Since 1848, the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) has attracted students from all over the globe who want to learn, grow, and excel. uOttawa is located in the heart of Canada’s vibrant capital city, Ottawa, Ontario. More than 40,000 students study at the university every year—including over 7,000 students from 155 countries—joining a global network of more than 210,000 alumni.
Your Introduction to the University of Ottawa
Driven by its mission to “create a sustainable environment, shape the digital world, advance just societies, and enable lifelong health and wellness,” uOttawa is quite literally changing the world.
uOttawa has a reputation as the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university, but it’s equally well known for its groundbreaking research. A member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, uOttawa is one of Canada’s top 10 research universities. The university also offers one of the top five co-op programs in Canada. Students who enroll in co-op can obtain up to 16 months of invaluable paid work experience. During this time, students can earn approximately C$35,000–C$45,000 and build an impressive resume that will help them stand out in a competitive job market.
One of the world’s most prestigious universities, uOttawa ranked #141 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 and #18 on Maclean’s list of Best Universities by Reputation 2021.
Studying at the University of Ottawa
Students studying at the University of Ottawa can choose from over 450 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs in both French and English across 10 faculties:
- Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Civil Law
- Common Law
- Medicine
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Management
uOttawa’s biology, computer science, engineering, math, nursing, and psychology programs stand out from the pack and were recognized in Maclean’s Top Universities by Program 2021 rankings.
Yearly full-time international tuition fees vary by program and level:
- Three-year bachelor’s degree: C$36,160
- Four-year bachelor’s degree: C$26,204–C$36,160
- Two-year master’s degree: C$25,032–C$25,470
Please visit the individual program pages on the ApplyBoard Platform for the most accurate information.
Campus Life
As the only university campus in the heart of Ottawa’s bustling downtown, students are steps away from everything this beautiful, diverse city has to offer. From the colourful Byward Market and Parliament Hill to the city’s historic canals and picturesque hiking trails, there is no shortage of things to do in Ottawa.
Always at the forefront of technology and innovation, uOttawa has unveiled five state-of-the-art facilities in the last seven years alone, including the STEM Complex, LabO black box theatre, and Advanced Research Complex. These buildings not only stand tall alongside the university’s historic 19th-century architecture, but ensure students have the most up-to-date technology at their fingertips.
In recognition of its commitment to sustainable development, uOttawa ranked #6 in Canada on the UI Green Metric World University Rankings 2020.
On-Campus Accommodation
Did you know that living on campus during first year can be good for your grades? Studies prove that living on-campus can improve a student’s GPA and increase their chances of graduating! With that in mind, uOttawa residences are not just a place to call home—they also help set students up for a bright future. Students living in residence can take advantage of the following support services:
- Community support (residence life coordinators, community advisers, peer support)
- Academic support (study spaces, workshops)
- Emotional wellness support (professional counselling, wellness lounge)
- Experiential learning (skills development, volunteering).
With 11 residences and four different styles of accommodation, uOttawa offers an array of options to suit every lifestyle. From traditional-style accommodation, which is ideal for students who enjoy being around others and want to take advantage of residence to make friends, to private apartments for those who want to lead a more independent life—there’s truly something for everyone.
“Deciding to live in residence for my first year was a no-brainer! Living here fosters an environment in which you grow personally, academically, and socially. I’ve made incredible memories and I’ve met some of my best friends here. Living on campus has truly felt like home!”
—Camelle Currie, first-year Communication and Political Science student
Financial Support at a Glance
uOttawa awards nearly C$60 million in student scholarships and bursaries every year to help students offset the cost of their studies.
Students who maintain a minimum 8.5 term grade point average (TGPA) will automatically receive a Merit Scholarship valued at C$1,000 for the subsequent term—up to C$7,000 over the course of their studies!
International students are also eligible for the following renewable scholarships:
- President’s Scholarship (C$7,500 per year)
- Chancellor’s Scholarship (C$6,500 per year)
There is also a range of faculty-specific scholarships, and students studying in French can benefit from a partial fee exemption!
Life After School
With its focus on experiential learning and commitment to ensuring students have access to the latest technology, it’s no surprise that uOttawa produces highly sought-after graduates. In fact, uOttawa boasts an incredible 97% graduate employment rate.
International students who fall in love with Ottawa and want to find employment in the city after graduating can take advantage of Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). Eligible applicants can live and work in Canada for up to three years, and won’t have any trouble landing an exciting job in Ottawa. The city is home to countless international companies and is a magnet for talented individuals across all industries. In fact, Ottawa is #1 in North America for tech talent and has the continent’s second-highest concentration of scientists and engineers!
Sound like somewhere you’d like to study? Ask your recruiter about applying to the University of Ottawa.
