Founded: 1848
Type: Public research university
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital city
Languages: Bilingual (English & French) – the largest bilingual university in the world
Students: Over 42,000 (including 8,000+ international students)
Ranked among the Top 10 universities in Canada
Member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
Recognized globally for research, innovation, and bilingual education
Strong international partnerships and exchange programs
The University of Ottawa offers more than 450 programs at undergraduate and graduate levels across 10 faculties:
Telfer School of Management – Business, Finance, Marketing, MBA
Faculty of Engineering – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software
Faculty of Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science
Faculty of Arts – Communication, Psychology, History, Languages
Faculty of Health Sciences – Nursing, Rehabilitation, Human Kinetics
Faculty of Law – Common Law & Civil Law
Faculty of Education – Teacher training, educational psychology
Faculty of Medicine – MD, biomedical sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences – Economics, Sociology, Political Science
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Bilingual Advantage: Courses offered in English, French, or both. Students can choose their language of instruction.
Co-op Programs: One of the largest in Canada – students earn paid work experience during studies.
Location Perks: Located close to government offices, embassies, and NGOs – excellent for careers in law, politics, and public service.
Undergraduate: $24,000 – $32,000 USD/year (depending on program)
Graduate: $9,000 – $20,000 USD/year
Professional programs (e.g. MBA, JD): Higher, around $35,000+ USD/year
Cost of living in Ottawa: $10,000 – $15,000 USD/year
Entrance Scholarships (based on academic merit)
President’s Scholarship – up to $30,000 CAD
Chancellor’s Scholarship – up to $26,000 CAD
International Admission Scholarships
Graduate-level scholarships and research assistantships are also available.
Main campus located in downtown Ottawa – walkable and well connected
Residences offer dorm-style and apartment-style housing
Over 250 student clubs, intramural sports, cultural events, and bilingual student life
Access to libraries, labs, fitness centers, and student wellness services
QS World University Rankings: Top 250 globally
Times Higher Education (THE): Top 200–250 worldwide
U.S. News Global Ranking: Top 200 globally
Strong subjects: Law, Medicine, Business, Social Sciences, Engineering
International students can work up to 20 hours/week during studies
Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing studies
Great city for internships, government jobs, research, and co-op placements
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) with options in:
Accounting
Finance
Marketing
International Management
Business Technology Management
Human Resource Management
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Software Engineering
Biomedical Mechanical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Artificial Intelligence Engineering
Computer Science
Data Science
Biochemistry
Biomedical Science
Environmental Science
Physics
Mathematics and Statistics
Geology
Nursing
Human Kinetics
Health Sciences
Nutrition Sciences
Rehabilitation Sciences (pre-professional level)
Psychology
Communications
English
French Studies
History
Translation
Philosophy
Theatre and Music Studies
Economics
International Development and Globalization
Political Science
Sociology
Criminology
Public Administration
Conflict Studies
Anthropology
Bachelor of Civil Law (LL.L.)
Juris Doctor (JD) – dual degrees and legal studies
Bachelor of Education (BEd) – for those pursuing teaching careers
Available in Primary/Junior, Intermediate/Senior, or Secondary divisions
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Executive MBA
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
MSc in Management
PhD in Management
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
PhD in various Engineering fields
Specializations in AI, Data Science, Telecommunications, etc.
MSc in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science
PhD in Science disciplines
Bioinformatics, Environmental Sustainability, etc.
