University of Ottawa Scholarships 2025

The University of Ottawa, Canada is renowned all over the world for holding a high academic standard as far as education is concerned. Even now in 2025, the university still maintains its tradition of promoting inclusivity in their educational environment. They use this to promote international students that are educationally gifted but lack the finances to pursue their goals.

In this detailed guide, you will get an insight into the fully funded scholarships for international students in study at all levels.

Let’s get right into it!

About the University of Ottawa

Described as one of Canada’s elite bilingual public research institution, the University of Ottawa, or more commonly referred to as uOttawa or U of O, is nestled downtown Ottawa. The main location of uOttawa campus with its sprawling 42.5 hectares located next to this beautiful Rideau Canal and the beautiful Sandy Hill neighborhood is one blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion.

The university is the next descendant of the one founded in 1848, which has become a global leader in higher education, taking students from over 150 countries. Due to its bilingual nature (offering English and French programs) it is truly an international institution. There are a great number of research centers and institutes on the university, ranging from photonics to environmental sustainability, and all of them point to the university’s commitment to the excellence of research.

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What is the Campus Life and Facilities at University of Ottawa Like?

The University of Ottawa has all the facilities that students will be needing to learn properly and without difficulty

They also have top notch facilities that will help students carry out Advanced Researches in their fields

STEM Complex. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and research hub

Social Sciences. A contemporary infrastructure for social sciences collaborative learning and research

Apart from exhaustive gymnasiums and sports facilities such as a fitness center, Olympic size pool, and many other fields, students also have an advantage. Discussions, cultural activities, students clubs and even the events on the campus have been varied and of course catering to different tastes and backgrounds. 

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University of Ottawa Scholarship Overview

This University of Ottawa is fashioned solely to help educationally gifted students. It opens it’s doors to undergraduates, graduates and Doctoral students as well. You have to understand that these scholarships go Further than providing just money. They help shape them into world leaders

Key details:

• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Microprograms, Short Programs, and Graduate Diplomas
• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
• Eligibility: International Students
• Language of Instruction: English and French (with many programs offered entirely in English)
• Scholarship Duration- Undergraduate Programs: 4 Years, Master’s Programs: 2 Years, Doctoral Programs: 4 Years

Read also: Top Canada MBA Scholarships

Fields of Study At University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa offers a diverse range of programs across ten faculties:

Faculty of Arts

• Programs in languages, literature, philosophy, and fine arts
• Notable departments: Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts

Faculty of Education

• Teacher training programs and educational research
• Specializations in curriculum development and educational technology

Faculty of Engineering

• Programs in various engineering disciplines
• Strong focus on sustainable and environmental engineering

Faculty of Health Sciences

• They have some programs in nursing, and nutrition too
• They also use Interdisciplinary approach to their health education as well

Faculty of Law

• Offers both Civil Law and Common Law programs
• Emphasis on bilingual legal education

Telfer School of Management

• Business and management programs
• Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation

Faculty of Medicine

• Medical education and research programs
• Affiliated with leading hospitals in the Ottawa region

Faculty of Science

• Programs in natural and physical sciences
• Cutting-edge research opportunities in fields like chemistry and biology

Faculty of Social Sciences

• Programs in psychology, economics, political science, and more
• Strong emphasis on social research and policy studies

Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

• Oversees graduate programs across all faculties
• They assist various interdisciplinary research initiatives. This is great for researchers you know.

Each of the facilities provide an array of students that are undergraduates and graduates, thereby giving out chances for them to be specialists

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University of Ottawa Undergraduate Scholarships

1. Automatic Excellence Scholarships

• Value: $1,000 to $4,000 for the first year
• Eligibility: Based on admission average
• Details: Awarded automatically to students with high academic standing upon admission

2. Merit Scholarship

• $1,000 per full-time term
• Keep up with good academic standing.
• The minimum CGPA of 8.5 per term

3. International President’s Scholarship

• $7,500 per year for 4 years ($30,000) 
• As of 2000, more than 400 operators scooped as much as $4,500 ($5,000) for it!
• Academic achievement and leadership potential which is exceptional.
• Requires separate application with essays and Letters of Recommendation

4. International Students’ Chancellor’s Scholarship

• $6,500 per year x 4 years = 26,000
• Academic performances and community contributions
• Academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills

5. Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship

• $1,000 per year for 4 years ($4,000)
• Great academic standing in Arts programs
• Minimum admission average of 90 percentile (or equivalent)

6. University of Ottawa Financial Aid Bursary for International Students

• Based on financial need.
• Demonstrated financial need

Read also: Top Canada scholarships for international students Today

Graduate Scholarships, University of Ottawa

Master’s Scholarships (2 Years)

Admission Scholarship International

• Value: $7,500 per year
• Eligibility: Exceptional academic record
• Application: Consideration upon admission automatically

Differential Tuition Fee Exemption.

• Value: Varies by program
• Eligibility: International students with chosen programs
• Details: Tuition fees cut to Canadian student rates

Excellence Scholarships

• Value: Up to $10,000 per year
• Eligibility: academic track record
• Selection Process: Research potential and academic excellence based on a competitive basis

For Master’s students, there are External Awards.

