 5: Apply/Register for course

Apply to the educational institution.

Step 6: Pay your fees or request Advanced Funding (ADV)

You may be eligible for advanced payment of tuition or fees; in this case, you can make an application for advance funding using the Application for Educational Assistance Form from the left web menu. For more information on advance funding, review the FAQs document on this site.

Otherwise, you may apply for reimbursement after you successfully complete the course.

Step 7: Complete your course

You must successfully complete the course to qualify for Educational Assistance.

Step 8: Submit proof of successful completion

a) If you received Advanced Funding for the course...

Complete the Application for Educational Assistance Form from the left web menu, attach a grade report (or certificate of attendance for non-credit courses) and a fee bill. Submit to Human Resources, Room 5100 in the Support Services Building. If you withdraw, are unsuccessful, or you leave Western before the course ends, you are required to reimburse the University for the full cost of the course.

Exception: Continuing Studies at Western and Western Technology Services verification of course completion will be forwarded directly to Human Resources. You do not need to submit this information.

b) If you are seeking reimbursement after you successfully completed the course...

Complete the Application for Educational Assistance Form from the left web menu, attach a grade report (or certificate of attendance for non-credit courses) and a receipt.

Step 9: Receive reimbursement (Non-ADV Courses Only)

Provided you submit the claim by the 25th of any month, you can expect your reimbursement within one month of submitting your claim.

Requirements for submitting forms and documents

Please ensure that:

  • All forms and documents are in PDF format
  • Each page is right side up
  • All required attachments are included in one document (i.e. Application form, receipt or statement of account, grade report)
  • All documents are sent as attachments to the email. Please do not post them in the body of the email.

Educational Assistance applications may be submitted to Human Resources using ASK HR. 

If you require HR forms, documents or other information in an alternative format, please use ASK HR to contact Human Resources.

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