The world's largest English-French bilingual university, located in the heart of Canada's capital.
The University of Ottawa is a large, research-intensive public university in downtown Ottawa. It offers programs in both English and French, and students can often take courses and complete work in the language of their choice.
Its location near Parliament Hill, federal institutions, embassies and national cultural organizations gives students unusual access to internships, co-operative education placements and public service careers. Strengths include law, health sciences, engineering, social sciences and public administration.
The university combines a large and varied student body with a strong research culture, and it is a popular choice for students seeking a bilingual education and close links to government, policy and industry.
Estimated 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.
The university 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. Figures the school does not publish as one amount are estimates. Confirm the current figure on University of Ottawa’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with University of Ottawa.
Applications to University of Ottawa go through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
Applicants typically need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent with the required prerequisite courses for their program. Some programs also require supplementary information, such as a profile or portfolio.
Ontario secondary school applicants and others apply online through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), listing the University of Ottawa and their chosen program.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with University of Ottawa and OUAC.
Ottawa is Canada's capital, a mid-sized city on the Ottawa River with a strong public sector, technology industry and cultural scene. The main campus sits in the Sandy Hill area, a short walk from downtown, the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market.
Student life is active and varied, with hundreds of clubs, services and events run by student associations. The downtown location means easy access to festivals, restaurants and the outdoors.
The Gee-Gees compete in a range of varsity sports at the U Sports level.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.