You should read: Top Canada MBA Scholarships

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

• Value: $15,000 per year
• Eligibility: High research potential, high academic achievement
• Value: $15,000
• Eligibility: Mitacs Globalink Research Internship former participants

Study in Canada Scholarships

• Value: Varies
• Eligibility: Students from countries chosen by the Canadian government
• Doctoral Scholarships (4 Years)

International Doctoral Scholarship

• Value: Covers differential fees
• Eligibility: International PhD candidates
• Duration: Up to 4 years of study

International Admission Scholarship

• Value: Varies
• Eligibility: Exceptional academic and research potential
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission

Differential Tuition Fee Exemption

• Value: Varies by program
• Eligibility: International students in select programs
• Benefit: Reduces fees to domestic student rates

Excellence Scholarships

• Value: Varies
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic and research achievements
• Selection: Based on research proposal and academic record

University of Ottawa External Awards for Doctoral Students

• Vanier Canada Scholarship
• Value: $50,000 per year for three years
• Eligibility: Exceptional doctoral students demonstrating leadership skills

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

• Value: $15,000 per year
• Eligibility: High academic achievement and research potential
• Value: $15,000
• Eligibility: Former Mitacs Globalink Research Internship participants

Ontario Trillium Scholarships

• Value: $40,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
• Eligibility: Top international doctoral students

University of Ottawa Additional Financial Support

Both master’s and doctoral students may be eligible for:

• Teaching Assistant positions
• Value: Varies by department and hours worked
• Responsibilities: Assisting professors with course-related duties

Research Assistant roles

• Value: Depends on the research project and funding
• Opportunities: Work on cutting-edge research with faculty members

Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO) Awards

Various awards recognizing academic excellence and research contributions

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

Admission requirements vary by program but generally include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum grade average (varies by program)
• Proof of English or French language proficiency
• IELTS: Minimum overall band of 6.5, with 6.0 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 86, with 22 in writing

Specific subject prerequisites depending on the chosen program

For detailed requirements, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Page.

Requirements University of Ottawa Graduate Programs

Requirements for graduate programs typically include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum GPA (usually 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent)
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three)
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
• Research proposal (for research-based programs)
• Proof of English or French language proficiency
• IELTS: Minimum overall band of 7.0, with 6.5 in each component
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100, with 25 in writing

For comprehensive information, check the Graduate Admissions Page.

What is the Application Process for University of Ottawa Scholarships?

The application process for University of Ottawa scholarships is entirely online and integrated with the general admission application.

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• Create an OUAC account
• Complete the OUAC 105 application form
• Submit required documents through uoZone
• Transcripts (original and certified translations if not in English or French)
• Language proficiency test scores
• Copy of passport
• Apply for scholarships through the same portal
• Some scholarships require additional essays or documentation

For Graduate Applicants:

• Choose your program from the list of available options
• Prepare required documents
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• CV/Resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Research proposal (if applicable)
• Language proficiency test scores
• Submit your application through the online portal
• Apply for scholarships as part of your admission application

Some scholarships may require separate applications

University of Ottawa Important Dates and Deadlines

Undergraduate Application Deadline:

Fall Admission: March 1, 2026 (recommended for scholarship consideration)

Winter Admission: November 1, 2025

Graduate Application Deadline:

Varies by program, generally between December 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026, for fall 2025 admission

Some programs offer winter and summer admissions with different deadlines

Scholarship Application Deadline:

Usually coincides with the admission application deadline

Some specific scholarships may have earlier deadlines, typically around January 15, 2025

It’s crucial to check the specific deadlines for your chosen program and scholarships, as they may vary.

You should read: Top Graduate Program Scholarships

Tips for a Successful Application

If you plan to apply to an organization that requires you to take any tests, begin your application process 6-8 months before the deadline to give you time to collect the necessary documents and pass the test.

So take IELTS or TOEFL tests as early as possible. If your scores are below the requirement, you may want to take language courses to get into shape.

Write your personal statement or research proposal as a memo to your university and look into the values and focus point of your chosen program. Show that your goals align with the university’s strengths.

Your references are also sought after by writing letters of recommendation and talking about your abilities and future potential. Once you provide them with information about your achievements and goals, they will help them write strong letters.

Consider how you can incorporate more than your academic accomplishments in your application—a large part of which should still be about your extracurriculars, leadership experience, and community involvement. The University of Ottawa believes in individuals who are well rounded.

Show the interest and knowledge in your chosen program. You can tell them about specific courses, research opportunities and faculty members that interest you about University of Ottawa.

Make sure that all your application materials are error free. If possible, consider having your documents reviewed by a native English or French speaker.

Make sure to read through application instructions absolutely closely, e.g. document format, and how to submit. This can delay or even disqualify your application if you don’t follow instructions.

There are times when scholarships require interview. You’re going to have to be prepared to talk about your academic interests, career goals and why you want to study at uOttawa.

Stay in touch with your email and the uOttawa applicant portal to keep up to date with updates and requests for additional information.

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Conclusion

The University of Ottawa is committed to helping create a global talent pool to meet future workforce needs and provides a comprehensive scholarship opportunity for internationally educated students. In addition to giving financial support, the opportunities highlight academic excellence and leadership potential. And as you begin the road to becoming part of the uOttawa community in 2025, remember: these scholarships are more than just financial support — they’re an investment in your future and a key to a first class education in one of Canada’s vibrant large cities.

Before you go, read: Best Canadian Scholarships For Nigerian Students

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