The University of Ottawa is offering substantial financial support to newly admitted international undergraduate students studying in English.
Eligible students can receive up to $70,000 in scholarships over a four-year degree, significantly reducing the cost of international tuition.
Updated on August 27, 2026, the scholarship opportunity includes two awards: the International English Admission Scholarship and the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship. The awards are aimed at high-achieving international students beginning their studies from the Winter 2026 term onward.
University of Ottawa International English Admission Scholarship
The International English Admission Scholarship is an automatic scholarship, meaning eligible students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. All students who meet the requirements are considered and will be informed about the award when they receive their admission decision.
The scholarship is valued at $7,500 per term, with a maximum total value of $60,000 over a four-year undergraduate degree.
The award can be renewed for a maximum of 12 instalments, provided students continue to satisfy the scholarship’s renewal conditions.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for international students looking for ways to reduce the financial burden associated with studying in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the International English Admission Scholarship, applicants must meet several requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be an international student with a valid study permit.
- Be newly admitted for the Winter 2026 term or later.
- Enrol in an approved English-language undergraduate program.
- Study in one of the eligible faculties: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
- Have a minimum admission average of 80%.
- Be enrolled full-time.
- Not enrol in the French immersion stream.
- Pay international tuition fees.
Canadian citizens who also hold citizenship in another country are not eligible because they already qualify for Canadian tuition rates.
The scholarship is specifically intended for students paying international tuition fees. Students who qualify for domestic tuition rates cannot receive this award.
How the $60,000 Scholarship Works
The scholarship provides $7,500 per term and can be renewed for up to 12 instalments.
Over a four-year undergraduate program, the maximum value can reach $60,000.
Students must continue to meet the applicable renewal requirements, including remaining enrolled full-time in an eligible undergraduate program.
This means students should carefully maintain their enrolment status and review the official scholarship terms throughout their studies.
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
In addition to the automatic admission award, the University of Ottawa offers the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship to high-achieving international undergraduate students.
The scholarship provides $10,000, distributed as $5,000 per term.
Unlike the International English Admission Scholarship, this award is not renewable. However, it can be combined with the International English Admission Scholarship, potentially providing eligible students with a total scholarship value of up to $70,000 when the awards are considered together.
There are 100 awards available under the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Who Can Apply for the $10,000 Award?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an international student with a valid study permit.
- Be newly admitted for the Winter 2026 term or later.
- Be entering an approved English-language undergraduate program.
- Study in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management.
- Have a minimum 95% admission average.
- Be enrolled full-time.
- Not enrol in the French immersion stream.
- Pay international tuition fees.
The 95% admission average requirement makes this award specifically targeted at students entering university with exceptionally strong academic records.
Eligible Undergraduate Faculties
The scholarships are available to newly admitted international undergraduate students in eligible English-language programs offered by:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Telfer School of Management
Prospective applicants should check their intended program carefully to confirm that it is an approved English-language undergraduate program covered by the scholarship.
Automatic Consideration and Scholarship Application
One important feature of the International English Admission Scholarship is that no separate application is required. Eligible newly admitted students are automatically considered for the award and notified at admission.
The Academic Excellence Scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and is available to students with a minimum admission average of 95%.
Prospective students should therefore focus on completing their University of Ottawa admission process accurately and ensuring that they meet the relevant academic and enrolment requirements.
Why International Students Should Check the Opportunity
The cost of studying abroad can be a significant consideration for international students. Scholarships that reduce tuition can therefore make Canadian undergraduate education more financially accessible.
The University of Ottawa’s current English-language scholarship structure provides different levels of support depending on academic performance. Students meeting the 80% admission-average requirement may qualify for the automatic admission scholarship, while students with a 95% or higher admission average may also be considered for the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Because the awards can be combined, qualifying students may receive substantial financial assistance toward their undergraduate tuition.
However, students should note that these scholarships are not described as fully funded scholarships. They are tuition-related awards and applicants should plan separately for remaining tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, health insurance and other costs associated with studying in Canada.
How to Apply
Interested students should begin by applying for admission to an eligible English-language undergraduate program at the University of Ottawa.
Eligible students are automatically considered for the International English Admission Scholarship when they are admitted. Students interested in the Academic Excellence Scholarship should also review the university’s official terms and conditions to understand the applicable requirements.
Applicants should verify program eligibility, admission requirements, tuition classifications and scholarship conditions directly with the university before making financial or study plans.
Official scholarship information: University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Key Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Value | Awards | Academic Requirement | Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International English Admission Scholarship | $7,500 per term, up to $60,000 | Unlimited | Minimum 80% | Yes, up to 12 instalments |
| International English Academic Excellence Scholarship | $10,000 ($5,000 per term) | 100 | Minimum 95% | No |
For international students planning to begin an undergraduate degree in Canada, the University of Ottawa scholarships provide an opportunity to reduce tuition costs while studying in an eligible English-language program. Prospective students should review the official requirements and ensure they meet all admission, enrolment and tuition-status conditions before applying.
