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University of Ottawa: Rankings, Intakes, Cost, Scholarships & More

Jan 31, 2025

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Located on the scenic south bank of the Ottawa River in Canada, the vibrant city of Ottawa is popular not only for its iconic Parliament Hill, and its rich Indigenous heritage but also for being a hub of academic excellence. Among its many prestigious Institutions, one stands out for sharing the city’s name - the University of Ottawa.

Established in 1848, it is one of Canada’s oldest research-driven Universities and holds the distinction of being the largest English French bilingual University in the world. A proud member of the U15 group of Canada’s top Research-Intensive Universities, the University of Ottawa is renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to innovation. Its main campus, spanning 42.5 hectares, is located just northeast of Downtown Ottawa.

This introduction only scratches the surface of what makes the University of Ottawa a global leader in education. But before we dive into everything else it has to offer, let’s uncover its international rankings.

Table of Content

  1. Global Rankings of the University of Ottawa
  2. Top Courses at the University of Ottawa
  3. Intakes at the University of Ottawa
  4. University of Ottawa Eligibility Criteria
  5. Cost to Study at the University of Ottawa
  6. University of Ottawa Scholarships
  7. Life at the University of Ottawa
  8. FAQs

Global Rankings of the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa, popularly known as uOttawa or U of O, is a bilingual Public Research Institution that stands as a cornerstone of the city’s educational landscape. Its prominence is evident in its impressive rankings on the global stage, as highlighted below.

  • Ranked 90th Internationally as per QS Sustainability Rankings 2025.
  • Ranked 189th worldwide as per QS World University Rankings 2025.
  • Ranked 191st in the world according to the Times Higher Education 2025.
  • Ranked 218th in Best Global Universities US News 2025.
  • Among the 10 Best Universities in Canada as per Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

The University of Ottawa shines brightly on the global stage, excelling in numerous areas that set it apart. But what’s the secret behind this remarkable success? Let us find out ahead.

Top Courses at the University of Ottawa

One standout factor is its ability to cater to a wide range of student interests by offering diverse programs across various fields of study. uOttawa offers around 171 Masters and 111 Bachelors programs to over 48,000 students in fields like:

  • Arts
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Telfer School of Management

That’s quite a variety of options to choose from. But wait, here’s an interesting tidbit for you. Did you know that Ottawa is ranked among the top 20 cities in the world to live in? This makes studying at uOttawa even more appealing.

So, when are you planning to apply for the next intake? Keep reading to explore the available intakes.

Suggested : Top courses in canada for international students

Intakes at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa offers its programs across two major intakes each year:

  • January (Winter)
  • September (Fall)

These intakes provide flexibility for you to begin your academic journey at a time that suits you best. With a wide range of study levels available, including:

  • Full Time/Shorter Duration Master’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Graduate Diplomas
  • Microprograms

Whether you are just starting your Undergraduate studies or advancing to the pinnacle of academic achievement, the University of Ottawa has you covered. With this let us now shift our focus towards the eligibility criteria.

University of Ottawa Eligibility Criteria

In this section, you can check your eligibility. While the criteria may vary depending on the course, we have outlined the key requirements to give you a clear and comprehensive understanding.

1. For Master’s Degree

To pursue a Masters in Canada at the University of Ottawa, you will need an honours Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 70%.

However, certain graduate programs may have additional requirements, such as a higher academic average, submission of specific documents, or standardized test scores.

2. For Bachelor’s Degree

The University of Ottawa offers over 350 flexible Bachelor’s programs in both English and French, allowing you to customize your academic journey. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements.

  • A high school diploma with a minimum of 70% in Grade 12.
  • Mathematics is a mandatory subject for all Bachelor’s programs.

3. English Language Proficiency Test Requirement

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the following test score requirements.

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.
  • PTE: Overall score of 60, with no section scoring below 59.
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 84, with no individual section below 20.

With these requirements in hand, you’re all set to start planning your academic journey at one of Canada’s premier Universities. However, when it comes to planning, financial considerations are a must. So, let us understand the cost of studying at uOttawa.

Cost to Study at the University of Ottawa

When planning your cost of education in Canada at the University of Ottawa, it’s important to keep in mind the tuition fees and living expenses. Here is an overview.

Tuition Fees

  • Master’s Degree: Approximately 9,721 CAD per term.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Approximately 21,668 CAD per term.

Living Costs

The living cost in Canada is generally the same across most provinces, averaging CAD 20,635 per year, except for Quebec. This estimate primarily includes expenses such as:

  • Accommodation
  • Cellphone Plan
  • Internet
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Other Personal Necessities

It’s also important to budget separately for additional costs like textbooks and supplies. Speaking of costs, let’s explore the various funding options by taking a closer look at the scholarships available at the University of Ottawa.

