Studying in Canada is a dream for many, but with rising global inflation and tuition costs, finding the right financial support is no longer just a “bonus”—it’s a necessity. The University of Ottawa (uOttawa), located in the heart of Canada’s capital, continues to lead the way in 2026 with one of the most robust and accessible scholarship portfolios in North America.
Whether you are an aspiring engineer from India, a future diplomat from Nigeria, or a science enthusiast from Vietnam, this guide breaks down every dollar available to you at uOttawa this year.
1. 2026 Scholarship Quick-Fact Table
| Scholarship Name | Value (CAD) | Criteria | Application Type |
| English Admission Scholarship | $60,000 | 80%+ Average | Automatic |
| English Excellence Award | $10,000 | 90%+ Average | Automatic |
| Differential Fee Exemption | $80,000+ | French/Immersion | Automatic |
| President’s Scholarship | $30,000 | 92%+ & Leadership | Separate Application |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | $26,000 | 92%+ & Leadership | Separate Application |
| International Doctoral Award | $45,000 | PhD Admitted | Automatic |
2. The Big Three: Automatic Entrance Awards
The best part about uOttawa is that you don’t always need a separate application. You are automatically evaluated when you apply for your program.
A. International English Admission Scholarship ($60,000)
This is the “workhorse” scholarship for 2026. It is specifically designed for students from Africa, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea entering English-taught programs.
- Total Value: $7,500 per term for up to 4 years.
- Faculties: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, and the Telfer School of Management.
- Eligibility: Must be an international student with a valid study permit and an admission average of at least 80%.
B. International English Academic Excellence Scholarship ($10,000)
New for the 2026 intake, this can be stacked with the Admission scholarship above.
- Value: $5,000 per term (first year only).
- Eligibility: High-achieving students with an admission average of 90% or higher.
C. The French Immersion “Tuition Hack” (Differential Fee Exemption)
This is arguably the most valuable financial aid in Canada. If you study in French or the French Immersion stream (taking at least 3 courses per term in French), uOttawa waives the international tuition surcharge.
- Savings: You pay the same tuition as a Canadian student. This saves you roughly $25,000 to $36,000 per year.
- Total Savings: Over $100,000 across a 4-year degree.
3. Prestige Scholarships: For the Global Leaders
If you are at the top of your class and have a history of community service, you should apply for the Prestige Awards. Deadline: March 31, 2026.
- President’s Scholarship: Awarded to one international student. It provides $30,000 over four years.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: Awarded to one international student, providing $26,000 over four years.
- The Application: Requires a 500-word personal statement, a list of extracurricular achievements, and two letters of recommendation.
4. Faculty-Specific “Top-Up” Awards
Many students leave money on the table because they don’t check their specific faculty. In 2026, these are the top automatic top-ups:
- Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Merit: $4,000 to $5,000 based on 90%+ average.
- Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit: $4,000 total ($1,000/year).
- Faculty of Social Sciences Excellence Award: $1,500 (one-time).
5. Maintenance Rules: How to Keep Your Money
Getting the scholarship is only half the battle. To keep the funds flowing in Year 2, 3, and 4, you must follow these 2026/27 retention rules:
- Full-Time Status: You must be enrolled in at least 12 units (4 courses) per term.
- The GPA Bar: For the English Admission scholarship, you simply need to remain in good academic standing. However, for Faculty-specific awards (like the Arts Merit), you may need a CGPA of 8.0 or 9.0 (out of 10.0).
- French Requirement: For the Tuition Exemption, if you drop below 3 French courses in a term, you will be billed the full international rate immediately.
6. 2026 Real-World Cost of Living in Ottawa
A scholarship covers tuition, but what about life? Under the current 2026 IRCC rules, you must prove you have $20,635 CAD for living expenses. Here is the realistic monthly breakdown:
- Rent (Shared/Off-Campus): $850 – $1,200
- Groceries: $350 – $500
- Phone & Internet: $120
- Personal/Misc: $250
- Total Monthly: $1,570 – $2,070 CAD
Pro-Tip: Your uOttawa student card includes a U-Pass, which gives you unlimited free access to the city’s bus and light-rail (LRT) system. This saves you ~$130 per month!
7. The 2026 Application Roadmap
- September – December 2025: Prepare your transcripts and take your IELTS/TOEFL (Aim for 6.5+).
- January – February 2026: Submit your admission application via OUAC.
- March 1, 2026: Deadline for most Prestige Scholarship applications.
- April 1, 2026: Final deadline for international admission for the Fall term.
- May – June 2026: Receive your “Offer of Admission,” which will explicitly state your scholarship amount.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I combine the English Scholarship and the French Exemption?
- A: No. You must choose one. If you are bilingual, the French Exemption is almost always the better financial deal.
- Q: Do I need an APS Certificate?
- A: If you are applying from India, China, or Vietnam, yes. You must obtain your APS Certificate before applying for your study permit to avoid delays.
- Q: Is there an application fee?
- A: Yes, generally between $100 – $156 CAD, depending on the portal used.
- Can I work while studying in Canada?
- Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies.
- Is IELTS mandatory?
- Most programs require English or French proficiency, but some accept alternative proof.
9. Official Links & Resources
- Scholarship Search Tool: uOttawa Online Scholarships
- International Admissions: Apply Here
- Residence & Housing: uOttawa Housing Fees