If you have been dreaming about pursuing your degree in Canada, this might be exactly the news you’ve been waiting for. The University of Ottawa has officially opened its scholarship and financial aid programs for the 2026–2027 academic year, and the opportunities available to international students are genuinely impressive spanning undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Whether you’re a high-achieving student from Africa, Asia, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, uOttawa (as it’s affectionately known) is actively investing in global talent. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
A Little Background: Why the University of Ottawa?
Nestled in the heart of Canada’s capital city, the University of Ottawa is one of the country’s oldest and most respected institutions. Its story begins in 1848 when the College of Bytown was founded by the Catholic Church. By 1866, it had earned university status and was renamed the College of Ottawa. Over the following decades, it grew steadily — gaining pontifical status in 1889 and federating several colleges, including a Faculty of Medicine.
The most defining moment in its modern history came in 1965, when the university made the bold decision to become a secular institution, formally separating from the Catholic Church. This shift signaled a deep institutional commitment to academic freedom, open inquiry, and intellectual diversity — values that continue to define the university today.
What truly sets uOttawa apart from many other Canadian institutions is its bilingual identity. As one of the largest bilingual universities in the world, it delivers programs in both English and French, reflecting the multicultural and bilingual character of the National Capital Region. For international students, this creates a uniquely enriching environment — one where linguistic diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated.
Academically, the university consistently ranks among Canada’s top institutions and is recognized globally for research output, faculty quality, and graduate employability. With over 40,000 students from more than 150 countries, it’s a genuinely international campus.
What’s on Offer: Scholarship Programs for 2026–2027
The University of Ottawa funds its scholarship programs through a combination of university endowments, the Canadian government, and various external organizations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s available at each level:
Undergraduate Scholarships
Admission Scholarship One of the most commonly awarded scholarships for incoming students, this ranges from CAD $1,000 to $4,000 depending on your academic profile at the time of admission.
President’s Scholarship This is one of the most prestigious awards available to undergraduate students. If you’re entering a standard degree program, the total value is CAD $30,000 (paid at $7,500 per year over four years). Students pursuing a Civil Law degree are eligible for CAD $22,500 at the same annual rate.
Chancellor’s Scholarship Worth CAD $26,000 in total ($6,500 per year), this award recognises exceptional academic achievement at the time of entry.
Fleur de Lys Admission Scholarship Valued at CAD $10,000 ($2,500 annually over four years), this scholarship is specifically designed for students with strong French language profiles.
French Studies Bursary Available to students admitted into the Faculty of Law or Civil Law programs, this bursary offers up to CAD $1,000 per year, provided the program spans a minimum of four years.
Bursary for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language Students enrolled in a degree program taught entirely in French may receive CAD $3,000 through this bursary — a nice incentive for those looking to strengthen their French while earning their degree.
Merit Scholarship Covering up to CAD $1,000 per term of full-time undergraduate study, this scholarship rewards consistent academic performance throughout your degree.
Professional Training Scholarship Students in the Faculty of Law (Common Law), Faculty of Education, or the MD Program in the Faculty of Medicine may receive up to CAD $1,000 through this award.
Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Excellence Award Valued at CAD $1,500, this award recognizes outstanding students within the social sciences faculty.
Faculty of Social Sciences Jean Chrétien Scholarship Named after former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, this scholarship carries a minimum value of CAD $5,000 and is awarded to high-achieving social sciences students.
Student Mobility Scholarship Designed to support study abroad and exchange programs, this scholarship is worth CAD $1,000 for one term or CAD $2,000 for two terms.
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship This is particularly valuable for international students, as it covers a portion of the differential (international) tuition fees. The exact value varies by program.
Excellence Scholarship for African Students Studying in English A dedicated award for students who are citizens of African countries and are studying in English. Award amounts vary by program, but this scholarship is a significant recognition of academic excellence among African international students.
Master’s Degree Scholarships
Admission Scholarship Graduate students accepted into a master’s program can receive CAD $7,500 per year through this award.
Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Awarded to international students at Ottawa, this scholarship offsets a significant portion of tuition costs. The exact amount depends on the specific degree program.
Special Merit Scholarship Both the amount and duration of this scholarship vary, but it is designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement at the graduate level.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) This competitive, provincially funded scholarship is available to master’s students. The total value is CAD $25,000, which includes a $1,000 research allowance — making it an excellent option for students engaged in thesis-based research.
PhD Scholarships
Admission Scholarship One of the most generous awards at the doctoral level, this scholarship provides CAD $72,000 over four years, giving PhD students meaningful financial stability as they pursue their research.
International Doctoral Scholarship This award is available to international PhD students who are not already receiving tuition waivers. It helps bridge the financial gap between domestic and international tuition rates.
Special Merit Scholarship Like its master’s equivalent, this award is available to international scholars, with varying amounts based on academic profile and program.
Mitacs Globalink Fellowship A nationally recognised research fellowship, Mitacs Globalink connects international graduate students with Canadian research institutions. It’s a fantastic opportunity for PhD candidates looking to build research networks and gain funding support simultaneously.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) — Doctoral Level At the PhD level, OGS awards are valued at CAD $35,000, with an additional $2,000 research allowance — one of the most competitive provincial scholarships available to doctoral candidates in Ontario.
Academic Programs Available
The breadth of study options at uOttawa is one of its greatest strengths. Here’s a quick overview:
- Undergraduate Programs: 500+ degree options spanning arts, sciences, engineering, law, medicine, social sciences, education, and more.
- Master’s Programs: 100+ graduate programs, including both coursework and research-based options.
- PhD Programs: 100+ doctoral programs across faculties, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research.
The university also offers microprograms and short programs for students looking to upskill or specialize in a specific area without committing to a full degree.
Eligibility Overview
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship and degree level you’re applying for. That said, the general benchmarks that most awards consider include:
- Strong academic record (typically a minimum GPA or equivalent)
- Demonstrated leadership potential or community involvement
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance into an eligible program at uOttawa
- Some scholarships have additional requirements, such as language of instruction (English or French), country of citizenship, or faculty of study
Because requirements differ so significantly across individual scholarships, it’s strongly recommended that you visit the official University of Ottawa scholarship portal and review the specific criteria for each award you’re interested in.
Application Deadlines
Given the wide range of scholarships on offer, deadlines are not uniform. Some awards are automatically considered at the time of admission — meaning you don’t need to submit a separate application. Others require a standalone application with supporting documents. A handful have rolling deadlines, while others align with standard admissions timelines.
The safest approach is to check the official University of Ottawa website regularly and make note of the deadlines specific to your program and chosen scholarships.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Here’s what you’ll generally need to do:
- Create an online account on the University of Ottawa’s admissions portal. Keep your login credentials safe — you’ll need them throughout the process.
- Apply to your chosen program by completing the online application form and uploading all required documents (transcripts, language test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, etc.).
- Check scholarship-specific requirements. Some scholarships are automatically awarded based on your admission application, while others require you to submit a separate scholarship application.
- Submit before the deadline this one goes without saying, but it’s worth emphasising. Late applications are rarely considered.
- Monitor your application status through your online portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
The University of Ottawa’s scholarship programs represent a genuine investment in the next generation of global leaders, researchers, and changemakers. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree or pushing toward a PhD, there are real, meaningful financial opportunities here many of which are fully funded or close to it.
If studying in a bilingual, multicultural, and academically rigorous environment appeals to you, uOttawa deserves a serious place on your shortlist. The combination of institutional prestige, generous financial aid, and the experience of living in Canada’s capital city makes it a compelling choice for ambitious students from around the world.
Start preparing your documents early, visit the official website for the most current information, and give yourself the best possible shot at securing one of these awards.
Apply for the Scholarship Here
For the most up-to-date scholarship details, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines, always refer to the official University of Ottawa website