We are Online  

University of Ottawa

About

University of Ottawa Logo

The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. Located at the heart of Canada's capital, we have ready access to the great institutions of our country. Our advances in social sciences, health, engineering, science and the humanities make uOttawa a unique place to learn, grow and excel.

International students from more than 150 countries choose the University of Ottawa every year. They enjoy lower tuition fees and a superior quality of education, while living and studying in downtown Ottawa, the heart of Canada's capital, near many international resources, including dozens of NGOs, embassies and consulates.

  • Largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world
  • World's first French immersion undergraduate program
  • Among Canada's top 10 research universities
  • Located in Ottawa, Canada's capital city, within walking distance of Parliament Hill
  • Our co-operative education program is amongst the top five in the country
  • More than 40,000 students, 5,000 employees and more than 210,000 alumni
  • More than 450 programs in 10 faculties
  • 97% employment rate for graduates
  • Close to $60 million per year in student scholarships and bursaries
  • First and largest French immersion program among Canadian universities
  • A major economic force in the National Capital Region
  1. Largest law school in Canada
    • The University of Ottawa is the largest English-French bilingual university in the world. The university offers a wide variety of academic programs, administered by ten faculties many of which are well-regarded for their quality of education and ranking in respective fields including the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (which is noteworthy for offering a dual Civil Law and Common Law degree), the Telfer School of Management, and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Social Sciences. The University of Ottawa Library offers an impressive collection of over 4.5 million titles at 12 different locations.

      The university is a member of the Canadian U15 group of research-intensive universities, with a research income of C$324.581 million in 2017. The university has an average graduate employment rate of 97 per cent, providing a significant educational, research, and economic benefit to the National Capital Region. In 2018, the secondary school average for admitted applicants to the university was 85.1 per cent.

    • The school is co-educational and enrolls over 35,000 undergraduate and over 6,000 post-graduate students. The school has approximately 7,000 international students from 150 countries, accounting for 17 per cent of the student population.[16] The university has a network of more than 195,000 alumni. The university's athletic teams are known as the Gee-Gees and are members of U Sports.
    • This research university is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.It functions on a semester system, operating fall/winter and spring/summer sessions.[94] Undergraduate programs comprise the majority of the school's enrolment, with 35,515 full-time and part-time undergraduate students, compared to 6,741 graduate students in 2018.[4] Excluding Saint Paul, the university conferred 7,449 bachelor's and professional degrees, 208 doctoral degrees, 1,815 master's degrees in 2015
    • Bilingualism and Biculturalism
    • The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, a language institute affiliated with the University, is housed at Hamelin Hall.
    • As of 2016, the university was the world's largest English-French bilingual university.The university is one of the three bilingual universities in Ontario that is not federated with a larger university.Since its inception the university has seen itself as fostering English-French bilingualism.However, bilingualism was only made an official university policy in 1965 when the Government of Ontario passed An Act respecting Université d'Ottawa through the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Section 4 of that Act specifically states that an object and purpose of the university is"to further bilingualism and biculturalism and to preserve and develop French culture in Ontario", and "to further ... Christian principles". Despite that law, these parts of the university's mandate are now arguably superseded by the 1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which constitutionalizes multiculturalism (not biculturalism) and freedom of religion.
    • The university operates the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI). The OLBI was officially opened on 1 July 2007, replacing its predecessor, the Second Language Institute. Both institutes promoted English-French bilingualism, although the OLBI holds an expanded mandate, to strengthen research, innovation and outreach efforts in official languages and bilingualism.[100] The university is a member of the Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie, an association which promotes post-secondary education and research in French.
    • While the university maintains bilingualism as an official policy, students need not be bilingual. Instead, most courses and programs are offered in both languages.[102] As of September 2011, the percentage of students who used French as their primary language of education was at 31.1 percent, while the number of students which use English as their primary language for education was 68.7 percent.[4] As of March 2009, 68.6 percent of professors in bilingual positions were considered to be actively bilingual, while bilingual staff comprised 91.5 percent.

The University of Ottawa is a vital, engaged and vibrant centre for human understanding and advancement -- offering a superior educational experience. Credit goes to our staff, faculty and students, across all departments, services and faculties and to our partners in the public and private sectors. Their work on the issues facing society, and their commitment to deliver a learning experience of the highest calibre, are why the University of Ottawa is gaining increasing recognition for research and academic excellence, and for our positive contribution to the local community and the country at large.The University is always interested in receiving applications from those who wish to join its academic staff. Although applications cannot be accepted for a specific position once the deadline has passed, your application will be retained for future postings

University Rankings

The University of Ottawa has ranked in a number of university rankings.
According to the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities rankings, the university ranked 151–200 in the world and 6–9 in Canada.The 2020 QS World University Rankings ranked the university 281st, and twelfth in Canada.
The 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed Ottawa 141st in the world, and 7th in Canada.
In the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking, the university placed 198th in the world, and eighth in Canada.In terms of national rankings, Maclean's ranked the university 11th in their 2020 Medical Doctoral university rankings.Ottawa was ranked in spite of having opted out — along with several other universities in Canada — of participating in Maclean's graduate survey since 2006.

The university has also placed in a number of rankings that evaluated the employment prospects of its graduates. In QS's 2019 graduate employability ranking, the university ranked 301-500 in the world, or 9–17 in Canada.

University rankings

Global rankings
ARWUWorld 151–200
QS World 151–200
Times World 281
U.S News & World Report Global 198
Canadian rankings
ARWU National 6–9
QS National 12
Times National 7
U.S News & World Report National 8
U.S News & Maclean's Medical/Doctoral 11

Faculties and Departments

  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Telfer School of Management

Campus Locations

The university's main campus is situated within the neighbourhood of Sandy Hill (Côte-de-sable). The main campus is bordered to the north by the ByWard Market district, to the east by Sandy Hill's residential area, and to the southwest by Nicholas Street, which runs adjacent to the Rideau Canal on the western half of the University. As of the 2010-2011 academic year, the main campus occupied 35.3 ha (87 acres), though the University owns and manages other properties throughout the city, raising the university's total extent to 42.5 ha (105 acres).The main campus moved two times before settling in its final location in 1856. When the institution was first founded, the campus was located next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. With space a major issue in 1852, the campus moved to a location that is now across from the National Gallery of Canada. In 1856, the institution moved to its present location.

The buildings at the university vary in age from 100 Laurier (1893) to 120 University (Faculty of Social Sciences, 2012). In 2011 the average age of buildings was 63. In the 2011-2012 academic year, the university owned and managed 30 main buildings, 806 research laboratories, 301 teaching laboratories and 257 classrooms and seminar rooms.The main campus is divided between its older Sandy Hill campus and its Lees campus, purchased in 2007. While Lees Campus is not adjacent to Sandy Hill, it is displayed as part of the main campus on school maps. Lees campus, within walking distance of Sandy Hill, was originally a satellite campus owned by Algonquin College

Key areas of study

  • Education
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Law
  • Life Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Clinical, Pre-Clinical, and Health
  • Business and Economics
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology

Scholarships

Student Academic Success Centre

SASS is a free network of services and programs designed to give you the tools and information to help you thrive and find your path to academic success. Delivered by professionals and fellow students who care about your success and your well-being, the programs and services of SASS complement your classroom learning and support you in achieving your academic and professional goals.

Mentors offer a variety of services to help any student who is experiencing academic problems, including 19 mentoring centres, 221 devoted student mentors, over 20 different workshop themes, over 70 study groups and a variety of study skills tips available online. You've made the right choice in coming in to see us.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at this Self-Assessment Tool and we'll recommend the most suitable workshops, mentors and study groups to get you through the semester.

Academic Writing Help Centre

If you want to develop your writing skills and improve your papers, the AWHC is here for you. Book an appointment with a writing advisor and learn how to identify and correct your mistakes. Appointments, Handouts, Plagiarism, Presentations and Workshops, LNAP, Team.

The University is committed to providing students with disabilities academic accommodation to allow them an equitable opportunity to fully access and participate in the learning environment with dignity, autonomy and without impediment while preserving academic freedom, academic integrity, and academic standards.

The Academic Accommodations service works collaboratively with our university community and stakeholders to facilitate the academic accommodation process. To consult the policy, visit the Academic Regulation I-16 - Academic Accommodations.

The academic accommodation process is a collaborative process and a shared responsibility among all parties involved. Our role in the academic accommodation process is to assess, establish, and implement appropriate academic accommodations for students who have a temporary or permanent disability.

Students who need academic accommodations are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible

Counselling Services

Clubs and Societies

Welcome to your one stop shop for all clubs at uOttawa!

