Choosing a Canadian university often comes down to one practical question: how much of the cost can be covered by scholarships? At the University of Ottawa, the answer for many international undergraduate students is surprisingly generous. Eligible students studying in English can receive automatic awards worth up to $70,000 over a four-year degree, with no separate scholarship application required.
This comprehensive guide covers the major University of Ottawa undergraduate scholarships available for both international and Canadian students, eligibility rules, benefits, deadlines, and the straightforward steps to position yourself for funding.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of Ottawa (uOttawa)
- Scholarship Type: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: International students worldwide (must hold a valid study permit and pay international tuition fees); Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons for domestic awards
- Scholarship Benefits: Partial tuition fee support (International English Admission Scholarship of $7,500 per term / up to $60,000 over four years; combinable International English Academic Excellence Scholarship of $10,000; domestic Admission Scholarships of $1,000–$3,000; additional faculty and external awards)
- Application Deadline: Automatic consideration upon admission for major international English awards; recommended undergraduate admission application by January 15, 2027 for Fall 2027 entry (applications open September 17, 2026); most other scholarship applications close March 31
Why University of Ottawa Stands Out for Scholarship Seekers
Located in Canada’s capital, the University of Ottawa is a large research university known for its bilingual (English/French) environment, strong programs in engineering, health sciences, social sciences, management, and public policy. Its location offers unique internship and co-op opportunities with government departments, NGOs, and tech firms.
For international students, the standout feature is the automatic nature of the largest undergraduate awards. Unlike many universities that require essays or separate applications, uOttawa evaluates eligible applicants based on admission average and program choice. This reduces friction and gives high-achieving students a clearer path to significant tuition reduction.
Major Scholarships for International Undergraduate Students
International students studying in English-language programs are the primary beneficiaries of the highest-value automatic awards.
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International English Admission Scholarship
This is the foundation award for newly admitted international undergraduates.
- Value: $7,500 per term ($60,000 over a standard four-year degree)
- Number of awards: Unlimited
- Renewal: Up to 12 instalments, provided the student remains enrolled full-time in an eligible program and faculty
- Minimum admission average: 80%
- Eligible faculties: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, and the Telfer School of Management
- Key restrictions: Must not enroll in a French program or the French Immersion stream; must pay international tuition fees and hold a valid study permit
Students are notified of the award with their admission offer. No separate application is needed.
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
Top performers can layer an additional award on top of the Admission Scholarship.
- Value: $10,000 ($5,000 per term)
- Number of awards: 100
- Minimum admission average: 95%
- Renewable: No
- Combinable: Yes, with the International English Admission Scholarship, bringing the potential total to $70,000
This award is also automatic for eligible students. Full terms of reference appear on the university’s scholarship portal.
Important notes: These awards cannot be combined with the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship (which supports French-language and French Immersion programs). Temporary interruptions of study or part-time registration can affect renewal.
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship (French Programs)
International students who choose French-taught programs or the French Immersion Stream may qualify for substantial tuition reductions rather than a fixed cash award. Values vary by faculty (examples include $12,500–$18,000 per eligible term depending on the program). Students must take a minimum number of French-taught courses each term. Details are published on the university’s Differential Tuition Fee Exemption page.
Scholarships for Canadian Students
Domestic students (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons) have access to a wide range of automatic and application-based awards.
University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship
- Value: $1,000 (85–89.9% average), $2,000 (90–94.9%), or $3,000 (95–100%)
- Automatic for full-time first-year students in direct-entry faculties (and certain Law programs) with an admission average of at least 85%
- No application required
Other Notable Domestic Awards
- Indigenous Leadership Scholarship: Up to $26,000 ($6,500 per year). Requires proof of Indigenous origin, 85%+ average, leadership demonstration, and an online application (deadline typically March 31).
- Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Scholarship: $11,500 for high-achieving students (92%+) with research experience. Application deadline around March 15.
- Schulich Leader Scholarship: $100,000–$120,000 for exceptional STEM students. Requires school nomination.