LLM (Master of Laws)
PhD in Law
Graduate Diplomas in Law-related areas
Master of Education (MEd)
MA in Education
PhD in Education
Specializations in leadership, policy, counseling, technology in education
MA in Criminology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics
PhD in selected disciplines
Public and International Affairs
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – Business |
4 years |
~$26,000 – $28,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
4 years |
~$27,000 – $29,000 |
|
Bachelor of Engineering (Various Fields) |
4 years |
~$29,000 – $32,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
4 years |
~$25,000 |
|
Bachelor of Health Sciences |
4 years |
~$27,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science |
4 years |
~$29,000 |
|
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics, etc.) |
4 years |
~$25,000 – $26,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
4 years |
~$28,000 |
|
Bachelor of Criminology |
4 years |
~$25,000 |
|
Bachelor of Political Science |
4 years |
~$25,000 – $26,000 |
|
Bachelor of Civil Law (LL.L.) |
3 years |
~$27,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Communication |
4 years |
~$25,000 |
|
Bachelor of Education (BEd – after degree) |
2 years |
~$25,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1 year (12–16 months) |
~$32,000 – $36,000 |
|
Master of Computer Science (MSc) |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $13,000 |
|
Master of Engineering (MEng) – Various Fields |
1–2 years |
~$13,000 – $15,000 |
|
Master of Applied Science (MASc) – Eng. |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $13,000 |
|
Master of Science in Biology/Chemistry/Physics |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $12,500 |
|
Master of Arts in Economics |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $12,000 |
|
Master of Education (MEd) |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $12,000 |
|
Master of Health Administration (MHA) |
1.5–2 years |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Master of Laws (LLM) |
1 year |
~$13,000 – $14,000 |
|
Master of Public and International Affairs |
2 years |
~$12,000 – $13,500 |
|
Master of Science in Nursing |
2 years |
~$12,500 |
|
Master of Digital Transformation & Innovation |
1 year |
~$24,000 – $28,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Computer Science |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Civil Engineering |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Biology / Chemistry / Physics |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Mathematics / Statistics |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Law (Doctorate in Law) |
4 years |
~$9,500 – $10,000 |
|
PhD in Education |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Economics |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Psychology |
4–6 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Nursing |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Social Sciences (Sociology, Criminology, etc.) |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
|
PhD in Public Administration / Policy Studies |
4–5 years |
~$8,500 – $9,000 |
The University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s top research universities, located in Ottawa, the capital city. It's especially well-known for being the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university, offering courses in either or both languages. With over 8,000 international students from more than 150 countries, it’s a globally diverse and welcoming campus.
uOttawa offers over 450 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 faculties, including:
Arts
Social Sciences
Science
Engineering
Health Sciences
Law
Education
Telfer School of Management
Medicine
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
You can study in English, French, or both, making it an ideal environment for bilingual or multilingual students.
Popular programs for international students include Computer Science, Engineering, Business (MBA/BCom), Biomedical Science, Public and International Affairs, and Law.
Tuition for international students ranges from:
Undergraduate: ~$25,000 to $32,000 USD/year
Graduate: ~$11,000 to $15,000 USD/year
PhD: ~$8,500 to $9,500 USD/year
Living costs in Ottawa are moderate compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver. On average, you can expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 USD/year on accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
uOttawa offers several merit-based scholarships and financial aid for international students:
Entrance scholarships
President’s and Chancellor’s Scholarships
Graduate assistantships and fellowships
Research funding for PhD and Master’s students
Students may also qualify for work-study programs and part-time campus jobs.
The University of Ottawa is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, close to Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and many museums and cafes.
On-campus housing includes traditional dormitories and apartment-style residences. Students also have the option to live off-campus, and uOttawa helps students find safe, affordable housing through its off-campus housing services.
Campus life is vibrant and engaging, with:
250+ student clubs and associations
Multicultural groups
Sports teams and recreational activities
Volunteer opportunities
Campus-wide events, festivals, and workshops
uOttawa is committed to helping international students succeed academically and socially. Services include:
International Office support (visas, study permits, health insurance)
Language support (English and French classes)
Career development services
Health and wellness counselling
Mentorship and orientation programs
There's also an International Student Orientation Week to help new students adjust to life in Canada.
International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks.
uOttawa offers co-op programs, allowing students to gain paid work experience during their degree. It’s especially popular in Engineering, Computer Science, and Business.
After graduation, students are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years, and many choose to stay in Canada and apply for permanent residency.
Located in Canada’s capital, with strong ties to government, NGOs, and global organizations
Affordable tuition and living costs
Large and supportive international community
World-class research opportunities
The chance to study in English, French, or both
Excellent career and immigration pathways
Start by exploring the programs offered at uOttawa. The university has over 450 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 faculties.
Explore programs here: uOttawa Programs
Admission requirements depend on the level of study, your country, and the specific program.
