Your eligibility for University of Ottawa programs depends on the level of education you have completed or are completing, as well as the program.
See the table below to find out what level of study you require for admission to a direct-entry faculty (one you can apply to without prior university studies) according to the country where you studied. If you are applying to a professional program, you must contact the faculty responsible for it.
If you have completed postsecondary studies, we will consider these studies when we evaluate your eligibility, even if you are applying to an undergraduate program.
Check whether you meet the language requirements. At the University of Ottawa, you can take your courses in English, French or both. The choice is yours! You will just need to demonstrate that you are sufficiently fluent in the language in which you choose to study. We might ask you to provide the results of a language proficiency test even if you have studied in a country where English or French is an official language.
Find out about the prerequisite courses for the program(s) you are interested in.
Unless otherwise indicated, you must complete all prerequisites in the last year of your secondary studies or at the postsecondary level.
Please note that the requirements listed are minimum requirements only and are subject to change. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Be prepared to provide additional supporting documents or pass an admission audition or exam, depending on the program to which you are applying.
The University is in Ottawa, the capital of a G7 country as well as the #1 tech talent momentum market in North America. This means that whether you’re studying political science or computer science, we offer opportunities to gain valuable paid hands-on work experience in your field of study through one of our 108 Co-operative Education Programs, which have a 95% placement rate.
We offer an internationally-focused education, welcoming, high quality and pushing boundaries. Join a community of bold, caring and engaged people like you building a better society and a more sustainable world
Check the minimum admission requirements
If you are applying from a secondary school, you must meet the following conditions to be considered for admission to an undergraduate program:
Have obtained, or be in the process of obtaining, your Higher Secondary School Certificate or All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC).
Have earned a minimum average of 75% (requirements could be higher, depending on the program of study you select)
Have completed, or be in the process of completing, the prerequisites for the program of your choice. Unless otherwise indicated, all prerequisites must be completed in your senior year.
Space is limited and admission is competitive and not guaranteed. The University of Ottawa reserves the right to deny admission, even if an applicant meets all requirements.
Check below the admission average you need to be considered for the program(s) you’re interested in.
Check the prerequisite courses and additional requirements. You must have taken these prerequisites in secondary school or their college or university equivalents. Please note that if you have attempted university or college studies and completed your prerequisites in secondary school, they will not be counted in your admission average. Your average will be calculated based on your postsecondary courses. Indeed, if you completed or attempted postsecondary studies, your admission average is calculated based on them, even if you apply to an undergraduate program.
Please note that the requirements listed are minimum requirements only and are subject to change. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
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The University of Ottawa is among the top four Canadian universities for research intensity and the largest English-French bilingual university in the world. Rooted in our community, we’re in the heart of a G7 capital — a city of power, leadership and transformation — a choice location from which to shed light on the future as we face the challenges of our times.
A vibrant community
49,000 students
6,200 professors, researchers and support staff
300,000 alumni
In the heart of Canada’s capital
We benefit from our strategic location, on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinàbeg, in a city known for the interaction among research, the economy and policy.
Leadership and governance
Claudette Commanda was appointed chancellor of the University of Ottawa on November 9, 2022.
Claudette Commanda
Biography
Claudette Commanda is an Algonquin Anishinabe from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation located in the province of Quebec. An alumna of the University of Ottawa faculties of Law and Arts, Claudette has dedicated the last 35 years promoting First Nations people, history, culture and rights in various capacities as a University of Ottawa student, professor, member and chair of the Aboriginal education council, and via public speaking events.
She is the chief executive officer of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, a national organization that protects and promotes First Nations culture, languages and traditional knowledge. She is also the CEO of Maclean Day Schools Settlement Corporation. Ms. Commanda has taught at the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Women’s Studies, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law and the Indigenous Studies Program, teaching courses on First Nations Women, Native Education, First Nations People and History, Indigenous Traditions, and Decolonization. She was inducted into the Common Law Honour Society, served two terms on the Board of Governors for the First Nations University of Canada and three terms on the Kitigan Zibi band council.
