University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a diverse, bilingual university with more than 550 programs in 10 faculties. Students can study everything from fine arts to hard sciences in French, English or both. The university has the second-largest co-op program in Ontario; students complete work placements in government offices, research institutions and health centres. The university prides itself on its bilingualism, and is the largest bilingual university in the world. The school’s new faculty of health sciences building houses the schools of nursing, nutrition sciences and rehabilitation sciences. Recent facility additions include a STEM-focused complex, a theatre and the Learning Crossroads, a space dedicated to active learning and teaching innovation. The school also recently broke ground on its Advanced Medical Research Centre, set to open later this year. The campus blends well into the city’s urban core. Academic buildings and dorms are not far from coffee shops and restaurants, and the nearby Rideau Centre is the city’s largest shopping centre. “Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, the University of Ottawa is a place of power, leadership and transformation—at the intersection of science, commerce and policy,” says president Marie-Eve Sylvestre. “Drawing strength from our people, our bilingualism and our extraordinary ecosystem, we empower our students to fulfill their dreams while shaping the nation’s future and turning ambition into action.”
Campus buzz: Students can download the Free Food Alert app to get notified about free food, often left over from university events, on campus.
Quick facts
Tuition
(includes compulsory ancillary fees) $7,529 ($8,487 out-of-province students)
Median Entering Grades
Arts: 83% | Science: 88% | Commerce: 85% | Engineering: 85%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 36,311 | Part-time: 4,485
Graduates: Full-time: 6,283 | Part-time: 1,565
International Students: First-year: 8.4% | Graduate: 31.8%
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 3,985 (guaranteed for first-years)
Cost of double room with meals: $15,353 to $16,028
Cost of single room with meals: $17,448 to $18,123
Cost of apartment-style: $14,726 to $25,758
Standout programs
Multidisciplinary Design: This flexible program combines engineering and technical skills with other areas of study, including cybersecurity, UX design and STEM education. Students can customize their learning based on their interests and engage in experiential learning and required internships.
Translational Molecular Medicine: This B.Sc. program combines in-class learning with high-end laboratories. Students study medical issues within eastern Ontario’s largest health network while acquiring essential technical and laboratory skills.
Indigenous Law in French: This unique certificate program introduces Indigenous learners to the study of the law. It emphasizes the oral tradition and offers experiential learning in Indigenous communities.
Reputation
Ranked #7 (Medical Doctoral) among faculty members and hiring managers in the 2025 reputation survey, powered by Angus Reid Group.