University of Ottawa Scholarships 2027–2028 for International Students: Funding, Eligibility and How to Apply
Thinking about studying in Canada in 2027? The University of Ottawa scholarships for international students could significantly reduce the cost of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, but the funding available depends heavily on your programme, academic performance and language of study.
For international undergraduate students entering in 2027, some English-language programmes offer up to C$7,500 per eligible term, while high-achieving students may qualify for additional funding. Students studying in French or French immersion have access to a separate tuition support route.
Applications for January and September 2027 undergraduate entry are already open, so prospective students should begin checking programme requirements and deadlines early.
University of Ottawa Scholarships 2027–2028 at a Glance
Here is what prospective international students should know before applying:
- University: University of Ottawa
- Study levels: Undergraduate, master’s and PhD
- Intake: January and September 2027
- Main English undergraduate award: Up to C$7,500 per eligible term
- Potential English undergraduate funding: Up to C$60,000 over eight study terms
- Academic excellence award: Additional C$10,000 for selected students
- French-language funding: Separate tuition exemption opportunities
- IELTS: Accepted for eligible undergraduate and graduate applicants
- Application route: OUAC for undergraduate applicants
- January 2027 undergraduate deadline: October 17, 2026
- Information checked: October 1, 2026
The important point is that there is not one single University of Ottawa scholarship available to every international student. Your programme, academic average and language of instruction can determine which funding route applies.
Which University of Ottawa Scholarship Could You Get?
The university has different funding options for international students. The major undergraduate opportunities include the following.
International English Admission Scholarship
Eligible international students entering an approved English-language bachelor’s programme can receive C$7,500 per eligible term.
Over eight study terms, the award can reach C$60,000.
Applicants need at least an 80% admission average, and the programme must qualify for the scholarship.
The award applies to approved programmes across areas including:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Telfer School of Management
This scholarship is particularly significant because eligible students do not need to submit a separate application for the award.
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
Students with particularly strong academic records may qualify for an additional C$10,000 academic excellence award.
The scholarship is non-renewable and there are 100 awards available.
Applicants generally need an admission average of at least 95%, and selection is competitive.
If you are targeting this award, your academic results should be one of the strongest parts of your application.
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship
Students studying in qualifying French-language or French-immersion programmes may be considered for a different tuition-support route.
For eligible undergraduate students, the support is generally between C$12,500 and C$18,000 per eligible term, while master’s-level amounts can vary.
This scholarship cannot be combined with the two English-language undergraduate awards mentioned above.
Should You Apply for January or September 2027?
Your choice of intake can affect the programmes available to you.
September 2027 generally provides the wider choice of undergraduate programmes.
January admission is available for selected programmes in areas such as Arts, Social Sciences and Telfer Management. However, some major areas are not available for international students during the winter intake.
For example, Engineering and Health Sciences are excluded from the January undergraduate intake described in the source information. Winter admission to Science is also restricted to Canadian students.
This makes it important to check the programme before choosing your intake.
International students should also note that Ottawa’s published spring-summer direct-entry undergraduate route is not available to them. Graduate admission schedules depend on the specific programme.
Do International Students Need IELTS for the University of Ottawa?
IELTS is accepted, but it is not the only way to meet the English-language requirement.
For undergraduate applicants, the stated IELTS Academic requirement is 6.5 overall with the required writing score, although approved alternatives and exemptions may be available.
Other accepted options mentioned include:
- Duolingo English Test: 120 overall and literacy
- TOEFL: 4.5 overall and writing for tests taken after January 21, 2026
There is also an important exemption possibility for applicants who completed qualifying full-time education entirely in English in certain countries.
The source information specifically includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Pakistan among the locations that may support an exemption.
However, simply being a citizen of one of these countries does not automatically qualify you. Your educational history must meet the university’s conditions and the exemption must be approved.
Graduate applicants should check their individual programme because English-language requirements can be higher. The general graduate guidance cited here starts at IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no band below 6.
University of Ottawa Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Students
The major English entrance scholarships discussed above are primarily undergraduate opportunities.
Master’s students should instead investigate funding offered through their specific faculty or programme because funding arrangements can differ.
For eligible international PhD applicants, the university’s funding route can be considerably more substantial.
International PhD applicants with an admission average of at least 8.0/10 may receive a four-year funding package worth at least C$72,000.
The package combines:
- C$9,000 per year in scholarship funding
- At least C$9,000 per year in academic-unit support
Academic-unit support may include paid assistantships.
Because graduate funding can depend on programme and enrolment conditions, applicants should confirm the exact package with the university before making financial plans.
How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships
One of the most important things to understand is that eligible applicants for the two main English undergraduate entrance scholarships do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
You first apply for admission and then Ottawa considers eligible students for the applicable awards.
1. Choose Your Programme
Start by identifying your preferred degree and intake.
Check:
- Academic requirements
- Prerequisite subjects
- Language requirements
- Available intake
- Application deadline
- Scholarship eligibility
2. Apply Through OUAC
Undergraduate applicants apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
The supplied information states that undergraduate application fees currently include C$159 for the first three choices, plus Ottawa’s C$93 document-evaluation fee where applicable.
The amount displayed during your application should be checked before payment.
3. Complete Your uoZone Checklist
After applying, monitor your uoZone account for outstanding requirements.
You may need to upload academic documents through uoDoc and arrange for English-language test results to be submitted.
If you believe you qualify for an English-language exemption, complete the relevant exemption process rather than assuming your nationality automatically qualifies you.
4. Check Your Scholarship and Admission Information
Once your application progresses, carefully review your admission information and scholarship conditions.
Remember that receiving a scholarship does not necessarily mean all your education and living expenses will be covered. You should budget separately for remaining tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other costs.
Graduate applicants should follow the separate graduate admissions process and check whether their programme requires a supervisor.
University of Ottawa 2027 Application Deadlines
International students planning to start in January 2027 should pay particular attention to the early deadline.
According to the supplied information:
- January 2027 undergraduate applications: September 17 to October 17, 2026
- January 2027 supporting documents: November 1, 2026
- September 2027 applications: Opened September 17, 2026
- Recommended September 2027 application date: January 15, 2027
- September supporting documents: February 15, 2027 or within 30 days of applying
However, deadlines can vary by programme, and some programmes may fill before the final deadline.
The two English undergraduate entrance awards do not require a separate scholarship application.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a University of Ottawa Scholarship
If you are targeting a competitive scholarship, don’t wait until the application deadline to start preparing.
Focus on these areas:
- Protect your academic average: The difference between an 80% and 95% admission average can affect which scholarship opportunities you may qualify for.
- Choose your programme carefully: Scholarship eligibility can depend on the programme and language of instruction.
- Prepare your documents early: Missing academic documents can delay your application.
- Check English-language requirements: Determine whether you need IELTS, another approved test or an exemption.
- Plan your finances: Even a substantial scholarship may not cover every cost associated with studying in Canada.
- Apply early: Earlier applications can be important where programmes have limited spaces.
For international students planning to study in Canada in 2027, the University of Ottawa is worth researching carefully because its funding options vary significantly by academic level, programme and language of study.
More Opportunities: