University of Ottawa Scholarships in Canada 2025-2026

After years of exploring global education trends and helping students find scholarships, I can confidently say this: the University of Ottawa is more than just a great school—it’s a real opportunity for students who dream of studying in Canada.

If you’re looking for fully funded scholarships in Canada for 2025–2026—whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program—here’s some exciting news.

The University of Ottawa Scholarships for 2025–2026 are now open. And they’re not just generous—they can be life-changing. These scholarships are built to support talented international students and welcome them into one of Canada’s most vibrant and bilingual campuses. Whether you’re into law, medicine, engineering, or the social sciences, this could be your chance to study in Canada without the financial stress.

In this guide, I’ll break everything down for you—what scholarships are available, what they cover, who can apply, and how to get started. I’ve helped many students through this process, so I know it can feel confusing at first. But don’t worry—I’ll keep things clear, simple, and to the point.

Let’s dive into what the University of Ottawa is offering to the next wave of global changemakers.

Background Context

When I started writing about scholarships and education over ten years ago, one school really stood out to me—the University of Ottawa. It wasn’t just because of its strong academic programs, but also because it supports both English and French, welcomes students from all backgrounds, and works hard to make education accessible to everyone.

Located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, the university has a long and interesting history. It was first founded in 1848 by the Catholic Church and called the College of Bytown. In 1866, it became a university and changed its name to the College of Ottawa. A big moment came in 1965, when the university became independent from the church. This allowed it to focus more on academic freedom and open learning for all.

Today, the University of Ottawa has more than 40,000 students and offers programs in both English and French. It’s a place where students from around the world come to learn, grow, and connect.

Overview of the Scholarship Program

I’ve reviewed many international scholarships, and I can honestly say the University of Ottawa Scholarships for 2025–2026 are some of the best out there. They’re generous, easy to access, and created to welcome students from all over the world.

These scholarships are open to students applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs—even short-term and microprograms. The best part? For many of these scholarships, you don’t need to apply separately. If you get into an eligible program, you’ll be automatically considered for several awards.

Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, or anywhere else, the University of Ottawa wants to support your dreams. Their goal is to help students overcome financial challenges and succeed at one of Canada’s top universities.

Types of Scholarships Offered

When helping students plan for scholarships, I always say it’s important to understand your options. The University of Ottawa offers many types of funding to support students at every stage. Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

Types of Scholarships Offered

When I work with students on their scholarship planning, I always recommend taking a close look at the types of funding available—and the University of Ottawa doesn’t disappoint. There are dozens of options designed to support students at every level of study. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility/Notes
Admission Scholarship	$1,000 – $4,000	Automatically awarded based on high school grades
French Studies Bursary	Up to $1,000/year	For students enrolled in Civil Law programs taught in French
Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language	$3,000	For students taking a degree program in French as a second language
Professional Training Scholarship	Up to $1,000	For students in Law, Education, or MD programs
President’s Scholarship	$30,000 total	$7,500 per year; highly competitive
Chancellor’s Scholarship	$26,000 total	$6,500 annually
Merit Scholarship	$1,000 per term	For full-time undergraduate students with strong grades
Dean’s Excellence Award (Social Sciences)	$1,500	Based on academic merit and leadership
Jean Chrétien Scholarship (Social Sciences)	$5,000 minimum	Awarded for excellence in social science programs
Fleur de Lys Admission Scholarship	$10,000 total	$2,500 per year for French-speaking students
Student Mobility Scholarship	$1,000–$2,000	For international study terms
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption	Varies	For international students to reduce tuition to domestic rates
Excellence Scholarship for African Students (English)	Varies by program	For African students enrolled in English programs

Master’s Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Amount	Notes
Admission Scholarship	$7,500/year	Automatically awarded upon admission
Tuition Fee Exemption	Varies	Based on program; international students qualify
Special Merit Scholarship	Varies	Competitive; for exceptional students
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	$25,000 + $1,000 research	Female applicants preferred; highly competitive

PhD Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Amount	Notes
Admission Scholarship	$72,000 over 4 years	Automatically granted upon admission
International Doctoral Scholarship	Varies	For students without tuition waivers
Special Merit Scholarship	Varies	Competitive award for academic excellence
Mitacs Globalink Fellowship	Varies	Supports research collaboration with Canadian faculty
Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)	$35,000 + $2,000 research	Includes funding for academic research

These scholarship programs are fully backed by the University of Ottawa, the Government of Canada, and trusted partner organizations. For more on how these funding options are supported, visit EduCanada’s official site, which is managed by Global Affairs Canada.

Scholarship Benefits

When I help students plan their academic journey, I always stress this: a good scholarship doesn’t just cover tuition—it changes your life. That’s exactly what the University of Ottawa Scholarships in Canada 2025-2026 aim to do. These awards go far beyond basic tuition relief. They offer a complete support system to help international students settle, study, and succeed in Canada.

