Higher education in Ottawa, Ontario 2024

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern part of Southern Ontario. It borders the cities of Gatineau and Quebec. As a political and technological centre of Canada, with a high standard of living, Ottawa attracts a significant number of international students, as well as tourists and foreign businessmen.

The foreign students are provided with the opportunity to choose disciplines from the wide list on the any level (Bachelor, Master and doctor degrees, etc.) in the best universities in Ottawa. An interdisciplinary approach to research has been integrated in higher education institutions, which has led to important discoveries and innovations, as well as recognition and awards.

• Bilingual Instruction: Ottawa's universities offer courses in both English and French. Prospective students must demonstrate language proficiency through exams like DELF, DALF, TEF, TCF, and TESTCan for French, and TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE for English.
• Diverse Academic Fields: International students can pursue various fields, including engineering, architecture, anthropology, business, languages, computer science, economics, law, mathematics, political science, sociology, and journalism.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• Wide Range of Degrees: Students can choose from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in finance, education, psychology, history, financial management, accounting, communications, and marketing, including distance learning options.

Career Prospects Post Higher Education in Ottawa

• Strong Local Economy: Ottawa's economy is anchored in public services, high technology, healthcare, finance, and administration, with major employers like 3M, Adobe Systems, Bell Canada, and IBM.

• Excellent Job Opportunities: Graduates can expect robust career opportunities post-graduation.

The Structure of Higher Education in Ottawa

• Bachelor's Degree: Typically a 3-5 year program, with a possibility for high-achieving international students to enroll directly after 11th grade.

• Master's Degree: A two-year commitment in humanities or sciences, requiring a bachelor's degree for admission.

• Doctoral Programs: Ranging from 3-6 years, requiring a master's degree and proficiency in English/French.

• Admission Requirements: Previous academic performance is critical. The academic year is split into two semesters, with average tuition fees around 20,000 CAD$.

• Scholarship Opportunities: Students may apply for scholarships, and remote education options are increasingly popular.

• Language Test Results: English proficiency (TOEFL – minimum 85 iBT, IELTS – minimum 6.5) is required; French requirements are less common.

• Documentation: A completed application and copies of academic records are necessary.

• Guardianship for Minors: Students under 18 need an official guardian in Ottawa.

• Application Timeline: Universities accept applications 9-12 months before the start date.

• Financial Aid: Scholarships and grants are available, potentially covering up to 100% of tuition and providing support for research.

In summary, higher education institutions in Ottawa offer a rich and diverse academic environment with a range of programs and degrees, competitive fees, and excellent career prospects. The city's universities are known for their quality education, making Ottawa a prime destination for students from around the world.