Before starting the process, make sure you meet all eligibility requirements:

You must:

• Be registered in an undergraduate or graduate program at your home university. Please note that PhD students are not eligible to apply for an exchange.
• Have a good academic record: 
  • Minimum 2.7/4.0 GPA (Canadian system) or 12/20 (French system)
  • The academic requirement can be higher for graduate-level programs or specific faculties.
• Have completed at least one full year of university studies by the time you apply.
• Be nominated by your home institution for an exchange at uOttawa.
• Submit a complete online exchange application by March 31
  (for the Fall term, the Winter term or the full academic year).
• Choose courses at uOttawa approved by your home institution.
• Meet uOttawa’s language proficiency requirements and upload your test results on time.

At uOttawa, you’ll study in English or in French.

If your language of study is not your mother tongue, you must submit a language test taken within the last two years.

For accepted tests and scores, see our language requirements for exchange students.

You can only access our online application form once your home university nominates you for an exchange. After your nomination is accepted, your home institution will send you a link to the exchange application platform.

You must submit the following documents as part of your application:

• Your official university transcripts in English or French, along with your institution’s grading scale. If your transcripts are in a language other than English or French, you must provide a scanned copy of the original document and a translation completed by a certified translator.
• Official language test results, if required.
• A scanned copy of your valid passport.
• Your preliminary course selection, approved by your home institution. This list reflects the courses you plan to take at uOttawa. It’s considered preliminary because the course schedule for the upcoming year isn’t yet available at the time of application. For more information on preliminary course selection, see Step 4.
• Additional documents may be required for:
  • Common Law
  • Civil Law
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts
  • Music
  • Graduate level applicants

As mentioned in Step 3, you must submit a preliminary course selection that has been approved by your home institution. Your acceptance letter will indicate the uOttawa faculty where you’ll be taking most of your courses, so it’s important to choose courses that align with your academic background.

Course load requirements

Note: Your home institution determines course equivalencies, and you may need to provide syllabi (course descriptions and hours).

Review course restrictions

Some restrictions may affect your course choices:

• Prerequisites: You can’t enrol in a course if you haven’t completed its prerequisites.
• Restricted faculties: 
  • Telfer School of Management (course codes ADM, MGT, MBA)
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Education (bachelor-level courses)
• Auditing is not permitted for exchange students.
• Some mandatory courses in programs are reserved for uOttawa students only.

The University evaluates all course selections case by case.

See the list of course restrictions for incoming exchange students.

Submitting your course list doesn’t mean you’re enrolled.

• You can only enrol in courses after you’ve been officially accepted into the exchange program. Your acceptance letter will include a course enrolment form and instructions on completing your enrolment.
• Course spaces are not guaranteed, so enrol as early as possible once you’re accepted.

As an exchange student, you benefit from special student status, which means you don’t pay tuition or incidental fees at uOttawa. However, you might still need to pay for certain course-related expenses, such as materials for visual arts.

As well, you’re responsible for all other costs related to your stay in Canada, including mandatory health insurance.

When planning your budget, be sure to account for:

• Rent or residence fees
• Books and supplies
• Travel
• Daily living expenses
• Health insurance (mandatory for all exchange students)
• U-Pass (optional) (public transit pass for Ottawa and Gatineau, integrated in your uOttawa student card)
  • To purchase a U‑Pass, submit a request to join the U-Pass program through uoZone and see the associated fees.

To help with your planning, see our estimated university costs.

If you’re coming to uOttawa for one term, you don’t have to apply for a study permit, although you may choose to do so. If you enter Canada as a visitor (without a study permit), you won’t be allowed to work during your exchange. 

If your exchange will last two terms (more than six months), you must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada. Make sure to check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processing times and required documents well in advance, to avoid delays.

Most international students need an entry document to travel to Canada. Depending on your citizenship, you will require either a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Learn more about entry requirements by country or territory.

Once you receive your acceptance letter, our Student Immigration Advising team will be happy to help you with any immigration-related questions you may have. You’re also welcome to join one of our weekly virtual immigration drop-in sessions, where you can get answers and guidance during the session.

Finding a place to live is an important part of planning your exchange.

On-campus housing isn’t guaranteed for exchange students, and only a limited number of residence spaces become available each year. 

Once you’re officially accepted into the exchange program, you’ll receive access to our Housing Portal, where you can apply for on-campus accommodation if spaces are still available. You can also email the Housing Service to inquire about current available on-campus housing at [email protected]. 

Because residence space is limited, we strongly recommend exploring off‑campus housing options. Many uOttawa students (including exchange students) live in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, which is right next to campus and offers a variety of housing options.

For guidance, resources and tips on renting in Ottawa, see our off-campus housing information and resources. If you need additional support, you can email the Off‑Campus Housing team at [email protected].

All international exchange students must be covered by the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) during their stay at uOttawa. Once you enrol in your courses, the University will automatically sign you up for UHIP. This plan covers essential medical services, such as doctor or hospital visits, surgeries and medical tests.

Your UHIP fees will appear on your statement of account in uoZone (our virtual student portal), and you can pay them using any of the accepted payment methods. After the University receives your payment, the insurance provider, Cowan, will email a PDF copy of your UHIP coverage card to your uOttawa email account within 10 business days. Don’t forget to check your spam folder to make sure you don’t miss this important document.

Because UHIP covers only certain medical services, you can purchase additional health and dental insurance. This optional coverage can help pay for services not covered by UHIP, such as prescription medications, dental care, optometry care and services from certain specialists.

In the summer, you’ll receive an invitation to join our virtual orientation sessions for new students. These sessions cover important topics like immigration, health insurance and getting ready to start your studies. Although they’re designed for students completing their entire degree at uOttawa, the information is very helpful for exchange students as well. Our expert teams will be there to answer your questions and provide guidance tailored to your exchange experience.

Starting your exchange at uOttawa can be exciting, but also a big adjustment. Our peer mentoring team (a group of friendly student mentors from around the world) is here to help you feel supported. Whether you’re new to Canadian university life, feeling a bit homesick or unsure about the support services available on campus, you can reach out to talk things through with someone who understands. Mentors can also help you get involved on campus, learn more about life in Ottawa and connect you with support services across the University.

During the exchange application process, the Student Mobility team will be your main point of contact. You can reach us at [email protected]. Once you’re accepted into the program, your primary contact for all academic matters (including course enrolment, course descriptions and equivalencies) will be your faculty.

Find contact information for your faculty.