Incoming exchange program - Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, the University of Ottawa does not offer scholarships for incoming mobility.

That being said, the Government of Canada provides opportunities for students to conduct short-term study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions:

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).

Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED).

Yes, you could come under the visiting international student status International special students | Study (uottawa.ca).  This means that you will need to pay international fees. Tuition fees - International students | Study (uottawa.ca). Please contact us by the start of March so we can send you the link to apply for an exchange. You are responsible for ensuring your home institution will give you credits for the courses you took with us.

To be eligible, you must have completed at least one university academic year at the time of application.

The University of Ottawa offers options in both languages, so you do not need to be bilingual to come on exchange with us. You can study entirely in either English or French.

The language requirements for the exchange program are the same for all levels of study.

Please consult our language requirements to see whether you need to submit proof of language proficiency. Language requirements | Incoming exchange.

No documents can be submitted after the deadline. The application portal is open until March 31st, so we suggest you wait for your results before submitting your application.

The University of Ottawa does not consider preparatory years and their transcripts.

Please note that the course schedule for the upcoming academic year will only be available at the end of May. Therefore, we cannot confirm whether these courses will be offered and in which language. Be reassured that you will be able to modify your course selection with your host faculty after being accepted to the exchange program.

For all questions regarding course description, you must contact the faculty offering them Faculties | About us (uottawa.ca).

Unfortunately, as an undergraduate student, you cannot take graduate courses (courses at the 5000 level and above).

As the undergraduate program at uOttawa consists of 4 years of study, you must be enrolled in the first year of a master’s program at the time of your application to be eligible to take graduate-level courses (Master at the University of Ottawa). Therefore, you can only take courses from the 1st to the 4th year (1000 to 4000 level) during your exchange.

Yes, the prerequisites for specific courses also apply to exchange students. Once you've submitted your application, the faculty will review your file. They'll assess whether you've completed courses equivalent to the prerequisites for the course. Based on this, they'll authorize you to register for a particular course.

If you satisfy the prerequisites, have not selected courses that are not open to exchange students, and your home institution approves your choice of courses, you can take classes from Year 1 to Year 4 (1000 to 4000 level) at uOttawa regardless of your current year of study. Please follow the link below to better understand our course and enrolment terminology: Understanding course enrolment terminology | Current students (uottawa.ca).

Learning agreements must be sent to your host faculties.

Your stay certificates must be sent to [email protected]. A fee will be charged for each period (arrival & departure). Mobility - Certificate (simple) (uottawa.ca).

Unfortunately, exchange students must wait for an acceptance letter from the University of Ottawa with an assigned student number to access our housing system and submit a request. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot in our residences for exchange students.

We suggest you contact our off-campus housing team, which can help with off-campus accommodation, at [email protected].

You will need a study permit to work during your exchange in Ottawa. Please consult our immigration advisers for more information. Immigration | Current students (uottawa.ca).

As an exchange student, you can purchase a U-Pass, which entitles you to ride public transit anywhere in Ottawa or Gatineau. This pass is optional: if you wish to opt in, you must submit a request online in uoZone. If you have questions, contact [email protected].

The UHIP is mandatory for all international students. No exceptions can be made.

The UHIP will automatically be added to your account by mid-August for the fall term and academic year and by mid-December for the winter term.

For any assistance regarding your statement of account and the payment of your fees, please contact [email protected].

Exchange students have free access to the Gee-Gee Sports Complex. All you need is your uOttawa student card. You will need to order this card once you are in Canada. Get your card in person | Current students (uottawa.ca). If you have questions, contact [email protected].