International Experience Bursary

International activities can include academic exchanges or visiting research terms at universities and institutions outside Canada. The duration of the activities can range from one to 12 months.

Hear one student’s experience.

Current call for applications: Summer 2025

• Application deadline: March 1, 2025
• Number of bursaries: 15
• Bursary amount: up to $8,000
  • The final amount will vary depending on the length of your trip and your needs. Your student account will be credited for the term in which the activity takes place.

How to apply

Your application must include :

• Signed and completed International Experience Bursary application form (PDF, 1.41 MB)
• CV
• Unofficial transcript (from uoZone)
• A letter from a representative of the proposed institution or organization confirming your participation in an international activity
• Letter of support from your uOttawa supervisor
• Other supporting documents that you believe would help your application

Email us your application, including a signed completed application form and the above-mentioned documents.

For additional information or to apply, email the Faculty International Affairs Office.

Note: Additional financial questionnaire could be requested to assess the financial need of the applicant.

Eligibility

• You must be a full-time uOttawa Faculty of Engineering undergraduate or graduate student.
• Students in their first eight months as undergraduates or in their final term of enrolment at any level aren’t eligible.
• You can only receive one International Experience Bursary during your studies.
• Activities you’ve already started aren’t eligible for the bursary.

Activities and costs covered

In-person activities: International exchange or research activities of significant importance to your learning and professional development, forging long-lasting international connections.

Costs: Travel, insurance, housing, food, transportation and other living expenses.

Evaluation criteria

You must show how your international experience will be relevant to your studies or research. Your proposed activity must have a global component and impact and let you develop new skills.

Evaluation procedure

The Faculty of Engineering International Office collects the applications, prepares the documents for the evaluation committee, announces the results to the applicants and monitors the funded activities. The evaluation committee is composed of the dean, along with the vice-deans research, undergraduate studies and graduate studies.

Travel conditions and risk

The University of Ottawa follows the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) risk levels and travel advisories when assessing the risk associated with international trips:  

• Locations listed as “exercise normal precautions” and “exercise a high degree of caution” are generally suitable for international trips.   
• Locations listed as “avoid non-essential travel” and “avoid all travel” are not permitted for international trips.  
•  A change in the GAC risk level prior to your departure or while you’re abroad can lead to the suspension of your international trip or to the University requiring you to return to Canada. 
• You’re responsible for monitoring GAC travel advisories and risk levels before and during your international trip.  

If you receive an International Experience Bursary, you must: 

• Register your travel with the University
• Complete the risk evaluation process and follow the applicable pre-trip procedures
• Purchase travel and health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
• Follow the Government of Canada’s instructions for your return to Canada

Verification after your activity

You must provide boarding passes (or equivalent documents) and a letter from the foreign institution (or foreign supervisor, etc.) attesting to your participation in the planned activities, or an equivalent document, within two weeks of your return to Canada.

If you fail to provide the appropriate documents, an amount equivalent to the International Experience Bursary you received will be charged to your student account.