Carleton University
Ottawa, Canada • Founded 1942 • World Rank #659
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
Carleton University is a public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, on a self-contained campus between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, roughly five kilometres from Parliament Hill.
It was established in 1942 as Carleton College, a non-denominational institution created by the Ottawa Association for the Advancement of Learning to serve returning service personnel and working students, and it received full university status in 1957. Teaching is organised across five academic faculties plus the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, including the Sprott School of Business, the Faculty of Engineering and Design and the Faculty of Public Affairs.
Carleton reports 30,675 students, of whom 24,847 are undergraduates and 5,828 are graduate students, with 2,935 international students drawn from more than 160 countries. Its location in the national capital shapes several of its best-known offerings: the Bachelor of Journalism and the Master of Journalism, the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, the School of Public Policy and Administration, and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.
The Faculty of Engineering and Design houses Canada's first undergraduate aerospace engineering degree, launched in 1988, alongside architecture and industrial design.
Co-operative education, paid work terms and internships are available across a large share of programs, and the university reported $155.4 million in sponsored research funding in 2024-2025.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Carleton University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Carleton University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute Carleton University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 13 items
- Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Design
- Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs
- Faculty of Public Affairs
- Faculty of Science
- Norman Paterson School of International Affairs
- School of Computer Science
- School of Industrial Design
- School of Journalism and Communication
- School of Public Policy and Administration
- Sprott School of Business
Programs Offered
Carleton University's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
22 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 17 programmes
Showing 10 of 17.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
How to apply to Carleton University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Carleton University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Carleton University's catalogue includes 22 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Carleton University's admissions process.
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3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Carleton University's official website at carleton.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (613) 520 2600. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carleton University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Carleton University as a study destination.
How old is Carleton University?
The institution opened in 1942 (approximately 84 years ago).
Where can I find Carleton University?
The institution is located in Ottawa, Canada.
What is Carleton University's control type?
Carleton University is a public institution.
How many students does Carleton University have?
The institution has a student body of 25,000-29,999.
How is Carleton University ranked?
Carleton University holds rank #659 globally and #21 in Canada.
How is Carleton University organised academically?
Carleton University is organised into 13 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Carleton University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
How do I find Carleton University online?
The institution's website is carleton.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Some Canada systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Sabbatical exchange agreements among Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities geographically close to Carleton University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Where Else to Study Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
For students considering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering, these Canada institutions deliver the discipline alongside Carleton University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.
Universities Compared with Carleton University
Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Carleton University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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