About the University of Ottawa
Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa – ranked the 162nd best university in the world and 7th best in Canada by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 – offers limitless possibilities.
With over 44,000 students, we have 10 faculties and offer over 550 undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 100 disciplines, allowing you to design a degree as unique as you are.
Boost your future earnings by learning or perfecting French at the largest bilingual (French-English) university in the world. With our unique bilingual nature, which allows our students to learn, work and live in English, French or both, we are committed to academic excellence and value cultural diversity, equity and inclusion. Our diverse community brings together thousands of students from more than 145 countries, offering opportunities to explore new cultures and ideas every day.
Last year, more than $75 million dollars in scholarships were allocated to undergraduate students, making our scholarship and bursary program one of the most generous in the country.
We run the fifth largest co-op program in Canada with a 95% placement rate. Our French Immersion program is also one of the best in the country and students have access to top-notch internships, field placements and practicums, as well as international exchange opportunities. Around 90% of our students participate in hands-on learning.
We are also strong in campus sustainability. For the first time, in 2022, the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education awarded us a Gold rating in recognition of our sustainability achievements.
Our vibrant campus is located in the heart of the capital of Canada — a G7 country. Students choose our university to enjoy a superior quality of education and generous scholarships, while living and studying in downtown Ottawa, walking distance from the Parliament of Canada and Supreme Court of Canada and near many international organizations, including dozens of non-governmental organizations, embassies and consulates.
Ottawa consistently ranks as one of the best cities in the world to live in because of its cultural diversity, cost of living and vibrant student life. There is something for everyone in Ottawa. For fans of arts and culture, several national museums, the National Gallery of Canada and the National Arts Centre are within walking distance. Outdoor enthusiasts will find stand-up paddling, canoeing and over 250 kilometres of outdoor trails nearby.
The great thing about our campus is that it offers the best of both worlds: An urban campus with great access to the outdoors. This is part of what makes our student experience unparalleled.
Entry Points
We offer 3 admission terms at the undergraduate level:
- Fall, starting in September, for all undergraduate programs.
- Winter, starting in January, for most programs in the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Science.
- Spring/summer, starting in May or July, for most programs in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Apply directly through the University of Ottawa for spring/summer programs.
Find deadlines and available programs for each term for:
- international students currently studying outside of Canada or
- Canadian citizens or international students currently studying in Canada.
Deadlines for Submitting Applications
March 1, 2023:
- Biomedical Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Data Science
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Social Work (offered in French and French Immersion only)
- Software Engineering
- Ophthalmic Medical Technology (admission in third year)
Note: These are highly competitive programs and they could close earlier than the advertised deadline if target applications are reached sooner. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
April 1, 2023:
- Acting (BFA)
- Civil Law (offered in French only)
- Civil Law (LLL) and International Development and Globalization (BSocSc) (offered in French only)
- Music (BMus)
- Music and Science (integrated program)
- Translational and Molecular Medicine (admission in second year)
- Visual Arts (BFA)
- All other programs for international applicants studying outside of Canada
June 1, 2023:
- All other programs for Canadian applicants or international applicants currently studying in Canada
Language of Instruction
All our programs, with a few exceptions, are offered in English and French. This provides the possibility to study in English, French or a mixture of both.
If you wish to apply to programs where the language of instruction is French, you must refer to the French section of the 105 application and use the appropriate program codes.
Second-language Proficiency
Proficiency in French does not affect admission. With the exception of language courses, you write your work and answer exam questions in the official language of your choice. Second-language courses are optional.
French Immersion
The French Immersion Stream is designed for students who, while in high school or CEGEP, have followed a French-as-a-second-language program. This provides an opportunity to improve or perfect your French-language skills and obtain your bachelor’s degree with the “French immersion” designation in over 75 programs.
This option is not available to students who have completed their studies in a French-language high school or who have never studied French before.
Supplementary Administrative Fee
All applicants (except those who are currently attending their final year in a Canadian high school or a CEGEP program in the province of Quebec) are required to pay a $90 non‑refundable administrative fee directly to the OUAC.
Language Requirements for International Applicants
If you are applying for an English-language program and have not completed at least 3 years of full-time study in an institution where English is the only language of instruction (aside from in language courses) in a country where English is an official language, you must submit your official score in one of the language tests noted on our website. The official results must be sent directly to us online from the test centre.
Study Permits for International Applicants
We recommend that you visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website before applying for details about application procedures and the length of time required to process a study permit application. A study permit is required to study in Canada.
Contact Information
InfoAdmission – University of Ottawa
Tabaret Hall
75 Laurier Avenue East, Room 109
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5