University of Ottawa logo

University of Ottawa

Ottawa, CA · Ranking #203

The University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s largest bilingual public research universities, located in the capital city of Ottawa. Founded in 1848, it offers a wide range of programs across law, engineering, health sciences, business, social sciences, and humanities. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, public policy, and international relations. Its strategic location provides students with direct access to federal government institutions, embassies, NGOs, and leading companies. With modern facilities and a diverse student population, uOttawa promotes innovation, experiential learning, and global engagement.

University of Ottawa logo

University of Ottawa

About the university

The University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s largest bilingual public research universities, located in the capital city of Ottawa. Founded in 1848, it offers a wide range of programs across law, engineering, health sciences, business, social sciences, and humanities. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, public policy, and international relations. Its strategic location provides students with direct access to federal government institutions, embassies, NGOs, and leading companies. With modern facilities and a diverse student population, uOttawa promotes innovation, experiential learning, and global engagement.

Key information

  • Location: Ottawa, CA
  • Ranking #203
  • QS #230
  • THE #180
  • US News #220
  • National ranking #9
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Business
  • Political Science
  • International Relations

Programs (29)

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Science
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Telecommunications
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Marketing
  • Finance and Accounting
  • International Business
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Journalism and Communication
  • International Relations
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science

Student body

  • Total students: 48,000
  • Undergraduate: 35,000
  • Graduate: 13,000
  • International students: 25%

Campus life

The University of Ottawa offers a highly dynamic urban campus experience integrated into downtown Ottawa. Students have access to over 350 clubs, including political, international, and professional organizations. A key advantage is proximity to Parliament, embassies, and global institutions, enabling real-world engagement. The campus features modern residences, libraries, спорткомплекси, innovation hubs, and co-working spaces. The co-op system is deeply embedded in student life, allowing alternating study and paid work terms. Cultural diversity is strong, with students from 150+ countries. The bilingual environment enhances career flexibility, especially in government and international careers.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $900 - $1,800 / per month

Housing options

  • On-campus Residences
  • Apartments
  • Off-campus Housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Debate Clubs
  • Political Clubs
  • Cultural Organizations
  • Tech Clubs
  • Student Government

Sports

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Hockey
  • Volleyball
  • Swimming

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • Government of Canada
  • Shopify
  • IBM
  • Deloitte
  • Cisco

Internships: uOttawa has one of the largest co-op programs in Canada, with paid internships in government, tech, consulting, and NGOs. Students commonly work with the Government of Canada, Shopify, IBM, Deloitte, and international organizations. Co-op salaries typically range from $15 to $25 per hour. Many students secure full-time roles before graduation.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • GPA
  • Personal Statement
  • English/French Test (IELTS/TOEFL/TEF)
  • Letters of Recommendation

Minimum GPA: 3.3

Tuition costs

  • $20,000 - $45,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 50.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of Ottawa offers a structured scholarship system combining automatic entrance scholarships and competitive awards. International students can receive Admission Scholarships based on GPA (typically $1,000–$4,000 per year), automatically awarded upon acceptance. A key advantage is the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship, which significantly reduces tuition for international students studying in French programs. Additional opportunities include faculty-specific scholarships, research grants, and co-op earnings. Graduate students benefit from teaching/research assistantships and fellowships. Financial aid is integrated with co-op programs, allowing students to partially finance studies through paid work placements. Early application increases chances for higher-value awards.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1848
  • Teaching languages: english
  • Study formats: offline, hybrid

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