You can register for your courses online using the Self-Service tool in uoZone. 

Before you enrol:

• Review your program requirements and recommended course sequence.
• Check your account for any holds (service indicators).
• Make sure any required service requests have been approved.

To help you plan your studies, consult:

• Course enrolment information
• Program requirements and milestones
• Your program's recommended course sequence

If you have a hold on your account, you must resolve it before you can enrol. If you've submitted a service request, wait until it has been approved before attempting to register. 

If a hold is removed after the enrolment deadline, submit an enrolment modification request to register for the current term. 

Course enrolment information

Use the Course Timetable Search Tool to see the current list of graduate courses offered this academic year. Because course offerings can change, always refer to the timetable when planning your registration. 

You must earn at least a C+ to pass a graduate course. 

For more information about academic standing requirements, consult Academic Regulation C-4.

Important

Graduate students cannot enrol in undergraduate-level courses.

Full-time status

All graduate students are covered by the University of Ottawa’s Academic Regulation C-1.2. The programs covered by this policy define full-time graduate studies as being geographically proximate to and regularly present on campus and devoting a minimum of 40 hours per week to thesis-related research work primarily during regular working hours. Students are eligible for the holidays and vacation time outlined in policy 110. The Fall and Winter reading weeks are not observed for graduate programs at the Faculty of Medicine.

Auditing allows you to attend a course for learning purposes without earning academic credit. 

As an auditor:

• You do not earn academic credit.
• You do not complete graded assignments or exams.
• You must meet the attendance requirements outlined in the course syllabus.

If you do not meet the attendance requirements, you may receive a failing grade. 

When to apply

Your request must be submitted and approved before the enrolment deadline for the semester. 

How to request to audit a course

Submit a Service Request using:

• Category: Enrolment
• Type/Subtype: Enrolment / Course Substitution (Exception) Out of Program

Required documents

• Course Attendance Form (found on our Forms page)
  • Enter AUD in the Attendance section.
• Permission from the course instructor (email approval is acceptable)
• Permission from your supervisor (email approval or signed Course Attendance Form is acceptable)

As a graduate student at the University of Ottawa, you are eligible to take courses at Carleton University via the exchange agreement with Carleton University. You must follow the instructions and fill out the application form found on the University of Ottawa-Carleton University exchange program website.

A directed studies course allows you to explore a specialized area of study that is not available through an existing course offering. 

Before you submit a request, you must find a faculty member who is willing to supervise the course and work with you to develop:

• A detailed course syllabus
• A grading and assessment plan

The Faculty approves directed studies courses only in exceptional circumstances. 

When to apply

Submit your request at least one month before the enrolment deadline.

How to request a directed studies

Submit a Service Request using:

• Category: Enrolment
• Type/Subtype: Directed Studies

Required documents

• Directed Studies Form (found on our Forms page)
• Course syllabus, including grading and assessment criteria
• Modification/Cancellation of Registration Form (found on our Forms page)

What happens next?

Submitting a request does not guarantee approval. The Faculty reviews each request individually before making a decision. 

If you cannot complete your program requirements by your expected graduation term, including submitting your thesis for evaluation, you must request an extension of the time limit. 

For more information, consult Academic Regulations C-6.2 and C-6.3. 

When to apply

Submit your request at least one month before your expected graduation term. 

Because extension requests require several levels of approval, we strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible. 

How to request an extension of the time limit

Submit a Service Request using:

• Category: Enrolment
• Type/Subtype: Extension of the Time Limit

Required documents

• Request for Extension of the Time Limit Form (found on our Forms page)
• Annual Research Progress Report (found on our Forms page)
• Letter of support from your supervisor
• Detailed plan of study with a revised completion timeline
• Graduate Enrolment Form (found on our Forms page)

Important

If you do not request an extension before your time limit expires, your file may become inactive and could be closed. 

You may be able to register as a non-degree (special) student if the academic unit offering the course approves your request. 

As a special student, you must meet all course requirements, including attendance, assignments, examinations, and grading requirements. 

Visit the Non-Degree (Special Student) Registration page to learn more.

The Ontario Visiting Graduate Student (OVGS) Plan allows you to take a graduate course at another Ontario university while remaining enrolled at your home institution. 

For detailed information about the OVGS program and application process, consult the Council of Ontario Universities guidelines.

How to request an OVGS

Submit a Service Request using:

• Category: Enrolment
• Type/Subtype: Ontario Visiting Graduate Students (OVGS)

Required documents

• OVGS Student Application Form (PDF)
• Course Attendance Form (found on our Forms page)
• Permission from the course instructor (email)
• Permission from your supervisor (email or signed Course Attendance Form)

If you want to take a course that is not part of your program requirements, you must submit an Out-of-Program Course Request. Out-of-program courses must support your research and require approval before you can enrol. 

Out-of-program course codes

AUD
Audit a course without earning academic credit. 

CRE
Request that a course count toward your program requirements. 

When to apply

Submit your request and obtain approval before the enrolment deadline for the semester. 

How to request an out of program course

Submit a Service Request using:

• Category: Enrolment
• Type/Subtype: Enrolment / Course Substitution (Exception) Out of Program

Required documents

• Course Attendance Form (found on our Forms page)
• Permission from the course instructor (email approval is acceptable)
• Permission from your supervisor (email approval or signed Course Attendance Form is acceptable)

What happens next?

If we approve your request, we will help you enrol in the course.

Please note that approval is not automatic. We review each request individually and assess whether the course clearly supports your research. 

If you need to temporarily pause your studies for medical, compassionate, parental, or professional reasons, you can request a leave of absence. 

For additional information, consult Academic Regulation C-3.2. 

When to apply

Submit your request as soon as you know you will need a leave from your program. 

How to request a leave of absence

Submit a Service Request using:

• Category: Enrolment
• Type/Subtype: Leave of Absence

Required documents

• Request for Leave of Absence Form (found on our Forms page)
• Medical documentation, if applicable

Important

When your approved leave ends, you are responsible for enrolling in the next academic term. If you do not enrol, your student status may be affected.