All of the clubs featured here have been registered through CVUO and UOSU. There over 300 clubs for you to browse through and you are sure to find something for you. If you are interested in joining a club you can contact them through the contact info available on each of their pages. If you are interested in starting your own club, visit the Clubs Registration

  • Philanthropic
  • Recreational
  • Academic
  • Competitive Sports
  • Competitive Academic
  • Political
  • Fraternities/Sororities
  • Religious
  • Cultural

On-Campus Accommodation

Apply for a room in residence in the Housing Portal, via uoZone.

1st year students

If you are new to campus, there are many options available to you:

  • Traditional Residences - LeBlanc, Marchand, Stanton and Thompson
  • Traditional Plus! -Rideau and Henderson
  • Suites 90 University and Friel
  • Studios Friel
  • Studios Apartment-style residences - Hyman Soloway and Annex provide year-round accommodation in multi-bedroom units to students who intend to stay on campus for more than one year.

2nd year students and up

We offer three residences that best suit the lifestyle of upper year students, whether you have lived in residence before or not:

  • Annex
  • Hyman Soloway
  • 45 Mann (exclusive to 2nd year and up)

Learn more about the application process for upper year students.

LE Blanc

The smallest residence on campus with only 161 beds, LeBlanc provides a warm atmosphere for francophone students and a learning environment for Anglophones. Ideal for those enrolled in French Immersion Studies. Accommodates first year students from September to April

On each floor : two single-gendered, shared bathrooms and a lounge.

In the basement : kitchen, laundry room and activity room.

Electricity, hot water and heat included in the fees.

Wi-Fi and wired Internet included, cable TV in common lounge.

Common kitchen equipped with sink, cooktop, fridges, oven and microwave ovens.

Common areas are cleaned once a week. Cleaning up your room and taking the recycling, compost and garbage out is your responsibility.See the housekeeping page for details

Card access and video surveillance.

Card access and video surveillance

Marchand Residence

The Marchand residence, overlooking the Rideau Canal, is located within the main residential complex. Our international residence accommodates 349 students and many exchange student from around the world. Comprised mostly of single rooms and the washrooms are shared. All bedrooms are equipped with furniture.

Main reception desk, mailboxes, Rez Café, Residents' Association Office, laundry room, bicycle and winter storage.
Activity lounge on even-numbered floors.
Shared, non-coed bathrooms on all floors.

Electricity, hot water and heat included in the fees. Elevator service to even-numbered floors only.

Wi-Fi and wired Internet included, cable TV in common lounge.

Single and double rooms.

For each person: single bed (bedding not included), armoire with drawers, hanging rod and a shelf, desk with a hutch and a chair. There is room to install a mini fridge.

Floor kitchen with sink and cooktop. Equipped with fridge, oven and microwave ovens. Kitchens are located on odd numbered floors.

Stanton

Part of the main residential complex the Stanton residence enjoys the facilities of the complex and is located in the heart of the campus. Composed of 357 beds, Stanton residences have been renovated in the recent years. This residence is reserved for first year student from September to April.

Reception Desk, mailboxes, Rez Café, Residents' Association Office, laundry room, bicycle and winter storage. Activity lounge and shared, non-coed bathrooms on all floors.

Electricity, hot water and heat included in the fees. Electricity, hot water and heat included in the fees.

Wi-Fi and wired Internet included, cable TV in common lounge.

Single and double rooms.

For each person: single bed (bedding not included), armoire with drawers, hanging rod and a shelf, desk with a hutch and a chair. There is room to install a mini fridge.

Floor kitchen with sink, cooktop, full-size refrigerator and microwave ovens.

Common areas are cleaned once a week. Cleaning up your room and taking the recycling, compost and garbage out is your responsibility.

Thompson

Centrally located on campus, the Thompson Residence accommodates 462 first year students from September to April. Washrooms and common areas have been renovated in recent years. All bedrooms are equipped with new furniture.

Evening reception desk services, mailboxes, laundry room and storage. Activity lounge and shared, non-coed bathrooms on all floors.

Electricity, hot water and heat included in the fees.

Wi-Fi and wired Internet included, cable TV in common lounge.

Single and double rooms.

For each person: single bed (bedding not included), armoire with drawers, hanging rod and a shelf, desk with a hutch and a chair. There is room to install a mini fridge.

Floor kitchen equipped with sink, cooktop, fridge and microwave ovens.