Suggested : Cost of education in canada for International Students

University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students

The University of Ottawa offers numerous scholarships for Master’s and Bachelor’s students. We have discussed some of the popular ones below.

1. Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship

Scholarship Value: Up to $18,000

Level of Study: Master’s and Bachelor’s Programs

Eligibility Criteria: Be enrolled full-time and take at least three courses taught in French per term (9 units).

Description: This scholarship is offered to international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in a program taught in French or in the French Immersion Stream.

2. Special Merit Scholarship

Scholarship Value: The specific details are established by each faculty; you can check the University website.

Level of Study: Masters

Description: For this scholarship, no application is needed, and graduate students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.

3. International English Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Up to $ 17,500 per year

Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a citizen of any country in Africa, India, and Bangladesh.
  • Have a valid study permit when classes start.
  • Be enrolled full-time.

Discerption: For students from India, Africa, and Bangladesh, the scholarship offers a total of 20 Excellence Scholarships and an unlimited number of Entrance Scholarships. These scholarships offer automatic eligibility based on your enrollment in an eligible program.

4. Faculty of Arts Dean's Merit Scholarship

Scholarship Value: $4,000 ($1,000 per year for 4 years)

Level of Study: Bachelor’s Program at the Faculty of Arts

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Enrolled full-time in a Bachelor’s program at the Faculty of Arts
  • Minimum admission average of 90%
  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 9.00 or higher (with at least 24 units) to renew for up to 3 years

Description: No application is needed for this scholarship, as it is automatically awarded in the summer before the start of studies. Moreover, it is renewable for up to three years as long as eligibility is maintained.

5. Faculty of Engineering Dean's Merit Scholarship

Scholarship Value:

  • Admission average of 95-100% = $5,000
  • Admission average of 90-94.9% = $4,000

Level of Study: Bachelor’s Program at the Faculty of Engineering

Eligibility Criteria: Enrolled full-time and for the first time in a Bachelor's program at the Faculty of Engineering

Description: This scholarship is awarded to international students with excellent grades in Bachelor’s programs. No application is required, as eligible students are automatically considered.

Now that we have explored the academic offerings, courses, costs, and scholarships, it's time to dive into one of the most exciting aspects of University life — the experience itself. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s like to live, learn, and grow as a student at the University of Ottawa.

Life at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa offers a vibrant and inclusive campus experience, ensuring every student finds their niche and thrives. With over 100 student organizations, there's something for everyone, whether your interests lie in academics, athletics, politics, arts, or social causes. So, let us now explore what the University has to offer.

1. Faculty Student Associations

Each faculty has its own student association, led by elected representatives. These associations manage events and support numerous subsidiary clubs, fostering a sense of belonging within each faculty.

2. Clubs and Committees

From hackathons and competitions to arts and charity initiatives, the University’s clubs and committees cater to diverse passions. Many of these groups receive funding from UOSU or faculty associations, encouraging students to engage actively in campus life.

3. Health and Wellness

Stay active and maintain your well-being with uOttawa’s fitness programs and wellness groups. The innovative uoWellness app simplifies access to wellness resources, making it easy to book study rooms, track events, and complete wellness missions for prizes.

4. Mentorship Programs

Regional and Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Programs offer academic and social support, connecting students based on their backgrounds and fostering inclusivity. Life at the University of Ottawa is a gateway to personal growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.

As we’ve explored the University of Ottawa, it truly has a wealth of opportunities for students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. If you’re ready to begin your academic journey at one of Canada’s top Universities, Ottawa awaits you with open arms and a vibrant campus life.

To make your dream of studying in Canada a reality, KC Overseas Education is here to guide you every step of the way. From selecting programs to securing your Canada student visa, our dedicated team of experts ensures a seamless and stress-free process.

Don’t let your aspirations wait, connect with us today.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for admission in the Winter intake?

Answer: No, the Telfer MBA program doesn’t offer Winter admissions. The only intake is in the Fall, with classes starting in September each year.

2. Can I apply for an MBA right after my Bachelor’s degree?

Answer: To apply for the Telfer MBA, you need a Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of full-time work experience. Part-time jobs, summer work, and co-op placements during your bachelor’s degree don’t count towards this. However, they will still be considered when your application is reviewed.

3. How do I access the housing portal?

Answer: You can log in to the Housing Portal after you’ve received an admission offer. The portal opens at 9 a.m. on December 10, 2024, for applications for the 2025 academic year. You don’t need to accept your admission offer to access the portal, but you must have received it.

4. What is the application fee for admission?

Answer: The application fee is $120 CAD.

5.How much are tuition fees, and how are they billed?

Answer: Tuition fees are charged per term, and the academic year is split into three terms: Fall (September–December), Winter (January–April), and Spring-Summer (May–August). The fees for each term are set and reviewed annually, so they may differ from one term to the next.

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