A comprehensive capital-city university known for journalism, public affairs, engineering and technology, and strong ties to government and industry.
Carleton University is a public university in Ottawa, Ontario, founded in 1942 as an evening college and now a comprehensive research institution. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines.
Because of its location in the national capital, Carleton has particularly close links to federal institutions, embassies, national media and the technology sector. Its Bachelor of Journalism, Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, architecture, engineering, and computer science programs are among its best known. Co-operative education is available in many programs.
The campus is also recognized for its accessibility services and for the tunnel system that links most major buildings, which is handy during Ottawa winters.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in Ontario apply for student aid through OSAP (the Ontario Student Assistance Program); students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
Carleton offers entrance scholarships, in-course awards and need-based bursaries to eligible students.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Carleton University’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Carleton University.
Applications to Carleton University go through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
Applicants usually need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six 4U or 4M courses, including English, plus any program-specific prerequisites. Some programs, such as architecture, design and journalism, require a portfolio or supplementary application.
Ontario high school students apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) using the 101 application, and other applicants use the 105 application.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Carleton University and OUAC.
Carleton's main campus sits on a green, riverside site in southern Ottawa, bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal and reachable by O-Train from downtown. Ottawa offers a mix of government, technology and cultural opportunities in a bilingual city.
Carleton has an active campus community with many clubs, student-run services and events through the student association and graduate student association. The Ottawa location offers easy access to festivals, museums, outdoor recreation and the Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.
The Ravens compete in U Sports and are especially known for their basketball programs and the Ottawa Gee-Gees rivalry.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.