top of page

University of Ottawa: Programs, Admission Requirements, and General Information

Updated: Apr 28

We have prepared the essential information you will need when planning your academic life in Canada in this series of articles. In this article, you can find information about University of Ottawa programs, admission requirements, and tuition fees, and get answers to all your questions. You can contact our experienced team for detailed information and consultancy services.


University of Ottawa

About the University of Ottawa


The University of Ottawa, one of the world’s largest bilingual research universities, offers education in both English and French and is a leading institution in higher education.


Located in Canada’s fifth largest metropolitan area, the University of Ottawa has more than 44,000 students. It provides a contemporary and global education and, with its robust academic staff, historic roots, historical buildings, multicultural campus life, and recognition in its field, it offers its graduates strong professional career opportunities after graduation.


Thanks to the unique academic career opportunities it provides, 97% of its graduates find job opportunities immediately. Every year, many international students from various countries choose the University of Ottawa for quality education. In addition to its equivalence and recognition in all fields, the computer science program at the University of Ottawa stands out as one of the most popular programs in the world in many rankings.


Moreover, Ottawa Law is known for offering some of the best courses in legal research and maintains close ties with legal communities in Quebec, Ontario, and abroad. It has been ranked as the 71st best law school in the world by Times Higher Education in 2023 and is recognized as the best law school in Canada.


The University of Ottawa is located in Ontario, Canada.


For more detailed information about the programs, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.



Some Important Information About the University of Ottawa


University of Ottawa: Student Profile and Diversity


Undergraduate

Graduate

Applicants

80,911

12,912

Registered students

9,873

1,881

Female Students

23,301

3,050

Male Students

15,280

2,161

International Students

7,758

1,941


The University of Ottawa is quite selective during the admissions process, with only a 35% acceptance rate. This means that applicants must have a very strong academic background to be admitted. Students can strengthen their chances of acceptance by writing a well-organized letter of intent. Recommendation letters from previous employers and professors are also factors that highlight students during the admission process.


The University of Ottawa is most recognized for its science and technology department. Other programs such as arts, humanities, business, and engineering are also quite popular in Ottawa. Additionally, the medical school in Ottawa is considered among the best in Canada.



University of Ottawa Application Dates


International students can apply for admission to the University of Ottawa for the Fall and Winter terms. Students can generally make their applications by the deadlines specified below:


Deadline for Fall Applications: January 31

Deadline for Winter Applications: April 30


University of Ottawa campus

University of Ottawa Campuses


The main campus of the university is located in the Sandy Hill neighborhood. The main campus covers an area of approximately 35.3 hectares (87 acres), but the university also owns and manages other properties in the city. Thus, the university has a total area of about 42.5 hectares (105 acres).


The ages of some buildings at the university range between 100 and 150 years. Today, the average age of the buildings is about 60 years. The university currently has about 30 main buildings, 800 research laboratories, 300 teaching laboratories, and 250 classrooms and seminar rooms. The main campus is split between the old Sandy Hill campus and the Lees campus. Although the Lees Campus is not adjacent to Sandy Hill, it is shown as part of the main campus on school maps. Lee's campus, within walking distance to Sandy Hill, was initially a satellite campus of Algonquin College.


The University of Ottawa also has the uOttawa train station on the western edge of the campus, adjacent to Nicholas Street and the Rideau Canal.


For more detailed information about the programs, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.




University of Ottawa World Ranking


Founded in 1848 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, the University of Ottawa offers over 500 undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at international students. According to the Times Higher Education World Rankings, the University of Ottawa ranked 203rd in 2023, improving from 237th in 2022. As a globally ranked institution, it has unconditional equivalency recognition by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in Turkey. It is also one of the world's largest English-French bilingual universities.


University of Ottawa ranking

University of Ottawa Admission Requirements, Costs, and Credits


UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATIONS


The University of Ottawa offers more than 350 undergraduate programs. International students can apply to these programs via an online application portal. The University of Ottawa provides a variety of options for international applicants, including programs in science, arts, commerce, business, management, and computer applications.


