Three students at the Ottawa sign in the ByWard market

Youth Summer University

This year, the University of Ottawa is launching its Youth Summer University Program. High school students from around the world will gather for three weeks to engage in academic learning, career development, leadership training, and a wide array of activities to discover Ottawa, a G7 capital.

What to expect

French program: July 5-25, 2026
English program: July 26 to August 15, 2026

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Academic experience

• Earn 4.5 university credits (the equivalent of 1.5 university courses) by taking a 3-week intensive course in international relations or business and completing a hackathon.
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Skills and leadership development

• Develop skills sought by global organizations.
• Position yourself as a young world leader through professional development workshops.
• Go through a self-discovery journey so you can make informed program and career choices.
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International network

• Grow your international network by getting to know 50 other students who want to make a difference like you.
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University admission advantage

• Exclusive application package to get early conditional offers to up to 3 undergraduate programs at the University of Ottawa at the faculties of Social Science, Arts or the Telfer School of Management.
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Campus life

• Live the full North American university experience by living directly on an urban campus.
Discover Canada

Discover Canada

• Discover Canada's capital and visit key landmarks and institutions like the Supreme Court, the Parliament, the Governor General's residence, national museums and parks.
• Explore Eastern Canada’s nature and wilderness.
• Visit the cities of Montréal, Toronto and Niagara Falls.

What is included

Cost: $6,500 plus applicable taxes ($7,345 in total)

  • Course, course material, workshops and sociocultural activities
  • Accommodations in campus residence: individual bedroom in a double occupancy unit
  • Accommodation in a double occupancy hotel room or university residence during the Montréal (1 night) and Toronto (2 nights) weekends
  • Meals (except during selected outings)
  • Transportation activity locations during the program
  • Transportation to and from Ottawa’s train station, airport and bus station before and after the program.
  • Security, guides, professors and instructors throughout the program
  • Exclusive application package

What is not included

The program does not include transportation to Ottawa, insurance of any kind (including travel and health), meals during selected outings (estimated at approximately $500), or any travel, visa, or immigration support.

Admissions

Admissions to the programs are limited and will be based on both the applicant’s profile and academic standing.

Participants will need to:

  • Be 16 or 17 years old at the start of the program.
  • Provide their latest transcript and have an academic average of 80% (or equivalent) at the time of application.
  • Meet the University of Ottawa language requirements for the language in which the program is offered.
  • Provide a letter of recommendation for their school.
  • Answer an admission questionnaire.

Want more information?

Have questions? Visit our FAQ for quick answers or contact the uOttawa Youth team at [email protected].

Attend one of the events below to learn more about the program and connect with program representatives in Canada and around the world.

In Canada

International

Online

  • Each information session lasts 30 minutes, followed by a Q&A period.
  • All times listed are Ottawa times.
  • To reserve your spot, write to [email protected] indicating the session you wish to attend.

Other details

  • All information on this page is subject to change.
  • Prices in Canadian dollars without taxes.