Determine if you’re eligible 

To be eligible, you must: 

• Submit your complete online application by March 31 ( for fall term, full academic year and winter term). 
• Meet the language proficiency requirements (see below). 

Application process  

1. Email uOttawa to indicate that you want to apply. We will give you a link to complete your file online via MoveOn (our online application system). The application deadline is March 31 (for Fall term, Full academic year and the Winter term).
2. Pay a $106 processing fee. 
3. All applications must have the following documents: 
   • All of your official university transcripts in English or French, including grading scales. 
   • Official language proficiency test results, if required (check language requirements below). 
   • A scanned copy of your valid passport or national identity document. 
   • Students in Common Law, Civil Law, Theatre, Visual Arts, Music and graduate students must also submit the following additional documents: 
   • Letter of motivation (written in the language of instruction of the exchange, maximum one page). This letter should elaborate on your interests and academic objectives for your exchange program at the University of Ottawa. 
   • Resume (maximum two pages). 
   • Academic Reference Form (PDF, 120KB) or a letter of recommendation. 
   • Visual Arts students must submit a portfolio. 
   • Music students can participate in the exchange program for the full. academic year only and must submit a performance (YouTube video link) with their application.  

Language proficiency 

Courses offered at the University of Ottawa are given in English or French.  

You must submit a language proficiency test (with results that will be no more than two years’ old by the end of the exchange period) in the language you wish to study in, if that language is not your mother tongue. 

Language requirements for undergraduate studies 

In French

For all programs, you must meet the required score for one of these tests. Test scores are only valid for two years, including the exchange period. 

• DALF  Required score: C1 or C2 
• DELF  Required score: B2 
• TEF    Required score: B2
• TCF    Required score: B2 

Note: Even if you achieve the required score, we reserve the right to ask you to take language classes if we feel that your knowledge of one of our two official languages isn’t satisfactory.   

In English

For all programs offered in a direct-entry faculty, you must meet the required score for one of these tests. Test scores are only valid for two years, including the exchange period. 

TOEFL (University of Ottawa Institution Code: 0993): 

• Internet: Overall score: 86, Required score in written section: 22 
• Computer: Overall score: 237, Required score in written section: 4,5 
• Paper-based: Overall score: 580, Required score in written section: 4,5 

IELTS 

• Internet: Overall score: 6,5 
• Computer: Required score in written section: 6,5
• Paper-based: Academic category, not general

Cambridge English Language Assessment 

• Internet: Overall score: B2 

Duolingo 

• Internet: Overall score: 120 

Note: Even if you achieve the required score, we reserve the right to ask you to take language classes if we feel that your knowledge of one of our two official languages isn’t satisfactory. 

Faculty of Law, Common Law applicants must have one of the following scores:   

• TOEFL Overall score of 100 and a written score of 24 
• IELTS Overall score of 7 and a written score of 6.5
• Cambridge English Language Assessment Overall score of C1 

Students exempt from taking an English language proficiency test 

Students from the following countries.  

• Denmark
• Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• Finland
• Iceland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Singapore
• Students from all countries where English is an official language (Canada, United States, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, etc.) 
• Students from the following institutions: University of Cooperative Education — Loerrach, University of Mannheim: You must provide your results from the University of Mannheim Language Certificate test. 

Translation and English (undergraduate) students are exempt from submitting a TOEFL score except if they wish to take classes outside of the Department of English or the School of Translation and Interpretation. 

Tests not accepted by the University of Ottawa 

• Proficiency tests administered by home institutions 
• TOEFLI (Institutional TOEFL) 
• TOEFL-ITP 
• TOEIC 

Language requirements for graduate studies 

See our graduate language requirements by program (select a program). 

Select desired courses

Undergraduate

• Submit a list of five courses per term and enrol in four or five courses per term. Undergraduate courses are those offered at the 1000 to 4000 level. 
• You must attend all your lectures (LEC), laboratories (LAB) and discussion groups (DGD).
• Some of the courses listed in the faculty course calendar above aren’t offered every year. To avoid scheduling conflicts, check the course timetable when selecting your courses.  
• You can’t take courses as an auditor. 
• Six-unit courses run from September to April. Three-unit courses run from September to December or from January to April. If you enrol for one term only, consider the duration and the start and end dates for each course. 
• Courses access restrictions 
• Prerequisites: You can’t enrol in a course if you haven’t already taken the prerequisites. 
• Restricted faculties: You can’t enrol in courses from the Telfer School of Management (course codes ADM, MGT or MBA), the Faculty of Medicine or the Faculty of Education. 
• Language: Ensure that you meet the language requirements for the courses you choose. 
• Restricted courses: Mandatory courses in some programs may be reserved for University of Ottawa students, and visiting international students are not eligible to take them. 
  • Course restrictions at the Undergraduate and Graduate Level

We can’t guarantee your place in the courses you select. Some have limited enrolment or prerequisites. 

