International applicants

If you completed your studies outside Canada and are unsure whether your degree or average meets the requirements for our graduate programs, please consult the International Admission Equivalencies page. This resource outlines country-specific degree and grading comparisons to help you determine your eligibility for admission.

Candidates must meet the minimum language requirements of their program to be considered for admission. If your previous studies were not completed in English or French, you will be required to submit official results from an accepted language test. Please consult the specific requirements for more information regarding the accepted language tests, and the minimum scores required. 

If you have completed at least two years of university-level studies in the English language, you may qualify for an exemption from the language test requirements. This would be evaluated after your application documents have been submitted. Please see the How to apply page for more information about language test exemptions.

To study in Canada, international students require a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as the IRCC’s study permit processing times can vary widely. Visit the IRCC’s processing times webpage to get an estimate. 

Visit the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for details about the study permit application process. 

The University of Ottawa’s International Office serves prospective and current international students, provides them with valuable information and services before and during their stay at the University.

They also hosts weekly online Q&A sessions to answer your immigration-related questions. Visit the Let’s talk immigration page to find the weekly schedule and join an info session online. 

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) provides medical coverage for international students at the University of Ottawa, ensuring access to essential health services throughout their studies. UHIP coverage is mandatory for international students. Visit the UHIP web page for more information.

International students at the University of Ottawa can access several mentoring services designed to support their academic transition, cultural adjustment and overall well-being;

• Student Mentoring Centre at the Faculty of Arts: One-on-one peer mentoring, course-specific study groups and skill-building workshops.
• Regional Mentoring Centre: Connect with international peer mentors who offer guidance tailored to the cultural and academic transition to life at the University of Ottawa.
• Academic Writing Help Centre: Learn how to become a more effective, autonomous writer with the help of the University of Ottawa’s writing mentors.
• Peer Wellness Support: Confidential support sessions with peers.

Popular neighbourhoods include Sandy Hill, Centretown, Lowertown and Old Ottawa East/South. Visit the Off-campus housing page for resources and to contact an Off-Campus Housing expert at uOttawa.