Study in Canada with serious financial support behind you. The University of Ottawa offers fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students across undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs for the 2026/2027 academic year.
You will still need a Canadian study permit, but the university provides the official admission and funding letters required for your visa application. The standout benefit here is breadth: automatic entrance awards, major merit scholarships, francophone tuition reductions, and multi-year graduate funding packages are all on the table.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
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University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s largest bilingual research universities. That matters for your wallet and your application. There are multiple scholarship routes for international students, from automatic entrance awards you get simply by applying, to high-value competitive scholarships, to graduate funding that can include research and teaching assistantships.
For 2026/2027, international applicants can target awards at every level. There is also a unique francophone and francophile tuition exemption that significantly reduces international tuition when you study in French or in a qualifying bilingual program.
Programs and Faculties at uOttawa
You can apply these scholarships to a wide range of degrees:
Faculty of Arts
Telfer School of Management
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Law (Civil Law and Common Law)
Faculty of Medicine (select graduate and research programs)
Most scholarships apply to standard full-time programs. Always check program-specific terms before you submit.
What the Scholarship Covers
Funding varies by award and study level. Below is a practical breakdown of what you can expect. Exact amounts depend on the specific scholarship you win and your faculty.
Funding Component
Who It’s For
What It Typically Covers
Notes
Automatic Entrance Scholarships
Undergraduate (international)
Partial tuition reduction based on grades
Awarded automatically upon admission; no separate application for many programs
Major Entrance Scholarships
Undergraduate (international)
Higher-value partial to substantial tuition support
Competitive; may require essays, references, and separate forms
Francophone/Francophile Tuition Exemption
Undergraduate and some Masters
Significant reduction of international tuition when studying in French or eligible bilingual programs
Language criteria apply; not automatic in every case
Faculty/Departmental Awards
Undergraduate and Graduate
Top-up grants, merit awards, or targeted bursaries
Varies by faculty; check your department page
Graduate Admission Scholarships
Masters and PhD
Tuition support plus living allowance in some cases
Usually offered at time of admission; competitive
International Doctoral Scholarships
PhD (international)
Multi-year partial funding with potential tuition offset
Often paired with assistantships
Research Assistantships (RA)
Masters thesis and PhD
Monthly stipend from supervisor’s grants
Depends on lab funding and your research role
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
Graduate (Masters/PhD)
Hourly or term-based pay for teaching support
Amounts vary by department and course load
External Awards (e.g., OGS, Vanier, etc.)
High-achieving Masters/PhD
Additional stipend or tuition coverage
Separate applications and national-level competition
Health Insurance (UHIP)
All international students
Basic health coverage while in Ontario
Some scholarships may include or offset costs; confirm details
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All nationalities are welcome to apply. The University of Ottawa actively recruits international students from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond.
Levels: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Mode: Full-time, on-campus programs
Language: Programs offered in English, French, or both. Some awards require study in French or in qualifying bilingual tracks for tuition reductions.
Visa: You must secure a Canadian study permit. The university issues admission and funding letters that support your visa application. Visa fees are usually your responsibility.
Requirements
Exact criteria depend on your faculty and the specific award. Expect the following baseline requirements:
Strong academics: Competitive grades for your last completed level of study.
Language proficiency: Proof of English or French. Accepted tests typically include IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or TEF/TCF for French, unless you qualify for a waiver through previous study.
Valid passport: Must cover the full duration of your planned studies.
Transcripts and certificates: Official documents from recognized institutions. Certified translations if not in English or French.
Statement of purpose: Motivation, academic goals, and fit with the program.
Letters of recommendation: Usually 2 or 3 for graduate programs; sometimes requested for major undergrad awards.
CV or academic resume: Highlights achievements, research, and experience.
Research proposal: Required for research-based Masters and most PhDs.
Proof of funds: For the study permit process, even if you hold scholarships. Requirements vary by IRCC guidelines.
Additional materials: Portfolio, writing sample, or prerequisite courses if your program demands them.