Application Fee: 90 CAD


Admission requirements:

  • High school transcripts

  • 3.0 GPA or 70% graduation average

  • (SAT - 900 or ACT - 18 - 22 scores are also valid.)

  • English language proficiency scores:

  • TOEFL IBT-86

  • IELTS-6.5

  • Recommendation letter

  • Statement of purpose

  • Portfolio

(The university may also require results such as GRE or GMAT scores depending on the specific requirements of the program applied for.)



University of Ottawa students at campus


UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA GRADUATE APPLICATION


Students aiming for a master's program at the University of Ottawa can choose from over 160 programs.


The admission process for graduate programs is available online on the university's application portal. The Ottawa student admission committee expects all documents listed in the applications to be presented.


Application Fee: 110 CAD


Admission Requirements:

● Minimum 3-year bachelor's degree

● 3.0 GPA or 70% graduation success average

● English language proficiency scores:

● TOEFL IBT-100

● IELTS -7.0

● 2 Recommendation letters (You can get help from our experienced advisors on the points to be considered while arranging the letter.)

● Plan for Canada

● Resume


The university may also require results such as GRE or GMAT scores depending on the nature of the program applied for.


University of Ottawa undergraduate program annual fees:


  • Varies between 20,000 CAD – 32,000 CAD per program. Undergraduate credit is set at 813 CAD.


Annual fees for Master's programs:

  • Varies between 12,000 CAD – 22,000 CAD. Master's credit is set at 508 CAD.


Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty: Arts

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CANADIAN DOLLAR-CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Acting

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Arabic Language and Culture

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

If you would like more detailed information about the departments, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.



Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty: Education

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Education

21,262.54

20,313.32

19,747.77

19,747.77

18,116.44

16,619.87

American Indigenous Teacher Training Program

21,262.54

20,313.32

19,747.77

19,747.77

18,116.44

16,619.87

Teacher Training

21,262.54

20,313.32

19,747.77

19,747.77

18,116.44

16,619.87


University of Ottawa class

Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty or school: Engineering

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)

Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering

27,841.61

26,598.68

25,858.16

25,858.16

23,722.04

21,762.40

Biomedical Engineering

31,582.15

30,172.23

29,332.22

29,332.22

26,909.11

24,686.20

Biomedical Engineering and Computer Technology

31,582.15

30,172.23

29,332.22

29,332.22

26,909.11

24,686.20

Software Engineering

31,582.15

30,172.23

29,332.22

29,332.22

26,909.11

24,686.20


University of Ottawa library

Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty: Health Sciences

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)

Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Food and Nutrition Sciences

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Health Sciences

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Human Kinetics

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Nursing

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Nursing (Algonquin)

25,730.40

24,581.72

23,897.34

23,897.34

21,923.22

20,112.17


Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty or school: Law

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Civil Law (LLL)

24,719.50

23,615.95

22,958.46

22,958.46

21,061.89

19,321.99

Civil Law and International Development and Globalization

24,719.50

23,615.95

22,958.46

22,958.46

21,061.89

19,321.99

Trade and Law Doctorate

38,552.46

36,831.37

35,805.95

35,805.95

32,848.06

30,134.52

Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty or school: Management (Telfer)

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Commerce

26,592.19

25,405.04

24,697.75

24,697.75

22,657.50

20,785.79

Commerce and Law Doctorate

26,592.19

25,405.04

24,697.75

24,697.75

22,657.50

20,785.79

Human Resources Management

26,592.19

25,405.04

24,697.75

24,697.75

22,657.50

20,785.79

Business Administration

26,592.19

25,405.04

24,697.75

24,697.75

22,657.50

20,785.79

If you would like more detailed information about the departments, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.



