University of Ottawa Cost & Aid: International Student Guide 2026

University of Ottawa Cost & Financial Aid for International Students 2026

What it actually costs to attend University of Ottawa as an international student — tuition, living costs, hidden fees, financial aid pathways.

Total annual cost at University of Ottawa for international students is approximately CAD 21,000 to 27,000 total annual cost for domestic students; CAD 44,000 to 63,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Ottawa cost of living is materially below Toronto or Vancouver — single rooms CAD 700-1,000 per month in central neighborhoods. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships are available, including the President's Scholarship and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage (tuition Domestic Canadian undergraduate tuition CAD 7,000 to 9,000 per year (Ontario tuition freeze applies since 2019); international undergraduate tuition CAD 30,000 to 45,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry are at the higher end, with the four-year MD program substantially more expensive), living costs CAD 14,000 to 18,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Ottawa — Sandy Hill, ByWard Market, Lowertown, and Centretown rentals run CAD 700-1,000 per month for a single room in shared accommodation, with private studios at CAD 1,200-1,800 per month. Materially below Toronto (CAD 18,000-22,000) or Vancouver (CAD 18,000-24,000)).

Cost breakdown

Item	Range
Tuition (international)	Domestic Canadian undergraduate tuition CAD 7,000 to 9,000 per year (Ontario tuition freeze applies since 2019); international undergraduate tuition CAD 30,000 to 45,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry are at the higher end, with the four-year MD program substantially more expensive)
Living costs (housing + lifestyle)	CAD 14,000 to 18,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Ottawa — Sandy Hill, ByWard Market, Lowertown, and Centretown rentals run CAD 700-1,000 per month for a single room in shared accommodation, with private studios at CAD 1,200-1,800 per month. Materially below Toronto (CAD 18,000-22,000) or Vancouver (CAD 18,000-24,000)
Total annual	CAD 21,000 to 27,000 total annual cost for domestic students; CAD 44,000 to 63,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Ottawa cost of living is materially below Toronto or Vancouver — single rooms CAD 700-1,000 per month in central neighborhoods. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships are available, including the President's Scholarship and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage

For comparison, the average international tuition across Canada is around CAD 30,000–55,000/year.

Estimates based on publicly disclosed tuition and typical city living costs. Exchange rates, personal spending, and scholarship aid can shift actual costs materially. How we source data.

Common questions

What is the total annual cost of University of Ottawa for international students?

Total annual: CAD 21,000 to 27,000 total annual cost for domestic students; CAD 44,000 to 63,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Ottawa cost of living is materially below Toronto or Vancouver — single rooms CAD 700-1,000 per month in central neighborhoods. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships are available, including the President's Scholarship and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage. Tuition: Domestic Canadian undergraduate tuition CAD 7,000 to 9,000 per year (Ontario tuition freeze applies since 2019); international undergraduate tuition CAD 30,000 to 45,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry are at the higher end, with the four-year MD program substantially more expensive). Living costs: CAD 14,000 to 18,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Ottawa — Sandy Hill, ByWard Market, Lowertown, and Centretown rentals run CAD 700-1,000 per month for a single room in shared accommodation, with private studios at CAD 1,200-1,800 per month. Materially below Toronto (CAD 18,000-22,000) or Vancouver (CAD 18,000-24,000).

What is tuition at University of Ottawa?

Tuition at University of Ottawa: Domestic Canadian undergraduate tuition CAD 7,000 to 9,000 per year (Ontario tuition freeze applies since 2019); international undergraduate tuition CAD 30,000 to 45,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry are at the higher end, with the four-year MD program substantially more expensive).

What are typical living costs at University of Ottawa?

Living costs: CAD 14,000 to 18,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Ottawa — Sandy Hill, ByWard Market, Lowertown, and Centretown rentals run CAD 700-1,000 per month for a single room in shared accommodation, with private studios at CAD 1,200-1,800 per month. Materially below Toronto (CAD 18,000-22,000) or Vancouver (CAD 18,000-24,000).

How does University of Ottawa compare on cost to other universities in Canada?

Total annual cost at University of Ottawa is approximately CAD 21,000 to 27,000 total annual cost for domestic students; CAD 44,000 to 63,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Ottawa cost of living is materially below Toronto or Vancouver — single rooms CAD 700-1,000 per month in central neighborhoods. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships are available, including the President's Scholarship and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage (tuition Domestic Canadian undergraduate tuition CAD 7,000 to 9,000 per year (Ontario tuition freeze applies since 2019); international undergraduate tuition CAD 30,000 to 45,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry are at the higher end, with the four-year MD program substantially more expensive)). For context, the average international tuition across Canada is around CAD 30,000–55,000/year.