As a U15 research-intensive institution and the largest bilingual university (English-French) in the world, the University of Ottawa has a long tradition of academic excellence and achievement. Throughout its 170-year history of renewal and adaptation to a changing society, the University of Ottawa has successfully responded to changes in the landscape of international education and research and has taken on a leadership role in creating a knowledge community model. We have a strong tradition and a long-standing record of international relation that is unquestionably due to the relentless effort of our community of students, faculty and staff who acknowledge the importance of internationalization and show strong interest in engaging in international activities. 

As mandated by our historic mission, as stated in our enabling legislation, we also play a special role in developing and driving the Francophonie in Canada and we have always extended this role to include other Francophone communities in our province and elsewhere. We are a major education and research institution that was built by, and for the French and English-speaking communities, in a city that has always reflected the great diversity of Canada.  Building on this foundation, our strategic plan Transformation 2030 shows our commitment to improve the language balance within our student population. We aim to recruit more Francophone international students and we encourage further research on Francophonie while we increase learning opportunities in French, and enhance cultural, social and scientific environments on campus in French language. 

In 2017, we launched our Internationalization Strategy that will guide our vision and priorities. With this strategy, we the aim to become a leading global innovative and research-intensive university. Meanwhile, our Action Plan for the Francophonie urges the University to ensure the Francophonie remains at the heart of its mandate and mission. In 2020, the University created the Office of the Vice-President International and Francophonie (OVPIF) in order to further reinforce its position in both the francophone and global communities. 

A shared vision

The Office of the Vice-President, International and Francophonie (OVPIF) aims to become a leader in the field of international education while fostering a global campus, where through mutual understanding and respect, collaborative, and innovative responses, we inspire ambassadors of positive change. We play a pivotal role in advancing Francophonie and bilingualism, while offering outstanding programs and services specifically designed for Francophones. We provide leadership on language issues and for Francophone communities in Ontario, across Canada and around the world. 

Our impact: How we serve the uOttawa community 

The University of Ottawa recruits, develops and retains top talent from across the globe. Our office promotes and supports international and Francophonie initiatives through teaching, research, and service to the community, and foster a strategic network of global partners.  

We help connect all members of the University’s community, to the world by overseeing the design, coordination and implementation of internationalization strategies. We carry and promote the University's vision for the Francophonie within the Ontario, Canadian and international francophone communities and organizations. 

Core Values 

In keeping with our vision and mission, we work to uphold our core values as they make us who we are. 

• We respect each other by being open and fair and promoting empathy and diversity. 
• We build strong communities by working effectively together in a supportive way, by continuously searching for solutions, fostering a collaborative mindset and striving for excellence. 
• We create positive change by aiming higher in our learning, expertise and action and pursuing innovation and sharing best practices.