University of Ottawa application fee

Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty or school: Medicine

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Translational and Molecular Medicine

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

16,936.43

Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty or school: Science

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

Biochemistry

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering

27,841.61

26,598.68

25,858.16

25,858.16

23,722.04

21,762.40

Biology

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Academic year: 2023-2024

Education level: Undergraduate (degree, certificate)

Faculty: Social Sciences

Course load and billing method: Full-time (fixed fee - CAD)


Discipline

33 or fewer units (11 or fewer courses)

33.01 - 66 units (12 - 22 courses)

66.01 to 99 units (23 to 33 courses)

99.01 to 132 units (34 to 44 courses)

132.01 to 165 units (45 to 55 courses)

More than 165.01 units (more than 56 courses)

African Studies

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Anthropology

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

Anthropology and Sociology

21,667.54

20,700.24

20,123.92

20,123.92

18,461.51

16,936.43

University of Ottawa Application Approval Process

The University of Ottawa's student admission committee generally announces the results of applications within 2 to 3 months after submission. It is advised that applicants regularly log into the uoZone application portal to follow their status.


University of Ottawa Selection Criteria

The acceptance rate at the University of Ottawa is only 35%. This rate demonstrates how competitive the University is. Although acceptance criteria vary by different courses and faculties, undergraduate applicants are required to have a high school result of 3.0 (GPA) or a 70% overall grade average. Additionally, the University of Ottawa accepts results from standard tests such as the SAT and ACT as measures of academic proficiency.


Graduate applicants must have an overall grade average of at least 3.0. English language proficiency tests are mandatory for international students. The most common tests accepted at the University of Ottawa include TOEFL iBT and IELTS. Tests such as the GMAT and GRE are also required for admission to some elective courses and graduate programs. Moreover, students with impressive work/internship experience and recommendation letters have a higher chance of being admitted to the University of Ottawa.


For more detailed information about the departments, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.



Accommodation Facilities


Annex

Overview

● 12 months (September-August)

● 518 beds

● Mixed units

● A few steps from the campus

● Fitness center and game room

● Lobby with a fireplace lounge

● Group and quiet study areas

● Restaurants on the ground floor


Features in a Standard Room

● Individually lockable private bedroom

● Double bed

● Private bathroom

● Desk

● Chair

● Wardrobe

2023-2024 (12 months)


Room Type

Total Cost per Person

Premium Studio

$22,502

Studio

$22,142

Room in a 2-bedroom apartment

$16,860

Room in a 3-bedroom apartment

$14,967

Room in a 4-bedroom apartment

$14,059

Room in a 5-bedroom apartment

$13,134


45 Mann


Overview

  • 12 months (September-August)

  • 385 beds

  • Mixed units

  • Study areas and student lounges

  • Main level fitness center

  • Main level game room

  • Courtyard

Your Room

  • Double bed

  • Nightstand

  • Separate bedroom

  • Private bathroom

  • Desk

  • Chair

  • Wardrobe

2023-2024 (12-month term)


Room Type

Total Cost per Person

Room in a 1-bedroom apartment

$21,680

Room in a 2-bedroom apartment

$16,323

Room in a 3-bedroom apartment

$14,443

Room in a 4-bedroom apartment

$13,688

For more detailed information about the departments, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.



Friel

University of Ottawa friel

Overview

  • 8 months (September-April)

  • Located in downtown Ottawa

  • 380 beds

  • Close to a 24/7 open market

  • Near many amenities (pharmacy, cinema, library, bus routes)

  • A few minutes from campus

Your Room

  • Single bed

  • Two-drawer dresser under the bed

  • Desk with cabinets

  • Chair

  • Dining table and chairs (for two)


2023-2024 (8-month term)


Room Type

Total Cost per Person

2 double bed suite

$8,417

Double suite

$9,629

2 single bed suite

$10,962


LeBlanc

LeBlanc, University of Ottawa

Overview

  • 8 months (September-April)

  • Smallest residence

  • 161 beds

  • Warm atmosphere for Francophone students

  • Learning environment for Anglophone students

Your Room

  • Single bed

  • Dresser with drawers

  • Hanging rod and shelf

  • Desk with cabinets

  • Chair

  • Space for a mini fridge


2023-2024 (8-month term)

Room Type

Cost per Room

Mandatory Meal Plan (5 days)

Total Cost per Person

Single Room

$9,612

$6,130

$15,742

Double Room

$7,914

$6,130

$14,044

For more detailed information about the departments, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, please do not hesitate to contact us.



