The University of Ottawa offers a wide range of scholarships and awards for both Canadian and international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These awards are designed to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial need, and attract top talent from around the world. Many scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission based on academic merit, while others require a separate application.
Program Benefits
- Automatic Merit Scholarships: Many entrance scholarships for undergraduate students are automatically awarded based on admission average, with no separate application required. For example, the President’s Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship for international students can offer significant tuition reductions.
- Financial Support: Awards range from one-time entrance scholarships of a few thousand dollars to renewable awards covering a substantial portion of tuition fees for the duration of a degree program.
- Variety of Awards: Beyond entrance scholarships, there are numerous other awards available based on faculty, program of study, research potential (for graduate students), and financial need.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Excellence: The primary criterion for most major scholarships is a high academic average (typically 80% or higher).
- Student Status: Eligibility and award values often differ for Canadian vs. international students.
- Program of Study: Applicants must be admitted to a full-time program at the University of Ottawa.
- Specific Requirements: Some awards may have additional criteria, such as leadership experience, community involvement, or a specific research interest.
Application Process
- Automatic Consideration: Students are automatically considered for most major entrance scholarships when they apply for admission to the University of Ottawa. The general deadline for admission for many undergraduate programs is March 1, 2026, for international students.
- Separate Applications: Some specific scholarships and bursaries require a separate application, which can be accessed through the university’s scholarship portal after receiving an offer of admission.
Application Link:
For complete details on the full range of scholarships, specific eligibility criteria, and application procedures, please visit the official University of Ottawa Financial Aid and Awards website.







