The University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s leading bilingual universities and a top destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. For the 2026 academic year, the University of Ottawa offers a wide range of scholarships, including entrance awards, merit-based funding, and competitive scholarships that significantly reduce tuition costs.
About the University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is known for strong programs in law, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and international studies. The university is officially bilingual, offering programs in English, French, or both.
Scholarships at the University of Ottawa are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world and support academic excellence at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Types of University of Ottawa Scholarships 2026
Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Entrance scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students at the time of admission. Most entrance awards are automatic and based on academic performance.
Key features include:
Tuition fee reduction
Automatic consideration after admission
Renewable awards for eligible students
No separate scholarship application in many cases
Merit-Based and Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships require a separate application and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
They may cover:
Partial to substantial tuition support
Multiple years of funding
Academic and leadership recognition
Graduate Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)
Post-graduate students can access funding through a combination of university scholarships, faculty awards, and research-based funding.
Funding for graduate students often includes:
Fee coverage
Monthly stipends
Research or teaching assistantships
Multi-year funding packages, especially for PhD students
Eligibility Criteria for University of Ottawa Scholarships
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for most University of Ottawa scholarships, applicants must:
Be classified as an international student
Apply for an eligible undergraduate or graduate program
Meet minimum academic grade requirements
Satisfy English or French language requirements
Additional Criteria for Competitive Scholarships
Some scholarships also require:
Leadership experience
Community service or volunteering
Strong personal statements
Letters of recommendation
Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship and faculty.
What University of Ottawa Scholarships Cover
Tuition Support
Most scholarships provide partial or full tuition coverage. Entrance scholarships usually reduce tuition automatically based on grades.
Living and Academic Support
Some high-value or graduate scholarships may include:
Living allowances or stipends
Research funding
Academic materials support
Renewable Funding
Many scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain the required academic standing.
How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships 2026
Step 1 – Choose an Eligible Program
Select an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program offered by the University of Ottawa. Scholarship eligibility depends on program admission.
Step 2 – Apply for Admission
Submit your application through the official University of Ottawa admissions system before the program deadline. Entrance scholarships are usually assessed automatically at this stage.
Step 3 – Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
Academic transcripts
Certificates and diplomas
Language test results (if required)
Personal statement
Letters of reference (mainly for competitive and graduate scholarships)
Step 4 – Apply for Scholarships Separately (If Required)
Some scholarships require a separate application after admission. Carefully review scholarship-specific instructions and deadlines.
Step 5 – Track Deadlines
Scholarship deadlines may differ from admission deadlines. Missing a scholarship deadline means losing funding eligibility.
Step 6 – Accept Your Offer
If awarded a scholarship, you must formally accept both your admission and scholarship offer within the specified timeframe.
Application Deadlines for 2026
Undergraduate entrance scholarships are typically assessed for students applying between December 2025 and March 2026. Graduate scholarship deadlines vary by faculty and may fall between January and April 2026.
Applicants should always verify deadlines directly on official University of Ottawa pages.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a University of Ottawa Scholarship
Maintain Strong Academic Performance
High grades are the most important factor for entrance and merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrate Leadership and Community Impact
Leadership roles, volunteering, and extracurricular involvement strengthen competitive scholarship applications.
Write a Clear and Purposeful Personal Statement
Explain your academic goals, future plans, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your field and society.
Apply Early
Early applications receive broader consideration and reduce the risk of missing funding opportunities.
Combine Funding Sources
Many students combine entrance scholarships with faculty awards or external funding to reduce overall study costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are University of Ottawa scholarships fully funded?
Most University of Ottawa scholarships are partial tuition awards. Some graduate funding packages may be considered fully funded when combined with assistantships and stipends.
Are entrance scholarships automatic at the University of Ottawa?
Yes. Many undergraduate entrance scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic performance at admission.
Do international students need IELTS to get a scholarship?
Language requirements apply to admission, not scholarships directly. IELTS or equivalent may be waived if exemption criteria are met.
Can University of Ottawa scholarships be renewed?
Yes. Many scholarships are renewable if students maintain the required academic standing.
Conclusion
The University of Ottawa Scholarships 2026 provide international students with valuable financial support to study in Canada. From automatic entrance awards to competitive and graduate funding opportunities, the university offers multiple pathways to reduce tuition and study costs.
By following this step-by-step guide, applying early, and meeting eligibility requirements, international students can significantly improve their chances of securing a University of Ottawa scholarship in 2026.