In 2017, Claudette was the first appointed First Nation Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, and the first person of a First Nation heritage to be complete a full term on the Board of Governors for the University of Ottawa. She was also the Special Adviser on Reconciliation, for the Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section). Claudette is a proud mother of four and a grandmother of 10.
In March 2020, Claudette received the 2020 Indspire Award for culture, heritage, and spirituality.
To communicate with the Chancellor via email, click here.
Role and responsibilities
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University, and accordingly, occupies the place of honor at commencement exercises and other functions. She is an ex-officio member of the Senate and is appointed by the Board of Governors, with the concurrence of the Senate, for a term of four years. The Chancellor is also an Honorary Member of the Board of Governors for the duration of her term and enjoys all the rights and privileges of an Honorary Member. She may be reappointed at the end of her term.
Welcome to the University of Ottawa
As one of Canada’s top 5 research-intensive universities and the largest bilingual (French-English) university in the world, with an increasing commitment to Indigenous languages and cultures, uOttawa is a gateway to the world.
I intend to make the most of the University’s unique identity and unparalleled strategic geographical position to build a stronger community. The University is located on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnàbeg, in the national capital of a G7 country. It is steps away from Parliament, the Supreme Court, major cultural institutions and a vast network of embassies, and close to Canada’s largest tech park, in Kanata North, and world-renowned research hospitals.
Together, we will continue to transform our university, our city, our country, and the world.
Marie-Eve Sylvestre President and Vice-Chancellor
Biography
Marie-Eve Sylvestre has been president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa since July 1, 2025. Prior to assuming this role, she was dean of the Civil Law Section of the Faculty of Law and co-chair of the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom. Under her leadership, the Civil Law Section promoted transformative learning experiences and achieved record growth in research activities, launching the first certificate in Indigenous law in French in North America and Jurivision.ca, an audiovisual knowledge mobilization platform. She also helped strengthen the ties between the faculty and the local and international community, including through the creation of an Alumni Advisory Board, the Outaouais Interdisciplinary Social Law Clinic and a dual degree offered in collaboration with the European and International School of the Faculty of Law of Lyon 3.
A distinguished interdisciplinary scholar, Dr. Sylvestre’s research focuses on criminal law and practices that have a discriminatory impact on marginalized populations. Her book Red Zones: Criminal Law and the Territorial Governance of Marginalized People (Cambridge University Press, 2020), co-authored with Nicholas Blomley and Céline Bellot, received the 2021 W. Wesley Pue Prize of the Canadian Law and Society Association. From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Sylvestre acted as the justice expert for the Public Inquiry Commission into the Relationships between Indigenous People and Certain Public Services in Quebec (the Viens Commission). She is a founding member of the Observatory on Profiling and testified as an expert for the plaintiff in Luamba v. A.G. Quebec, on racial profiling in traffic stops.
Dr. Sylvestre is a member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada and a board member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She was awarded the distinction of Advocatus Emeritus by the Quebec Bar in 2022.
Marie-Eve Sylvestre holds an LLB from the Université de Montréal, as well as an LLM and an SJD from Harvard Law School, where she was a Frank Knox Memorial Foundation fellow. From 2000 to 2001, she served as a law clerk to Justice Charles D. Gonthier at the Supreme Court of Canada.
She is the first woman to lead the University of Ottawa since its inception in 1848.
Role
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the University. In this capacity, he or she supervises and directs the University’s academic mission and its general administration. The President recommends to the Board of Governors or its Executive Committee the appointment of the Vice-Presidents and other officers of the University, such as the Deans of faculties, and ensures that Board policies and directions are implemented by these officers. The President is simultaneously a member of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Senate, and is thus uniquely positioned to nurture a sound working relationship between the University’s two principal governing bodies. The President is also the University’s Vice-Chancellor, fulfilling the functions of the Chancellor in the case of absence or vacancy in the office of the latter.
