Studying in Canada can be expensive for international students, but scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of a University of Ottawa education. University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students include automatic entrance awards, academic excellence scholarships, tuition exemptions for students studying in French, faculty-specific awards, and funding opportunities for graduate students.
The University of Ottawa, also known as uOttawa, offers financial support across undergraduate and graduate programs. Some awards are automatically considered based on your admission application, while others require a separate application through the university’s scholarship and bursary system. The university currently states that eligible international students studying in English can receive up to C$70,000 through two major undergraduate scholarships.
This guide explains the major University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students, who can qualify, how much funding may be available, which awards require applications, and how international applicants can improve their chances of receiving financial support.
MORE SCHOLARSHIPS:
- Scholarship to Study Nursing in UK for International Students
- Top Fully Funded Canada Scholarships for International Students
- University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada
What Are University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students?
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students are financial awards, tuition reductions, bursaries, and other forms of assistance available to eligible students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who meet the university’s requirements.
A scholarship generally recognizes academic achievement, while a bursary is usually based on financial need. The university provides both types of support through its scholarships and bursaries system.
For international students, eligibility can depend on several factors, including:
- Your level of study
- Your admission average
- Your program and faculty
- Whether your program is taught in English or French
- Whether you are newly admitted or already enrolled
- Your full-time or part-time status
- Whether you pay international tuition fees
- Specific scholarship conditions
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every scholarship is available to every international student.
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students in 2026
The university currently lists several opportunities specifically available to international students. The most significant options include the International English Admission Scholarship, International English Academic Excellence Scholarship, Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship, faculty-based awards, and graduate-level funding.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Scholarship/Award | Study Level | Value | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| International English Admission Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$60,000 over four years | No, automatic |
| International English Academic Excellence Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$10,000 | No, automatic consideration |
| Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Varies | Automatic for eligible students |
| Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$4,000 | No |
| Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship | Undergraduate | C$2,000 | Yes |
| Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Excellence Award | Undergraduate | C$1,500 | No |
| International Doctoral Scholarship | PhD | C$45,000 over five years | See doctoral requirements |
| Education Bursary for International Students with Disabilities | Undergraduate/eligible students | Variable | Yes |
Scholarship amounts and conditions can change, so applicants should always check the current requirements before applying.
International English Admission Scholarship
The International English Admission Scholarship is one of the most important opportunities for newly admitted international undergraduate students.
For students beginning in the Winter 2026 term or later, the award is worth C$7,500 per term, for a maximum of 12 instalments, which can total C$60,000 over a four-year undergraduate degree. The award is renewable when the student continues to meet the conditions.
One major advantage is that this scholarship does not require a separate scholarship application. Eligible students are automatically considered.
Who is eligible?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be an international student with a valid study permit.
- Be newly admitted for Winter 2026 or a later term.
- Enter an eligible English-language undergraduate program.
- Study in one of the eligible faculties.
- Have at least an 80% admission average.
- Study full-time.
- Pay international tuition fees.
- Not be enrolled in the French immersion stream.
Eligible faculties include Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and the Telfer School of Management.
This makes the award particularly important for students looking for substantial tuition assistance without completing a separate scholarship form.
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
Another major award is the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship.
This scholarship is valued at C$10,000, normally paid as C$5,000 per term. The university currently lists 100 awards for eligible students. Unlike the admission scholarship, this award is not renewable. However, it can be combined with the International English Admission Scholarship when the student meets the relevant conditions.
The current requirements include:
- International student status
- Valid study permit
- Newly admitted for Winter 2026 or later
- Eligible English-language undergraduate program
- Full-time enrolment
- International tuition-fee status
- Minimum 95% admission average
- Not enrolled in the French immersion stream
The difference between the two English-language scholarships is important. The admission scholarship has a lower academic threshold and can be renewed, while the academic excellence scholarship has a substantially higher admission-average requirement and is a one-time award.
Can You Receive Both Major English Scholarships?
Potentially, yes.
The university states that the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship can be combined with the International English Admission Scholarship when the student meets the eligibility requirements.
For a student who qualifies for both, the potential value can therefore reach C$70,000 across the applicable scholarship programs.
However, applicants should understand that the C$70,000 figure does not mean that every international student automatically receives C$70,000 in cash. The awards have specific eligibility rules, payment schedules and renewal conditions.
The admission scholarship is applied toward tuition, while the excellence scholarship is also structured as a tuition-related award. Students should therefore budget for remaining tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance and other living expenses.
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship
The Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship is particularly important for international students studying in French.
It is available to eligible international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in qualifying bachelor’s or master’s programs taught in French, as well as eligible students in the French Immersion Stream. The scholarship can substantially reduce tuition fees.
The value is not one fixed amount for everyone. It depends on the program and other applicable conditions.
This opportunity can be especially valuable for students who are comfortable studying in French and are considering programs where the tuition exemption applies.
Eligible students are generally considered automatically when they enrol, although students must satisfy the scholarship’s conditions.
Faculty-Specific Scholarships for International Students
In addition to university-wide scholarships, international students may qualify for awards offered by individual faculties.
For example, the Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship is valued at C$4,000, distributed as C$1,000 per year. It is available to eligible first-time, full-time undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts who meet the required admission average. International students can be considered.
The Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship is another opportunity. It is worth C$2,000 and requires an application. Eligible applicants must meet the academic requirements and submit supporting material, including a letter and résumé.
The Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Excellence Award for International Students provides C$1,500 to eligible international students entering an undergraduate program in the faculty. A minimum admission average of 92% is currently listed for this award.
These faculty awards demonstrate why international applicants should look beyond a single university-wide scholarship.
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students at the Graduate Level
International students pursuing graduate studies can also find funding opportunities at uOttawa.