High school diploma or equivalent
Strong academic performance in required subjects
Specific prerequisites depending on the program (e.g. Math and Physics for Engineering)
Proof of English or French language proficiency
Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for PhD) from a recognized institution
Minimum GPA equivalent to a B (3.0/4.0 or ~75%)
Proof of English or French proficiency
Program-specific requirements such as:
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
CV/Resume
Research proposal (for research-based programs)
GRE/GMAT (for select programs like MBA)
If your first language is not English or French, you'll need to prove proficiency in one of the two:
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 86 overall (minimum of 22 in writing)
Duolingo English Test: 120 or higher (accepted in some cases)
French programs may require a French language test like DELF, DALF, or internal assessment.
Apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC): www.ouac.on.ca
Choose the University of Ottawa and your desired program(s)
Apply directly via the uOttawa Graduate Studies portal: https://www.uottawa.ca/graduate-studies
Application Fees:
Undergraduate: ~$125 CAD
Graduate: ~$110 CAD
Upload or send in:
Academic transcripts and diplomas
Language test scores
Personal statement or SOP
Letters of recommendation (graduate)
Resume/CV
Research proposal (PhD/research programs)
Any other program-specific documents
Some documents may need to be official and sent directly from your institution.
Undergraduate programs:
Fall intake (September): Apply by January 15–April 1 (varies by program)
Graduate programs:
Deadlines vary by faculty, usually between December and March for Fall intake
Applying early is recommended, especially for competitive programs and scholarships.
After submitting your application, you will receive a student number and access to the uOttawa portal, where you can track your application status and upload additional documents.
Admissions decisions typically take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the program.
If admitted:
You’ll receive a Letter of Admission (needed for your visa)
Accept the offer via the online portal
Pay a deposit if required to confirm your spot (mainly for graduate/professional programs)
Use your Letter of Admission to apply for a Canadian study permit through IRCC.
You'll need:
Letter of Admission
Proof of financial support
Valid passport
Biometrics and medical (if required)
Once your visa is approved:
Book housing (on-campus or off-campus)
Register for courses
Attend the International Orientation
Get health insurance (e.g., UHIP for international students)
The University of Ottawa offers three main intakes, depending on the level of study and program:
Most popular and widely available
Almost all undergraduate and graduate programs are offered
Maximum scholarship opportunities
Recommended for international students
Limited number of undergraduate and graduate programs
Mostly available in programs like Computer Science, Engineering, and Business (course-based master’s)
Very limited; mostly graduate-level or specialized programs
Offered in select departments or for short courses
Important: Application deadlines vary by program and intake but generally fall between December to April for Fall, and September to October for Winter intake.
Eligibility depends on the level of study and the applicant's academic background.
High school diploma (or equivalent) with strong grades
Country-specific requirements (e.g., CBSE/ICSE in India, WAEC in Nigeria, A-Levels, etc.)
Required prerequisite courses for your chosen program (e.g., Math and Physics for Engineering)
If your first language is not English or French, you must provide proof of language proficiency.
Accepted English Tests:
IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 86 (minimum 22 in writing)
Duolingo English Test: 120 or higher (accepted in some programs)
For French programs: DELF, DALF, or TEF scores are accepted.
Master’s programs: A 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution
PhD programs: A relevant master’s degree (with thesis, in most cases)
Minimum GPA: Usually a B average (75% or 3.0/4.0 GPA)
Program-specific requirements may include:
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV
GRE or GMAT scores (for some programs like MBA)
Research proposal (PhD or thesis-based master's)
Same as undergraduate — proof of English or French proficiency is mandatory unless exempted by previous education in a recognized English/French-medium institution.
