There are non-degree students (formerly special students) at all levels of study and in all faculties, including Medicine, Law and Education, whether Canadian or international students. University fees are based on student status (full-time or part-time), level of study (undergraduate or graduate), legal status in Canada, faculty and total number of units or terms. Some exceptions apply.
Tuition fees - Non-degree students and auditors
Non-degree students (formerly special students) are students who can enrol in courses to receive university units, but who are not seeking a degree, certificate or diploma from the University.
Non-degree students and auditors
At the undergraduate level, there are several categories of non-degree students. The most common are personal interest and improving academic standing.
For more on categories, see Academic Regulation I-1 — Categories and status of undergraduate students.
Part-time non-degree students
Undergraduate students who take fewer than 12 units (normally fewer than four courses) per term are considered part-time students.
They pay a fixed amount per course unit depending on the faculty offering the course. One course is usually equal to three units.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents, diplomats and recognized refugees
Tuition fees range from $241 to $382 per unit, except for courses in the Common Law Section which are the same as regular students. Learn more about fees for Common Law for Canadians residing in Ontario, Canadians residing outside of Ontario and International students.
Example
Fixed cost per unit for a Canadian for a course in the following faculties: Arts, Science, Social Sciences = $241.30
Number of units in course = 3
$241.30 (cost per unit) × 3 (number of units)
TOTAL: TOTAL: $723.90 in tuition fees per course
International students
Tuition fees range from $1,115 to $1,998 per unit, except for certain courses in the Common Law Section which are the same as regular students. Learn more about fees for Common Law for Canadians residing in Ontario, Canadians residing outside of Ontario and International students.
“Gifted” category
Non-degree students in the “Gifted” category pay $50 per course unit.
Ancillary fees for non-degree students
Non-degree students must also pay ancillary fees, including student services fees and University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) fees. Part-time non-degree students don’t pay faculty student association fees.
Microprograms
Non-degree students enrolled in a microprogram are subject to the same regulations as part-time special students.
Full-time non-degree students
Students who take 12 units (normally four courses) per term are considered full-time students. They pay a flat tuition fee per term, based on the regular tuition in certain faculties.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents, diplomats, refugees and recognized refugees
Tuition fees range from $3,044 to $4,924 per term, except for courses in the Common Law Section which are the same as regular students. Learn more about fees for Common Law for Canadians residing in Ontario, Canadians residing outside of Ontario and International students.
International students
Tuition fees range from $14,389 to $26,354 per term, except for courses in the Common Law Section which are the same as regular students. Learn more about fees for Common Law for Canadians residing in Ontario, Canadians residing outside of Ontario and International students.
Example: $3,044.88 per term in tuition fees for a course in the following faculties: Arts, Science, Social Sciences and Health Sciences.
Ancillary fees
Full-time non-degree students must also pay ancillary fees, including student services fees, group insurance, U-Pass fees and University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) fees. International students must also pay the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) premium.