World map in watercolour.

International equivalencies

Interested in pursuing graduate studies at the University of Ottawa? Not sure about the equivalency of your previous studies? At the University of Ottawa, we warmly welcome students from around the world and encourage cultural exchanges and diversity.

Admission equivalencies

Below you will find a table of equivalency of the minimum admission requirements related to the degree or diploma requested by country. You will also find the minimum averages required by country for admission to our graduate programs. You must also meet the language requirements as well as those of the program you are applying for. Admission is by application and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

Average calculation, grading system and equivalent grades at the University of Ottawa

The admission averages are calculated according to guidelines established by the University of Ottawa. The University of Ottawa uses reference tools such as, but not limited to, AACRAO EDGEOURA GRADUATE STUDY GUIDESCHOLAROENIC-NARIC, as well as descriptive documents from government agencies or sources to establish equivalencies.

For admission to a graduate diploma or master’s program

The final grades of the 20 most recent university courses (equivalent to 60 units, the term “unit” is equivalent to “credit” at the University of Ottawa) are taken into account. The value of the units associated with the course is taken into consideration in the calculation of the average.

The result of the average calculation is then transposed to the uOttawa grading scale to obtain an equivalent average.

For admission to a doctoral program

The final grades of the 10 most recent university courses (equivalent to 30 UO units) are taken into account. The value of the units associated with the course is taken into consideration in the calculation of the average.

The result of the average calculation is then transposed to the uOttawa grading scale to obtain an equivalent average.

Bologna declaration signatory countries and three-year bachelor’s degrees

Three-year bachelor’s degree from institutions that meet the criteria established by the Bologna Declaration (L-M-D) may be acceptable as the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate honours degree. These three-year degrees may be considered admissible for admission to a master’s program, subject to the admission requirements established by each program. List of members of the Bologna Declaration.

Country where you obtained your degree

Select the country where you obtained your degree from the drop-down list to find out the degree title and the minimum admission average required to undertake a master's or doctoral degree at the University of Ottawa. Please note that the table represents the equivalencies for the general admission averages required for our graduate programs, but some programs require higher averages. This tool is intended as a general reference. The information on this page is subject to change without notice and is not binding on the University of Ottawa.

Your country does'nt appear in our list? Contact your academic unit.