Media
The University of Ottawa Newsroom communicates institutional priorities, new discoveries, scientific advancements, and events of interest to the media and the broader community.
uOttawa launches an unprecedented immersive learning experience to mark the Supreme Court of Canada’s 150th anniversary
The multimedia platform will provide unfettered access into Canada’s top court through video, gaming technology and educational resources
Supreme Court Experience eastexternal link, a new University of Ottawa Faculty of Law multimedia educational project, now offers an exclusive inside look into the Supreme Court of Canadan eastexternal link’s role, its evolution from its modest beginnings and the extraordinary stories that have unfolded within its walls.
Through an interactive virtual experience, it will allow visitors to walk through the Court’s hallways to learn about its inner workings, from the comforts of their computer.
The platform, whose tagline is Play. Learn. Discover, sits at the intersection of research, education and media. It has two components, available online for free in both French and English:
Echoes of the Court: An immersive video game transporting players inside a faithful digital reproduction of the iconic building of the Supreme Court to explore its halls, hear its stories, and learn about the highs and lows faced by judges, lawyers and litigants.
Keys to the Court: An online ready-to-use “Docu-Course”, a learning platform that blends short documentaries filmed across the country with interactive activities. Learners meet judges, lawyers, and litigants, while exploring the Court’s workings, evolution, and major decisions.
“Being a stone’s throw away from the Supreme Court and having the largest bilingual, multi juridical law school that’s ranked among the top five law schools in Canada, it’s fitting that the University of Ottawa lead this innovative initiative to give Canadians a glimpse of the inner workings of our country’s highest court,” says Marie-Eve Sylvestre, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ottawa. “It stems from our commitment to knowledge mobilization in the service of democracy.”
“As we mark the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada, this innovative project is offering Canadians new and creative ways to discover our role, our history, and the human stories behind the Court’s decisions. At a time when openness and transparency matter more than ever, I want to thank the creators and their partners for helping to deepen understanding of justice and encourage meaningful conversations about democracy and the rule of law,” says the Right Honourable Richard Wagner eastexternal link, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada.
Department of History
Studying history at uOttawa will help you to understand the past with the support of dynamic and innovative professors, practice explaining the past by working with sources and ideas and live your training experience in a vibrant student community.
Why history, and why at uOttawa
History gives us the tools to understand change over time. It helps to reveal patterns that might otherwise be invisible in the present, thus providing a crucial perspective for analyzing (solving!) current and future problems. It is an exercise in demystification, challenging prejudices and preconceptions – including our own.
Our department offers a wide range of exciting courses on diverse cultures and societies around the world, from antiquity to contemporary times. It covers thematic subjects such as history and sexuality, imperialism and colonialism, history of science, and history of ideas.
History provides access to a whole range of professional possibilities. Its study promotes a better understanding of the way in which societies work, the factors that bring them together and set them apart, and the processes that shape their development. History helps to explain how different political, religious, and legal systems came into being and how cultural, social, economic, and geographical conditions have determined the way in which societies have developed. It gets to the very heart of the way peoples have thought and acted over time.
What can you do with a history degree? Many things!
As a history student at uOttawa, you will learn how to sift evidence, analyze arguments and evaluate differing interpretations. You will develop your writing skills, your critical thinking and your ability to present and defend your ideas orally and in writing.
These skills and a good background in history are in high demand in a wide range of professions and careers such as law, journalism, administration, teaching, communications, and government. Whether you graduate into the historical profession as a teacher or researcher or move into other spheres, your historical skills will always prove invaluable.
What you will study
Our undergraduate programs will provide you with solid and transferable skills while enabling you to pursue your passion for history. Our flexible course offering is structured around two complementary components: understanding history and practicing the historian’s craft. You will practice history by using historical documents of all kinds: texts from past centuries, monuments, paintings, films, or digital tools. You will develop critical and analytical skills as well as competencies in research and writing.