Ranking Organization |
Global Rank |
Canada Rank |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Top 230–250 |
Top 10 |
Strong in Law, Medicine, Linguistics, and Social Sciences |
|
U.S. News – Best Global Universities |
Top 200 |
Top 7 |
High in international collaboration & research output |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Top 200–250 |
Top 7–8 |
Strong scores in research, teaching, and citations |
|
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) |
Top 300–400 |
Top 10 |
Known for medical research and sciences |
|
QS Graduate Employability Ranking |
Top 250 Globally |
Top 10 |
Noted for alumni outcomes and employer partnerships |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Value / Coverage |
Level of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Entrance Scholarship for International Students |
Automatically awarded based on high school grades |
Up to $4,000 USD ($1,000/year for 4 years) |
Undergraduate |
|
Excellence Scholarships |
Top international students with high academic averages |
$7,500–$15,000 USD/year |
Undergraduate |
|
President’s Scholarship for International Students |
Exceptional leadership + academic excellence |
$23,000 USD/year, renewable (up to $92,000) |
Undergraduate |
|
Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students |
Academic excellence + leadership |
$20,000 USD/year, renewable (up to $80,000) |
Undergraduate |
|
Faculty-Specific Scholarships |
Based on faculty or program (e.g., Engineering, Science) |
Varies – up to $5,000–$10,000 USD |
Undergraduate & Graduate |
|
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship |
Students from select countries or programs |
Pay same tuition as domestic students |
Undergraduate & Graduate |
|
International Admission Scholarship (Graduate) |
Based on GPA and program entry |
$7,500–$9,000 USD/year |
Master’s (Course-based) |
|
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships |
Based on academic performance and supervisor nomination |
Includes tuition coverage + $15K–$25K stipend |
Master’s & PhD |
|
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
Competitive provincial scholarship |
Up to $11,250 USD/year |
Master’s & PhD |
|
International Doctoral Scholarship |
Full-time international PhD students |
Tuition reduction + research funding |
PhD |
Campus / Residence |
Accommodation Type |
Room Features |
Approx. Cost (USD/year) |
Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
90 University (Main campus) |
Traditional dorm-style |
Shared or private room, shared bathroom, fully furnished |
$7,500 – $9,000 |
Optional (~$4,000/year) |
|
Thompson Residence |
Suite-style |
Two-bedroom suites with kitchenette and shared bathroom |
$8,000 – $9,500 |
Optional |
|
Hyman Soloway Residence |
Apartment-style (upper-year) |
2–4 bedrooms, private rooms, full kitchen |
$8,500 – $10,500 |
Not included |
|
Friel Residence |
Suite-style |
Shared suites with kitchenette and bathroom |
$7,500 – $9,000 |
Optional |
|
Henderson Residence |
Apartment-style |
Shared kitchen and bathrooms, independent living |
$8,000 – $10,000 |
Not included |
|
Annex Residence |
Modern apartment-style |
Private rooms with shared kitchen/living areas |
$9,500 – $11,500 |
Not included |
uOttawa has a large, vibrant international student population, with over 8,000 international students from 150+ countries. The university is bilingual (English and French), which creates a unique cultural environment where students can study in either or both languages.
Whether you're from Asia, Africa, Europe, or Latin America, you’ll find a welcoming community with support for your cultural and academic transition.
The main campus is located in downtown Ottawa, just minutes from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and national museums. The location offers students access to:
Government offices and NGOs for internships and volunteering
A mix of modern city life with parks, riverside paths, and history
Year-round festivals, cultural events, and winter sports like ice skating and skiing
Living on campus is not just about housing — it’s a big part of student life. uOttawa’s residences are safe, social, and conveniently located. Residence Life organizes:
Movie nights, game tournaments, and theme dinners
Mental health and wellness events
Orientation for new international students
Community engagement and volunteering opportunities
You’ll easily meet people from around the world and make lasting friendships.
uOttawa offers robust academic support services to help students succeed, such as:
Writing help and language support (for both English and French)
Tutoring and study groups
Academic advising and mentorship
Career counselling and resume workshops
There are also quiet study spaces, state-of-the-art libraries, and tech labs available on campus.
The university prioritizes student well-being with:
Free and confidential counselling services
On-campus health clinic and pharmacy
Fitness centres, yoga classes, and intramural sports
Mental health campaigns and peer support networks
Students can also get a UHIP health insurance plan that covers medical care while studying in Canada.
