University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada • Founded 1848 • QS 2027 #228 =
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: uottawa.ca · How we collect data
Overview
The University of Ottawa is a public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, occupying an urban campus in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood immediately east of the downtown core and within walking distance of Parliament Hill and Canada's federal institutions.
It traces its origins to the College of Bytown, founded in 1848 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, received a royal charter as the University of Ottawa in 1866, and was reorganised as a secular, provincially funded corporation in 1965. The institution is officially bilingual and describes itself as the largest English-French bilingual university in the world: programs are offered in English, in French, or in both, and students may complete coursework and assessments in either language, with a French Immersion Stream available across many undergraduate prograMs. Teaching and research are organised into ten faculties and schools — Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law (with distinct Common Law and Civil Law sections), Medicine, Science, Social Sciences, the Telfer School of Management, and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Several graduate programs in computing and engineering are delivered jointly with Carleton University through the Ottawa-Carleton Institutes. Cooperative education and internship options are attached to most professional and applied programs, and the capital location underpins concentrations in public policy, international affairs, law and health research.
Location & Contact
Find University of Ottawa on the map and its contact channels below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover University of Ottawa's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Academic Structures
University of Ottawa's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.
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
Programs Offered
Below are University of Ottawa's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.
525 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Bachelor's Degree 89 programmes
Showing 10 of 89.
Honours Degree 126 programmes
Showing 10 of 126.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 208 programmes
Showing 10 of 208.
Doctorate 68 programmes
Showing 10 of 68.
Professional Doctorate 6 programmes
Certificate 9 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 17 programmes
Showing 10 of 17.
Scholarships in Canada
Scholarships and grants accessible to students attending University of Ottawa or other universities in Canada are below.
How to apply to University of Ottawa
What applying to University of Ottawa involves, in five steps.
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1
Research programmes at University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa's catalogue includes 525 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Common questions about University of Ottawa, answered from data on record.
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 49,864 students.
What is University of Ottawa's ranking?
University of Ottawa holds rank QS 2027 #228 =.
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)
Below: other Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) member institutions, alongside University of Ottawa.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Ottawa: universities located close to University of Ottawa.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Universities in Canada with Education & Teaching programmes appear below, alongside University of Ottawa.
Universities Compared with University of Ottawa
Below are universities sometimes compared with University of Ottawa.
Studying in Canada: guides and resources
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