University of Ottawa Overview

The University of Ottawa, also known as uOttawa, is a leading bilingual (English-French) public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1848, it is the largest English-French bilingual university in the world. The university is renowned for its research output, vibrant multicultural student body, and central location in Canada’s capital. With a strong emphasis on innovation and inclusivity, uOttawa offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across ten faculties.

University of Ottawa Offered Programs

  • Arts
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Law (Civil Law & Common Law)
  • Medicine
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Telfer School of Management
  • Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

University of Ottawa Tuition Fees

Program TypeEstimated Annual Tuition (CAD)
Undergraduate (Canadian)$7,000 – $9,000
Undergraduate (International)$31,000 – $39,000
Graduate (Canadian)$7,500 – $9,500
Graduate (International)$15,000 – $25,000
MBA (Telfer)$30,000 – $40,000

University of Ottawa Required Documents and Admission Requirements

  • Completed online application form
  • Official high school diploma and transcripts
  • English or French language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
  • Program-specific prerequisites (e.g., math, sciences)
  • Statement of purpose (for graduate programs)
  • Letters of recommendation (mostly for graduate studies)
  • Copy of passport (for international students)
  • Application fee payment

University of Ottawa Deadlines

ActivityDate
Fall Intake Application OpensOctober
Application Deadline (Fall)April 1
Document Submission DeadlineMay 1
Offers of Admission SentJanuary – June
Fall Semester StartsEarly September
Winter Semester ApplicationBy November 1
Winter Semester StartsEarly January

University of Ottawa Scholarships Offerings

  • President’s Scholarship (up to CAD 30,000)
  • Chancellor’s Scholarship
  • Faculty-Specific Entrance Scholarships
  • International Admission Scholarship (CAD 1,000 – CAD 12,000)
  • Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships
  • Work-Study Programs
  • Bursaries Based on Financial Need

University of Ottawa Rankings

Ranking TypePosition
National (Canada)Top 10
QS World Ranking~203
Times Higher Education~137
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)~151–200

University of Ottawa Acceptance Rate

The University of Ottawa has an estimated acceptance rate of around 50% to 55%, depending on the program and applicant’s profile.

University of Ottawa Student Campus Life (with accommodation options)

uOttawa offers a vibrant and inclusive campus life with over 250 student clubs and associations, recreational facilities, athletic teams, student-led media, and cultural events. The campus is located in downtown Ottawa, giving students access to national institutions, public transportation, and a multicultural environment.
Accommodation Options:

  • On-campus residences: traditional, suite-style, and apartment-style
  • Off-campus housing services to help students find rentals nearby
  • Meal plans are available for students living in residence

University of Ottawa Cost of Living

Living in Ottawa is generally more affordable than other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, but students should still budget carefully. Costs vary depending on lifestyle, housing, and program.

Estimated Monthly Expenses in CAD:

Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost
Housing (on-campus)$700 – $1,200
Food$300 – $500
Transportation$120
Books and Supplies$100 – $200
Personal Expenses$150 – $300
Health Insurance~$70

University of Ottawa Contact Informations

University of Ottawa Online Application

Applications to the University of Ottawa can be completed online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) for undergraduate programs or the uOttawa graduate portal for postgraduate studies. Applicants must create an account, fill out personal and academic information, upload required documents, and pay the application fee to submit.