University of Ottawa Scholarship Opportunities


The university offers a Chancellor's Scholarship opportunity for international students. For information on how much scholarship is available for which department or your chances of winning, contact us immediately for information!


Monthly Budget You Will Need for Living

For students applying to undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the University of Ottawa, let's list the approximate budget you will need to set aside each month, excluding tuition and university enrollment fees:

  • Monthly average accommodation costs between 2,000 CAD and 5,000 CAD,

  • Monthly average food and beverage costs between 400-450 CAD

  • Monthly transportation costs between 100 CAD and 250 CAD

  • Other expenses can be estimated at around 750 CAD per month.

These are average costs and can be lower or higher depending on your standard of living.



Summary of the cost of living in Ottawa, Canada:


The estimated monthly cost for a family of four, excluding rent, is C$5,401.4

The estimated monthly cost for a single person, excluding rent, is C$1,512.8


Category

Item/Service

Average Price

Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

30.00 C$


Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

100.00 C$

Market Products

Milk (normal), (1 liter)

2.92 C$


Fresh White Bread (500g)

3.54 C$


One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.75 C$


Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

125.50 C$


Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.50 C$


Gasoline (1 liter)

1.69 C$

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

255.58 C$


1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.30 C$


Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

86.58 C$

Clothes and Shoes

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

91.56 C$


1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

81.82 C$


1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

160.90 C$

Rent Per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1,911.90 C$


Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1,712.22 C$


Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

3,090.00 C$


Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2,417.83 C$


University of Ottawa Campus Life


Studying in Ottawa, a city that appeals to those who love both urban vibrancy and nature, offers a colorful and experienced educational opportunity. The University of Ottawa is filled with energy and movement due to its music diversity, the city's population, and available amenities. Concerts, festivals, and various art events are all located in the city center. The city of Ottawa, also being the capital of Canada, provides numerous opportunities that could be central to your educational and career life.


The University of Ottawa, located in Canada's capital, serves all student needs with its expansive campus. Additionally, the campus spans 105 acres and hosts Canada's largest and most resourceful Law Faculty.



University of Ottawa Sports Clubs

While receiving education in modern classrooms inside historic and magnificent buildings at this university, you can also find various facilities for your athletic needs. If you become a University of Ottawa student, you can join sports clubs including:


  • Basketball

  • Swimming

  • Badminton

  • Volleyball

  • Athletics

  • Fitness

  • Dance

  • Skating

You can read realistic reviews from students on the University of Ottawa's sour page.

For more detailed information about the programs, faculty options, and extensive scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Ottawa, do not hesitate to contact us.



Famous Alumni from the University of Ottawa


When you search for University of Ottawa Graduation, you will find names ranging from prime ministers to astronauts, from medical doctors to sports experts. The celebrities listed below are all famous individuals who have received quality education at the University of Ottawa.


Which celebrities are graduates of the University of Ottawa?

  • Philémon Yunji Yang- Former Prime Minister of Cameroon

  • Neil Lumsden- Football player

  • Samantha Bee- Comedian

  • Michel Marc Bouchard- Playwright

  • Caleb Agada- Basketball player

  • Joyce El-Khoury- Opera artist

  • Angela Hewitt- Pianist

  • Doug Falcone- Producer

  • Mary Lou Finlay- Reporter

  • Lisa LaFlamme- Journalist

  • Xiaoyi Bao- Professor

  • Dafydd Williams- Astronaut

  • Anna Baranowsky – Medical doctor


3 views
bottom of page