Study in Ottawa, Canada

About Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, in eastern Ontario on the border with Quebec. It is one of the fastest-growing parts of the province: the Ontario Ministry of Finance puts the population at 1.19 million in 2025 and projects 1.83 million by 2051. Across the river lies Gatineau, in Quebec, and the two cities form one metropolitan area where English and French are both part of daily life.

For students, Ottawa combines the institutions of a national capital (government departments, embassies, national museums and research bodies) with two large universities and a large college. It suits students who want a bilingual environment, public policy and international affairs, or technology and health research.

Studying in Ottawa

Our directory lists three institutions in Ottawa:

• The Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa (uOttawa) has about 50,000 students and describes itself as the largest English-French bilingual university in the world. Courses are given in English, French or both, and applicants must master one of the two languages to be admitted. It is a member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities and has a Kanata North campus next to a large technology park. Its admissions pages give country-specific requirements for applicants from many countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.
• Carleton University, with more than 30,700 students, is the second university in the city. Its Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs runs master's programmes, doctoral programmes and graduate diplomas, and offers support with study permits and visas.
• Algonquin College, a public college with campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke and an online offer, has more than 200 programmes, including bachelor's degrees, diplomas and graduate certificates.

University programmes are taught in English or French. Choose the language first, because language test requirements differ between English- and French-language programmes.

Cost of living for students

Algonquin College publishes one of the clearest budgets for international students in the city. For an eight-month academic year, tuition and compulsory fees are $17,225 to $23,000 (including health insurance and a bus pass). A residence place costs $16,857 for eight months with the mandatory meal plan, a homestay averages $1,201.25 per month after the first month, and a room in a shared house off campus is estimated at $1,200 to $1,500 per month. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

University tuition varies by programme. As a national reference, EduCanada gives average tuition of $41,746 per year for international undergraduates and $24,028 for international graduate students (Statistics Canada, 2026). For the study permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) asks a single student applying on or after 1 September 2026 to show $23,448 per year for living costs, on top of tuition and travel.

Study permit and work

Most international students need a study permit (application fee: $150) and, for most post-secondary programmes, a provincial attestation letter (PAL) issued by Ontario. Students who meet the conditions of their permit can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular terms. Note that schools in Gatineau are in Quebec, which has its own rules (a Quebec Acceptance Certificate instead of a PAL).

Getting around and daily life

OC Transpo runs Ottawa's public transit. At Carleton, eligible full-time students pay a compulsory U-Pass fee that gives unlimited travel on OC Transpo and on the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) buses in Gatineau, and Algonquin's international fee estimate also includes a bus pass, so check what your school's fees cover before buying a monthly pass.

Daily life mixes a government city with a student one. Work experience is part of many programmes: the University of Ottawa reports 86% participation in experiential learning. The bilingual setting makes Ottawa a practical place to improve your French while studying in English, or the other way round.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in French in Ottawa?

Yes. The University of Ottawa teaches in English, French or both, and you must master one of the two languages to be admitted.

How much does a room in Ottawa cost for a student?

Algonquin College estimates $1,200 to $1,500 per month for a room in a shared house, or $16,857 for eight months in residence with the meal plan.

Which universities are in Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Algonquin College is the main public college in the city.

Is public transport included for students?

At Carleton the U-Pass is compulsory for eligible students and covers OC Transpo and STO; Algonquin's estimated fees for international students include a bus pass.