As a graduate student, you will contribute to historical research by conducting your own research project with the support of your supervisor. Building on solid methodologies, fruitful approaches, and inspiring concepts, you will uncover unknown aspects of past societies and help reveal their relevance in today’s world. You will disseminate your findings to the public and prepare for diverse career opportunities.
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Tuition fees – International students
International students are students who don’t meet the criteria to be in the “Canadian” category. For more, learn about status in Canada.
Because we’re committed to ensuring that newly-admitted international students are able to predict their tuition fees beyond first year, we’ve put in place the following:
For international students admitted for the Spring-Summer 2022 term or earlier, future tuition fee increases will be limited to 5.5% per year.
For international students admitted for the Fall 2022 term or later, future tuition fee increases will be limited to 7% per year.
In both cases, students must remain enrolled full time and progress normally from one tuition fee level to the next.
This applies until you reach the final tuition fee level indicated for your program, after which you pay final-level tuition fees in subsequent years.
This excludes new fees that may be imposed by the Ontario government, ancillary fees, incidental fees and administrative fees.
See below for an example on how we apply fee increases for a future year
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Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries
Read about a number of our undergraduate scholarships and bursaries below. To search for all scholarships and bursaries, get application criteria or apply, use the Online Scholarships and Bursaries tool.
Meet the admission requirements of the program you have been admitted to;
Be enrolled full time for the first time in a university undergraduate program;
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or have protected person or refugee status (unless otherwise indicated)
Required averages to keep or renew a scholarship are rounded to two decimal places. For example, a student with an average of 8.49 would not be eligible for a scholarship that requires an 8.50 average. See academic regulation A-3.3 for more information on calculating averages.
Note: Mature applicants and university transfers are not eligible for certain admission scholarships. Please review eligibility criteria carefully.
The Financial Aid and Awards Service reserves the right to change scholarship, bursary and financial aid details and requirements without notice. In cases where differences occur between scholarship and bursary information printed in publications or online, the information on our website is the most accurate and up to date.
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What international opportunities are available to me?
Why participate in an international mobility activity?
As globalization takes on increasing importance, gaining international experience will allow you to learn more about your host country and leave you with a different perspective on your country of origin and on yourself. It will also be an asset in future job searches.
Is it possible to do an internship, a field research course and an exchange during one program of studies?
International opportunities complement one another. More than one international mobility activity can count towards your program of study.
International experiential learning course
When should I apply?
International internships are offered every session. You should apply at the beginning of the session preceding your internship. For deadlines, see the Important Dates and Events.
At the beginning of each academic session, we offer information sessions on international internships. The dates are posted on our website.
Can the international experiential learning course count for university credits?
Your internship can count for three, six or nine university credits, depending on your program. You can add six credits by taking the two intensive courses available after you complete your internship. These courses count for optional or elective credits, depending on your program.
How long is an international experiential learning course?
12 weeks
Where can I go?
Every session, there are nearly 70 internships offered in approximately 20 countries.
What are the admission requirements for international international experiential learning course?
For your application to be considered, you must have completed 54 credits and be registered full time in an honours bachelor programme in the Faculty of Social Sciences. You must also have a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 6.0.
Graduate students can also undertake an international internship as part of their program.
What do international experiential learning course cost?
A session abroad costs the same amount as a session in Ottawa. Students who participate in internships offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences through agreements established with Canadian NGOs pay internship and tuition fees according to the number of credits earned. See a list of international internship costs.
Field research courses
When should I apply?
Field research courses take place every year during the Spring/Summer session. The application process starts in November of the previous year. Deadlines are posted on our website in the “Important Dates and Events” section.
We hold an information session in mid-October. The exact date will be posted on our website.
Can field research courses count for university credits?
These courses can count for six optional or elective credits, depending on your program.
What do field research courses cost?
Costs vary by destination. You pay for transportation, accommodation and the tuition fees for the number of credits earned. See a list of field research courses costs.
How long is a field research course?
Three weeks
Where can I go?
