Ancillary fees

Ancillary fees are added to tuition fees when calculating university fees. They’re mandatory fees that cover services beyond your program of study. Ancillary fees are non-refundable after the period for full refunds ends. This date is published on the Important dates and deadlines website.

Health

Current ancillary fees were set by the University to provide students with access to health services that suit their circumstances and lifestyles. They’re charged to both full- and part-time students, at all levels of study. Ancillary fees are adjusted each year based on the consumer price index.

Revenues from these fees fund a wide range of health services on campus (such as family medicine, a drop-in clinic with extended hours, immunization required for programs of study and internships, mental health services, sports medicine services and other specialized medical care). They also fund a health promotion program that provides you with information and education on nutrition, stress reduction, mental health, sexual health, drug and alcohol issues, and more. 

Sports

Current sports services ancillary fees were established through a 2001 student referendum. They fund sports facilities, such as fitness centres and playing fields, along with sports activities (like group classes), that students enjoy. They also fund initiatives proposed and approved by the School Spirit Council, made up of members representing the University, the GSAÉD and the UOSU.

Fees are charged to both full- and part-time students, at all levels of study. They are adjusted each year based on the consumer price index. Revenues from these fees go to administer, operate and maintain campus sports facilities, as well as sports programming. 

U-Pass

This fee was established through a uOttawa student referendum held in 2016, to provide affordable transportation to all students. The U-Pass allows you to use public transit provided by OC Transpo and the STO (Société de transport de l’Outaouais).

The U-Pass program is governed by an agreement among the University of Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, the UOSU and the GSAÉD. The U-Pass fee is set under this agreement, which only covers the cost of public transit. These fees are mandatory for full-time University of Ottawa students (with some exceptions), to keep the U-Pass as inexpensive as possible.

University Centre

This fee was established through a 1966 student referendum, to offer social, recreational and cultural activities that improve the quality of university life. It’s charged to all full- and part-time students, at all levels of study, and has been indexed to the consumer price index. Use of revenue from this fee is overseen by an advisory committee with members representing students, the UOSO, the GSÉAD and the University.

The UCU houses the legislative, executive and administrative branches of the student union and provides space for student clubs, societies and associations, and their activities. Its expenses include UCU administration, operation and maintenance, student wellness programs such as the multi-faith space, services for nursing mothers, the Carrefour francophone, the Women’s Resource Centre and activities that enhance the student experience. 

Telfer School of Management Career Centre

This ancillary fee was established through a Telfer School of Management student referendum in the early 2000’s. It provides students with professional and personal support services, such as career counselling and coaching, CV critiques, aptitude test (e.g., MBTI) administration and scoring, networking events, job fairs and career information sessions.

The fee is mandatory for Telfer bachelor’s and MBA students, since it helps the school meet AACSB, AQUIS and AMBA accreditation requirements, as well as industry career preparation requirements.  Revenues from this fee pay for events, trips and special programs, test administrative and assessment fees, staff compensation, software and student initiatives. 

University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU)

Learn about services covered by the UOSU ancillary fee.

Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD)

Learn about services covered by the GSAÉD ancillary fee.