The university lists an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at C$45,000 over five years for eligible international PhD students.
Graduate students may also encounter admission scholarships and other awards through their graduate program or faculty.
For doctoral admission scholarships, the university states that eligible international students can be considered and that an admission average of 8.0/10 or higher is required for the applicable doctoral scholarship. Maintaining full-time enrolment is also part of the conditions.
Graduate applicants should therefore research funding at both the university and department level because graduate funding structures can differ considerably from undergraduate entrance awards.
Who Can Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the specific award, but international applicants should generally prepare to demonstrate:
Strong Academic Performance
Academic performance is one of the most important factors for merit-based awards. Some opportunities require an 80% admission average, while highly competitive awards can require considerably higher results.
Full-Time Enrolment
Several major awards require students to remain enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients should carefully review renewal conditions because failing to meet academic or enrolment requirements can affect future payments.
International Student Status
Many of the scholarships discussed here are specifically intended for students who pay international tuition fees.
Admission to an Eligible Program
Not every program qualifies for every scholarship. Applicants should check whether their specific degree, faculty and language of instruction meet the requirements.
Meeting Scholarship-Specific Conditions
Some awards have additional criteria involving faculty membership, academic performance, financial need, leadership, disability status or other circumstances.
How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students
The application process depends on the scholarship.
For automatic scholarships, the most important step is often to submit your admission application early and accurately. Once you apply to uOttawa and receive your uoAccess ID and password, you can access the university’s online scholarships and bursaries system to explore additional opportunities.
Simple application process
- Choose an eligible University of Ottawa program.
- Submit your admission application.
- Provide all required academic documents.
- Receive your uoAccess ID and password.
- Check your scholarship eligibility.
- Review the Online Scholarships and Bursaries directory.
- Submit separate applications for awards that require them.
- Monitor your university account and email for scholarship decisions.
Scholarship application link
Apply and check available scholarships through the University of Ottawa’s official scholarship and bursary system:
Documents International Students Should Prepare
Although requirements vary by award, preparing your documents early can make the process easier.
Commonly requested materials may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary-school certificates for undergraduate applicants
- University transcripts for graduate applicants
- Admission documents
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement or letter, where required
- Evidence of extracurricular achievements
- Leadership or community-service information
- Proof of eligibility for specific awards
Do not submit unnecessary documents if a particular scholarship does not request them. Instead, follow the requirements attached to the specific award.
How to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
There is no guaranteed method for receiving a scholarship, but applicants can take practical steps to present a stronger application.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Academic results are central to many uOttawa awards. If you are still completing secondary school or your undergraduate degree, consistent performance can be more useful than relying on a last-minute improvement.
Apply for Admission Early
Some scholarships are automatic, but admission must come first. Completing your admission application properly gives the university the information needed to determine eligibility.
Search Beyond Automatic Scholarships
Do not stop after checking the major entrance awards. uOttawa maintains an online directory containing scholarships and bursaries for new applicants and current students.
Check Your Faculty
Faculty-specific scholarships may have separate criteria and deadlines. Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences and other faculties can have their own awards.
Consider French-Language Programs
If you are academically comfortable in French, investigate the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship. It can provide substantial tuition assistance for eligible international Francophone and Francophile students.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
A scholarship should not be treated as a guarantee that you can study in Canada without additional funds.
Even a large scholarship may cover only part of your overall cost of attendance. International students should plan for:
- Tuition not covered by the award
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Books and supplies
- Health-related costs
- Study permit-related expenses
- Personal expenses
Also remember that scholarship eligibility and immigration eligibility are separate matters. Receiving a scholarship does not automatically mean that a student has satisfied Canadian study-permit requirements.
Applicants should also read the terms attached to each scholarship carefully. Some awards are renewable, while others are one-time payments. Academic or enrolment requirements may apply to renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Ottawa offer full scholarships to international students?
The university offers substantial scholarships to international students, including awards that can total significant amounts over several years. However, applicants should distinguish between a large tuition scholarship and a scholarship that covers every cost associated with studying in Canada. The current International English Admission Scholarship can provide up to C$60,000 over four years, while the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship is worth C$10,000 and may be combined with the admission scholarship for eligible students.
How much can international students receive from uOttawa scholarships?
The amount depends on the scholarship. For example, the International English Admission Scholarship is worth C$7,500 per term and can reach C$60,000 over a four-year degree. The International English Academic Excellence Scholarship is worth C$10,000. Other faculty and graduate scholarships have different values.
Do international students automatically receive scholarships at uOttawa?
Some scholarships are automatic, meaning eligible students are considered without submitting a separate scholarship application. The International English Admission Scholarship and International English Academic Excellence Scholarship fall into this category for eligible students. Other awards require applications through the university’s scholarship system.
Can African students apply?
Yes. International students from Africa can apply for scholarships for which they meet the current eligibility requirements. However, eligibility is determined by the specific scholarship, program, academic record, tuition status and other conditions. Applicants should check the current award requirements rather than assuming that nationality alone guarantees an award.
Conclusion: University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students
University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students provide several ways to reduce the cost of studying in Canada. For eligible undergraduate students beginning in Winter 2026 or later, the International English Admission Scholarship can provide up to C$60,000 over four years, while the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship can add C$10,000 for eligible high-achieving students.
International students studying in French may also benefit from the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship, while faculty-specific and graduate awards provide additional opportunities.
The key is to start with admission, maintain strong academic results, check your faculty’s funding opportunities, and carefully review which scholarships are automatic and which require a separate application.
If you plan to study at the University of Ottawa, start your admission and scholarship process early and check the official scholarship system for opportunities that match your program and academic profile.