There are over 250 student clubs and associations, so there’s something for everyone:
Cultural and international student groups
Debate clubs, entrepreneurship hubs, and tech societies
Volunteer and community service opportunities
Music, dance, and art collectives
Big annual events include:
Welcome Week
Winter Carnival
International Student Week
101 Week (Orientation)
Joining clubs is a great way to build your network and have fun outside the classroom.
The university offers co-op programs, on-campus jobs, and career-building opportunities. Students can:
Work part-time during studies (up to 20 hours/week)
Gain real-world experience through internships and co-ops
Attend career fairs and networking events
Access job boards and career coaching
Many students land jobs with government agencies, NGOs, or tech companies right in Ottawa.
Ottawa is one of Canada’s safest and most student-friendly cities. In your free time, you can:
Visit museums and national landmarks
Go hiking or biking along scenic trails
Explore nearby cities like Montreal and Toronto
Try winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or skating on the Rideau Canal
While Canadian universities (including uOttawa) don’t follow a formal campus placement system like in some other countries, uOttawa offers excellent career support, strong industry connections, and a wide range of co-op programs and internships that help students launch their careers.
The university has a dedicated Career Development Centre that provides:
Resume and cover letter help
Interview preparation
Career counselling
Networking workshops
Online job portal (Career Launch)
Regular career fairs and employer meet-and-greets
These services are free and open to all students, including international students.
uOttawa runs one of the largest co-op programs in Canada, available in over 80 programs including:
Engineering
Computer Science
Business (Telfer School of Management)
Social Sciences
Sciences
Health Sciences
Law and Public Administration
Through co-op, students alternate between study terms and paid work placements, gaining 16 to 20 months of real-world experience by graduation.
Average co-op salary: $18–$25 CAD/hour
Employers include: IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, RBC, Government of Canada, NGOs, and more
Strong employment rate: Over 90% of graduates are employed within 6 months to 1 year after graduation (depending on the program).
uOttawa grads are highly sought after, especially in Ottawa’s tech corridor, government agencies, healthcare, and law.
The Telfer School of Management has a high placement record for MBA and BCom grads in finance, consulting, and management roles.
Information Technology and Software Development
Finance and Business Consulting
Government and Public Policy
Healthcare and Biotechnology
Engineering and Manufacturing
Legal and International Affairs
Non-profits and Research Institutions
During studies: Work up to 20 hours per week part-time (on- or off-campus)
During breaks: Full-time work allowed
After graduation: Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years
Many graduates transition into permanent residency via programs like Express Entry or Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
uOttawa has robust co-op and career services
High employment rates within 6–12 months after graduation
Strong links with employers across government, private, and nonprofit sectors
Excellent support for international students to transition from study to work in Canada
The overall acceptance rate at the University of Ottawa is estimated to be around:
This makes it moderately competitive, with a fair chance of admission for qualified applicants — especially those who meet academic and language requirements.
General acceptance rate: ~60–65%
Highly competitive programs like:
Computer Science
Biomedical Science
Engineering
Telfer School of Management (BCom) May have lower acceptance rates (40–50%), depending on demand and seat availability.
More selective than undergraduate programs.
Estimated acceptance rate: ~30–40%
Research-based programs (especially in Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences) may be more competitive and depend on:
Supervisor availability
Research background
GPA and academic strength
PhD programs can be even more selective, with acceptance rates around 20–30%, depending on funding and research alignment.
Location: 75 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Setting: Urban campus in downtown Ottawa
Province: Ontario
Postal Code: K1N 6N5
Nearby Landmarks: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, National Gallery of Canada
The main campus is centrally located in the capital city of Canada, just minutes away from key government institutions, embassies, museums, and international organizations.
The campus is bilingual, offering services and classes in English and French.
It's nestled between the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River, giving students access to beautiful walking paths, parks, and recreational areas.
uOttawa is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and the O-Train (light rail).
Roger Guindon Hall (Health Sciences campus): Located about 4 km from the main campus near The Ottawa Hospital.
University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre: For medical and nursing students.
Lees Avenue Campus: A smaller site used for labs and classrooms.
Easily accessible via Ottawa’s public transit (OC Transpo).
Close to uOttawa Station on the O-Train Line 1 (confirms easy travel across the city).
20-minute drive from Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