Enrol in your courses as soon as possible. 

Note: Submitting your preliminary course selection doesn’t mean you’re enrolled in these courses. 

You enrol once you’re accepted to the University of Ottawa. 

Finances 

Plan a budget that includes your tuition, as well as your rent or residence fees, books, travel and other living expenses. See our estimated university costs. 

You’re responsible for all other costs related to your stay in Canada.  UHIP health insurance is mandatory for all exchange students without exception. 

Travel documents  

Important: When booking a flight home, remember that you might have an exam on the last evening of the exam period (see Important academic dates and deadlines). No student can write their exams before other students. 

Immigration documents: Electronic Travel Authorization, visa and study permit 

See our immigration services. You can also email our immigration specialists.  

Start the steps to obtain the appropriate immigration documents for your stay in Ottawa. Depending on your citizenship and the duration of your exchange, you’ll need to apply for either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa, and possibly for a study permit. 

See if you need a visa to travel to Canada.   

As well, see the list of Canadian visa offices to find one that serves your country or region.  

Note: The processing time for a visa and/or study permit is much shorter if you apply online. To ensure you can be on campus for the beginning of the term, start your application when you receive your acceptance letter. 

Academic matters 

Course enrolment 

The enrolment period for exchange students usually starts in May, including for those coming for the Winter term (January).  

To maximize your chances of enrolling in the courses you want, enrol as soon as possible. Please note that your faculty can’t guarantee your place in a course unless you’re enrolled.  

Learn more about how to select your desired courses under Step 2.  

• Complete, sign and send your enrolment form to your uOttawa host faculty or academic unit. 
• The faculty or academic unit will confirm your final course enrolment with you. 

Student email 

Within 48 hours of enrolling in your courses, you’ll receive an email to your personal email account explaining how to access your @uOttawa email account.  Check your @uOttawa email account regularly.  

If you’re having trouble accessing any of your @uOttawa accounts after the 48 hours, fill out a service desk request. We’ll contact you using via your @uOttawa account. 

Student card 

Your uOttawa Card is your student identification. You can use it to  pay for items at over 100 locations on campus, borrow books from the library, access the gym or book an appointment with an academic adviser. Order your uOttawa Card online, or pick up your uOttawa Card in person when you arrive on campus. 

Enrol in a private health insurance plan 

You must enrol in a proper insurance plan in your home country to cover you during your stay at the University of Ottawa. 

Find housing 

On-campus housing 

You can live in a university residence on or near the campus. Please note that there are limited spaces in residence, and they’re offered on a first come, first served basis.  

Note: There’s no guarantee of on-campus accommodation for exchange students.   

Learn more about housing and residence life.  

Off-campus housing 

You can find your own housing close to the campus.  

• Many students live in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, near the University. Some houses nearby are owned and managed by the University. Contact the Resource Centre at offcamp1@uottawa.ca for more information and use the Housing Portal (via uoZone) to apply. 
• Unless you live in University housing, we recommend that you finalize your housing arrangements only once you arrive in Ottawa. This will let you meet the landlords and visit the housing (beware of scams!).  Plan to arrive early and set a few days aside for this. 
• For more information, visit the Off-Campus Housing Office and check the Student Housing Billboard. 

Meet with a mentor at the Regional Mentoring Centre 

The Regional Mentoring Centre offers a variety of valuable services to all University of Ottawa students.  

Our mentors are available to answer any questions you have. They’ve gone through experiences similar to yours. They can relate to your experiences and can often provide very useful advice during your transition.  

Meet with an academic advisor 

Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor from your host faculty to guide you through your studies and stimulate and enrich your learning experience. 
 

Academic support 

Graduate students: Use the email in your letter of acceptance.  

The Academic support helps students develop strategies and writing skills so you can: 

• Understand the requirements of academic writing. 
• Develop your argumentation skills. 
• Expand your critical thinking abilities. 
• Master the written language of your choice. 

The centre can also help you understand academic fraud, including plagiarism, to avoid sanctions, including expulsion from the University. To plagiarize is to borrow someone’s words or ideas without their name and other information and/or without using quotation marks (“...”).  

To avoid committing academic fraud, learn more about Academic integrity at uOttawa.

Get involved and meet new people 

There are many ways to get involved on campus, but here are some options: 

• Join a cultural club. 
• Participate in a socio-cultural activity.
• Attend an event hosted by the International House.  
• Learn while helping the community through the Centre for Community Engagement. 
• See our events calendar for non-academic activities. 
• Stay active and in good health by taking part in recreational activities or join a uOttawa Gee-Gees sports team. 

Useful contacts on campus