Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world and one of Canada's leading public research universities. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada's capital city, the university is internationally recognised for its academic excellence, innovative research, and strong government and industry connections. The University of Ottawa consistently ranks among the Top 200 universities worldwide and attracts students from over 150 countries. The university is home to more than 48,000 students, including over 10,000 international students. It is particularly renowned for excellence in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Data Science, Business, Health Sciences, Law, Public Policy, Cybersecurity, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. Its location in Canada's capital provides students with exceptional opportunities to work with government agencies, multinational companies, research institutions, and international organisations. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of University of Ottawa admissions, available programmes, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
The University of Ottawa offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Data Science, Health Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, Arts, and Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Business, Public Health, Finance, Cybersecurity, and more. |
| Professional Programmes | Graduate programmes through the Telfer School of Management, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Medicine. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research centres. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Strong academic performance with programme-specific requirements |
| GPA | Competitive academic record |
| IELTS Academic | Generally 6.5+ (programme dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | Generally 86–100+ (programme dependent) |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, CV/résumé (where applicable), and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The University of Ottawa tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books, and personal expenses while studying in Ottawa, Ontario. Compared with cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, Ottawa offers a relatively affordable cost of living, while providing excellent career opportunities in government, technology, healthcare, finance, and research.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
The University of Ottawa offers one of the most generous scholarship programmes in Canada, with numerous merit-based scholarships, graduate fellowships, assistantships, and tuition reduction programmes for international students. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- International English Admission Scholarship
- International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Admission Scholarships
- Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for eligible Francophone and Francophile international students
- Telfer School of Management Scholarships
- Faculty of Engineering Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Departmental Scholarships
- External Scholarships
Many graduate students also receive funding through research grants, assistantships, and faculty-specific fellowships depending on their programme.
Campus Life & Student Experience
The University of Ottawa offers a vibrant multicultural campus in the heart of Canada's capital. Students benefit from:
- More than 350 student clubs and organisations
- Modern libraries and advanced research laboratories
- Career counselling and co-op support
- One of Canada's largest co-operative education programmes
- Entrepreneurship and innovation hubs
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- International exchange programmes
- Modern sports, recreation, and wellness facilities
- Ottawa offers a safe, welcoming environment and excellent access to internships with the Government of Canada, technology companies, research institutes, hospitals, and international organisations
Research & Global Reputation
The University of Ottawa is internationally recognised for research excellence and graduate employability. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 200 universities worldwide
- Canada's largest bilingual English-French university
- Member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
- Annual research funding exceeding CAD $490 million
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, Environmental Science, and Photonics
- Home to the internationally recognised Telfer School of Management, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Medicine
- Strong partnerships with employers including Shopify, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nokia, Cisco, the Government of Canada, National Research Council Canada, and Health Canada
- Excellent graduate employability through co-op education and industry partnerships
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to the University of Ottawa generally require a Canadian Study Permit before beginning their studies. After graduation, eligible students may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP can also support pathways toward Canadian permanent residency, subject to current Government of Canada immigration policies.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Study Permit | International students generally require a Canadian Study Permit before beginning their studies. |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Eligible graduates may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience, subject to current Canadian immigration regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the University of Ottawa Graduate Studies application portal. Upload academic transcripts and required documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your Canadian study permit process.
- Begin your Canadian study permit process — After accepting your offer, begin your Canadian study permit process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is the University of Ottawa good for international students?
Yes. The University of Ottawa is one of Canada's leading public research universities, offering globally recognised degrees, strong co-op opportunities, generous scholarships, and excellent career prospects in Canada's capital.
Does the University of Ottawa offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The university offers the International English Admission Scholarship, International English Academic Excellence Scholarship, Admission Scholarships, Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarships, graduate fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and departmental funding.
What English language tests does the University of Ottawa accept?
The University of Ottawa accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, and other approved English language proficiency tests. Programme-specific minimum score requirements may apply.
How do I apply to the University of Ottawa?
Undergraduate applicants apply through the OUAC application system, while postgraduate applicants apply through the University's Graduate Studies application portal.
Can international students work after graduating from the University of Ottawa?
Yes. Eligible graduates may apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing them to work in Canada after completing their studies and potentially qualify for permanent residency pathways.
Does the University of Ottawa provide career support?
Yes. The University of Ottawa offers career counselling, one of Canada's largest co-op programmes, internships, employer networking events, entrepreneurship support, research opportunities, and comprehensive career development services. Its location in Ottawa provides outstanding access to careers in government, technology, healthcare, business, finance, and research.
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