How to Apply
Choose your program: Explore degrees across faculties and confirm admission requirements. Start here: uOttawa Study.
Apply for admission:
Undergraduate: International applicants typically apply via OUAC or directly through uOttawa as instructed by the admissions page. Learn more: Undergraduate International Admissions and OUAC.
Graduate: Submit your application through the university’s graduate portal. Details: Graduate Studies at uOttawa.
Prepare documents: Upload transcripts, language scores, CV, statement, and references. For research degrees, contact potential supervisors early and align on a topic.
Scholarships and funding:
Many undergraduate entrance awards are automatic when you apply. For major scholarships, complete any separate forms and essays by the posted deadlines.
For graduate funding, review departmental scholarships, TA/RA opportunities, and external awards. Discuss funding with your prospective supervisor.
Receive your offer: If admitted, check your letter for any included scholarships or eligibility for additional awards. Accept your offer within the stated timeframe.
Apply for your study permit: Use your admission and funding letters to apply for a Canadian study permit. Start with IRCC guidance: Study Permit Instructions.
Register and plan arrival: Set up housing, health insurance (UHIP), and course enrollment. If you plan to study in French, confirm eligibility requirements for tuition exemptions.
Deadlines differ by faculty, degree level, and intake. Some undergraduate entrance awards are automatic upon admission, while major scholarships and external awards have separate dates. Graduate funding rounds and supervisor-led awards also vary.
Q: Are these scholarships open to African, Asian, and Latin American students?
A: Yes. University of Ottawa scholarships welcome applicants from all countries. Awards are merit-based and, in some cases, program or language specific.
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Q: Do I need IELTS or another English/French test?
A: You must prove proficiency in the language of instruction. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test and recognized French tests are commonly accepted. Some applicants qualify for a waiver if they completed prior studies in English or French. Check your program’s language policy.
Q: Does the scholarship cover my visa fees or flight tickets?
A: Typically no. Scholarships focus on tuition and academic funding. You are responsible for your study permit fees, biometrics, and travel costs unless your specific award states otherwise.
Q: Can I work while studying on a scholarship?
A: Many international students can work part time in Canada under their study permit, subject to current IRCC rules and limits. Your scholarship may have academic standing requirements, so balance work with your study load.
Q: How competitive are fully funded PhD packages?
A: Very competitive. Strong research alignment with a supervisor, excellent grades, publications or conference experience, and a clear proposal improve your chances. Discuss RA/TA opportunities and department-level funding early.
A: No formal age cap applies to most awards. Admissions and scholarship decisions are based on academic merit, program fit, and eligibility criteria.
Who Should Apply to the University of Ottawa Scholarships
Apply if you are ready to compete academically and want a clear pathway to study in Canada with real financial help. You should also consider uOttawa if you can study in French or in a bilingual program, because the francophone/francophile tuition exemption can dramatically lower costs.
High achievers aiming for automatic entrance awards and competitive undergrad scholarships
Masters applicants needing admission scholarships plus RA/TA roles
PhD candidates seeking multi-year funding packages and supervisor-backed research funding
Francophone or bilingual students targeting tuition reductions for French or bilingual study
Tips to Boost Your Chances
Apply early: High-demand programs and major awards fill fast. Early files get more attention.
Polish your statement: Be specific about your academic goals and why uOttawa is the best fit.
Show evidence: Highlight awards, projects, and leadership with measurable outcomes.
Secure strong references: Choose referees who can compare you to top students or peers.
Target French or bilingual options: If you meet language criteria, the tuition reduction can be a game changer.
Contact supervisors: For research degrees, funding often follows a strong supervisor match.
Ready to take the next step? Start with the official scholarship directory and admissions pages, shortlist your program, and submit a complete, polished application. For the University of Ottawa Scholarships 2026/2027 in Canada, begin here: uOttawa Scholarships and uOttawa Admissions. Seats and funds are allocated on rolling timelines, so move now while applications are open.