Destinations change from one year to the next. The Faculty offers at least four choices of destination each year. View the offered field research courses.
Can I participate in more than one field research course?
Yes
International exchanges
What is the difference between an international exchange and an international internship?
Internships are 12 weeks long and consist of unpaid work abroad. During internships, students work with local NGOs and learn more about their host countries.
International exchanges allow full-time students to study abroad in universities that have bilateral agreements with the University of Ottawa. They can last one or two sessions.
Study in Canada: Your Complete Guide to Universities, Courses, and Visas
Canada is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, diverse cultures, and numerous career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree, MBA, or even MBBS, here’s everything you need to know about studying in Canada.
Top Universities for Higher Studies in Canada
Universities in Canada for Masters
Canada is home to several renowned institutions offering master’s programs across various fields. Students can find specialized courses tailored to their career aspirations.
Canada MS Universities
For those pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree, Canada has a wide range of institutions like the University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, and University of Calgary that are recognized for their advanced research facilities.
Best Universities for MBA in Canada
Canada is known for its excellent MBA programs. The top universities for MBA offer robust curricula and provide significant networking opportunities to kick-start your business career.
Universities in Toronto, Canada
Toronto, a vibrant multicultural city, is a popular choice among students. Institutions like the University of Toronto are globally recognized for their academic excellence.
Canadian University Canada
Canadian universities are known for their quality education and supportive environment for international students.
Popular Courses in Canada
Master’s Degree in Canada: Canada offers a variety of master’s programs in fields like engineering, business, healthcare, and more.
MBBS in Canada: Though limited, some Canadian universities do offer MBBS or equivalent medical programs. The MBBS degree in Canada can be costly but provides excellent training and career opportunities.
Courses in Canada for International Students: Canadian institutions offer a wide range of courses, from technology and arts to business and healthcare.
Visas and Study Permits for Canada
Canada Student Visa:
To study in Canada, you’ll need a student visa. The visa application process may vary depending on your home country, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements.
Study Visa Canada & Canada Education Visa:
The study visa, also known as the Canada education visa, allows international students to live and study in Canada for the duration of their course.
Processing Time for Canada Student Visa:
Visa processing times may vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays. The typical study visa processing time ranges from a few weeks to several months.
SX1 Visa Canada:
The SX1 visa is designed for short-term courses in Canada, ideal for those enrolling in programs less than six months in duration.
Canada Student Visa Processing Time:
Processing times vary by country. Ensure you check the latest information and apply early to avoid any disruptions in your academic plans.
Life as an International Student in Canada
International Student in Canada:
Canada is highly welcoming to international students, offering an inclusive environment and a high quality of life. From student support services to international student networks, you’ll find a thriving community.
Canada for Indian Students:
Canada is a top choice for Indian students due to its affordable tuition, quality education, and post-graduation work opportunities. Programs like the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) allow Indian students to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
Canada After 12th:
Canada also offers undergraduate courses, making it a great destination for students right after their 12th grade, with programs tailored for students looking to start their academic journey abroad.
Key Canadian Universities
Simon Fraser University Canada:
Known for its comprehensive range of programs and research opportunities, Simon Fraser University is a prominent choice among international students.
The University of Calgary:
This university offers a variety of courses and a vibrant campus life, making it a top choice for students seeking quality education in Canada.
Studying and Staying in Canada After Graduation
Degree in Canada:
Earning a degree from a Canadian university is a significant achievement that is highly regarded worldwide. Canada’s education system is recognized for its quality and commitment to research.
PGWP Canada:
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies, making it easier to transition to the Canadian job market.
Cost of Studying in Canada
MBBS Cost in Canada:
Medical studies in Canada can be expensive, but the quality of education and the opportunities available make it worthwhile.
Whether you’re considering a master’s degree in Canada, an MBA, or other specialized programs, Canada offers a diverse range of options and a supportive environment for international students. Apply for your Canada student visa today, start planning, and take the first step towards an exciting educational journey in Canada!