Here’s what you can expect from these fully funded scholarships:

✅ Tuition Coverage: Most scholarships pay partial or full tuition based on your academic performance.
✅ Living Expenses: Some awards help cover housing, food, and everyday costs, reducing the pressure to work part-time.
✅ Medical Insurance: Scholars are often covered under Canada’s student health plans. Learn more at UHIP.
✅ Books & Supplies: Select scholarships include support for academic materials.
✅ Travel Support: Some scholarships (like the Student Mobility Program awards) cover travel between countries for international terms or research work.

This kind of financial support helps students stay focused on what really matters: learning, growing, and building a better future.

Fields of Study at the University of Ottawa

I’ve explored hundreds of degree programs across the globe, and few universities match the depth and variety that the University of Ottawa offers. Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, there’s likely a program that matches your passion.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:

Degree Level	Approximate Number of Programs	Details
Undergraduate	500+	Programs in sciences, social sciences, engineering, business, arts, and health sciences
Master’s	100+	Research-based and coursework-based degrees across disciplines
PhD	100+	Advanced doctoral studies with options for global research collaborations

The University’s Program Finder is a great tool if you want to explore in detail. You can search by level, language, and faculty.

Some of the most sought-after areas of study include:

Engineering & Technology
Health Sciences (including Medicine & Nursing)
Law (Civil and Common Law)
Business Administration
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies

Thanks to Canada’s bilingual education model, many of these programs are offered in English, French, or both—opening more doors for global students.

Eligibility Criteria

One of the most common questions I get from students is: “Am I eligible?” And I always say: don’t assume—check the details. The University of Ottawa offers so many scholarships that the criteria can vary widely. But here are the general rules to keep in mind:

🎓 Undergraduate Scholarships

Must have high academic achievement from a recognized secondary school.
Some scholarships require proof of French language skills, especially for French-language programs.
Must be international (non-Canadian) to qualify for most entrance awards.

Check the latest undergraduate scholarship requirements on this page.

🎓 Master’s Scholarships

Need a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
May require research experience or high GPA (generally above 75%).
Some awards are open only to students from certain regions (e.g., Africa, Asia, Latin America).

Details for graduate-level awards are available on the uOttawa Graduate Studies website.

🎓 PhD Scholarships

Need a recognized master’s degree or equivalent.
Must demonstrate research skills, publications, or thesis work.
Preference often given to those with prior academic excellence or international collaborations.

For PhD-specific criteria, refer to the Doctoral Admissions Guide.

Also, remember: some scholarships (like automatic merit-based awards) don’t require a separate application. But others (like OGS or Mitacs Globalink) do—and often have earlier deadlines.

*How to Apply for the University of Ottawa*

How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships 2025–2026

Applying to a university in another country can seem confusing, but don’t worry—the University of Ottawa makes the process simple. I’ve helped many students do it, and you can too. Just follow these steps.

Easy Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Create Your uOttawa Account
Go to the University of Ottawa admissions page and make an account on the uoZone portal. This is where you’ll manage your application.

2. Choose Your Program
Use the Program Finder tool on the website to pick a program that matches your interests. You can search by program type, language (English or French), and subject area.

3. Fill Out the Online Application

If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree, apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
If you’re applying for a Master’s or PhD, apply directly through the University of Ottawa website.

4. Upload Your Documents
You’ll need to upload some important files, like:

School transcripts
A statement about why you want to study there (Statement of Purpose)
Letters of recommendation
Language test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or DELF/DALF)

5. Apply for Scholarships (If Needed)
Many scholarships are automatic—you get considered once you’re accepted. But some, like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), need a separate application. Always check the details.

6. Track Your Application
After you submit everything, you can log in to check the status of your application or upload anything that’s missing.

💬 Need help? Don’t be afraid to contact the university’s international student office. They’re super helpful and ready to support you.

Important Scholarship Deadlines (2025–2026)

Don’t wait until the last minute! Deadlines depend on the program and scholarship. Here’s a rough timeline:

Scholarship/Program	Deadline	Notes
Undergraduate Programs	January 15, 2025	Apply through OUAC
Master’s & PhD Programs	Feb–April 2025	Varies by program
President’s & Chancellor’s Awards	February 28, 2025	Needs separate application
Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)	March 2025 (TBA)	Check official site
Mitacs Globalink Research Awards	Rolling (apply early!)	Visit Mitacs website

💡 Tip: Always double-check the latest dates on the university’s website.

Why You Should Apply Now

From my experience, I can tell you these scholarships aren’t just about free tuition—they’re a chance to do something amazing. You could join research projects, meet people from all over the world, and build a future you’re proud of.

With full funding, a bilingual learning environment, and tons of great programs, this could be the perfect time to start your journey in Canada. I’ve seen these scholarships change lives—especially for students who thought studying abroad was out of reach.