- Loran Award: Up to $150,000 for students demonstrating leadership, character, and service (external award with its own early deadline).
- Faculty-specific Dean’s Merit and Excellence awards (often $4,000–$5,000) for students with 90%+ averages in Arts, Engineering, Social Sciences, and other faculties.
Many additional bursaries and awards are searchable through the university’s Online Scholarships and Bursaries tool once a student has an application ID.
See Also:
- How to Win the BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for Undergraduates and Postgraduates
- University of Ottawa Undergraduate Scholarships: How International Students Can Secure Funding Automatically
- University of Calgary Scholarships in Canada: Funded And Renewable Support for International Students
Eligibility Snapshot and Key Requirements
For International English Awards:
- International student status with valid study permit
- Newly admitted to an eligible English-language undergraduate program (Winter 2026 term or later)
- Minimum averages: 80% (Admission) or 95% (Excellence)
- Full-time enrollment in approved faculties
- Not enrolled in French Immersion or a French program
- Paying international tuition rates (dual citizens eligible for domestic fees are excluded)
For Canadian Admission Scholarships:
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected/refugee status
- First-time full-time undergraduate enrollment in a direct-entry faculty
- Minimum 85% admission average
Students should verify current conversion of their high school or prior grades against uOttawa’s admission average calculations, as grading systems differ by country.
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How to Apply and Important Deadlines
Step-by-Step Process
- Submit an undergraduate admission application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) or the university’s international application portal.
- Meet program-specific admission requirements (prerequisite courses, English or French language proficiency, minimum averages).
- Ensure all documents (transcripts, test scores) are submitted promptly.
- Eligible students for the International English awards are automatically considered—no extra form is required.
- After receiving a uoAccess ID, explore additional awards through the Online Scholarships and Bursaries portal in uoZone.
- Accept an offer and complete enrollment steps, including study permit application for international students.
Key Dates for 2027 Intake
- Applications open: September 17, 2026
- Recommended deadline for Fall 2027 consideration: January 15, 2027
- Document completion: Generally by February 15, 2027 (or within 30 days of application)
- Most other scholarship applications: Open January and close March 31, 2027
- Winter 2027 entry has earlier program-specific deadlines (often mid-to-late October 2026 for internationals)
Applying early is strongly advised for international students to allow sufficient time for study permit processing. Official deadline information is maintained on the university’s application deadlines page.
Scholarship Benefits in Context
International undergraduate tuition at the University of Ottawa typically ranges from approximately $43,000 to $63,000 CAD per year depending on the faculty (higher for Engineering and certain Science programs). A $7,500 per term award meaningfully reduces the net cost, and combining it with the Excellence Scholarship further lowers the burden.
Awards are applied directly to the student account and reduce tuition payable. They do not cover living expenses, residence, or ancillary fees, so students should budget separately for housing, meals, health insurance (UHIP), and transportation (U-Pass).
Domestic students benefit from lower regulated tuition rates, with the automatic Admission Scholarship providing a useful first-year boost.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Aim for the highest possible admission average; 95%+ opens the door to the Excellence Scholarship.
- Choose an eligible English-language program in one of the listed faculties if pursuing the largest automatic awards.
- Apply early and complete your application file promptly.
- Explore faculty-specific and external awards once you have an application ID.
- Maintain full-time status and strong academic standing to support renewal of multi-year awards.
- Review official terms of reference before accepting an offer, as conditions can change.
Final Thoughts
The University of Ottawa’s undergraduate scholarship program is particularly attractive for international students seeking automatic, renewable tuition support. With awards reaching $70,000 for high-achieving applicants and a clear eligibility framework based primarily on admission average and program choice, many students can reduce the cost of a Canadian degree significantly.
Prospective students should confirm the latest details directly on the university’s official pages, as award values, eligibility, and deadlines are subject to annual review. Start your application early, focus on strong academic results, and explore the full range of awards available through the university’s scholarship portal.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the University of Ottawa Study website and the dedicated International English Scholarships page.
Official details are available on the university’s International English Scholarships page and the broader Scholarships and Awards Overview.