University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada • Founded 1848 • World Rank #231
Overview
Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Ottawa (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Ontario.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario, University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is a very large-sized coeducational Canadian higher education institution. University of Ottawa (uOttawa) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 176-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
uOttawa also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit University of Ottawa? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how University of Ottawa operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing University of Ottawa's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 10 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Graduate Studies
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
How to apply to University of Ottawa
A short guide to applying to University of Ottawa — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Research programmes at University of Ottawa
Look through the programmes section to see what University of Ottawa offers. Identify your target qualification level and subject area before continuing with the application process.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for University of Ottawa's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
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.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through University of Ottawa's official website at www.uottawa.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.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (613) 562 5800. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Ottawa
Frequently asked questions about University of Ottawa, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is University of Ottawa?
The institution opened in 1848 (approximately 178 years ago).
What city is University of Ottawa in?
University of Ottawa operates from Ottawa, Canada.
Is University of Ottawa public or private?
University of Ottawa operates as a public institution.
How big is University of Ottawa's student body?
University of Ottawa serves approximately 35,000-39,999 students.
What is University of Ottawa's ranking?
University of Ottawa holds rank #231 globally and #8 in Canada.
How is University of Ottawa organised academically?
The institution comprises 10 academic units.
Who recognises University of Ottawa?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario.
How do I find University of Ottawa online?
The institution's website is www.uottawa.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Canada's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking University of Ottawa's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within Canada.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Student exchange agreements within Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from University of Ottawa.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities near University of Ottawa often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at University of Ottawa is narrow in your area.
Universities Often Compared with University of Ottawa
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
