University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa, located in the heart of a G7 capital, is the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university, where students can choose to study in English, French or both.
Founded in 1848, the university is home to 48,000 students from 155 countries enrolled in nine faculties: Arts, Law, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Science, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and the Telfer School of Management.
The University of Ottawa ranks amongst the top 1% of universities in the World. Its focal areas of research include health, e-society, Canada and the world, and molecular and environmental sciences.
Why NCUK is your best route to University
110+
NCUK Study Centres around the world
60+
International University Partners
50,000+
Students placed at university
9,000+
Degree Courses across our University Partners
100+
Student nationalities choose to study with NCUK
87%
of students get into their 1st or 2nd choice university
Life at the University of Ottawa
Student Life at the University of Ottawa
With over 350 student clubs and a wide range of sports, cultural and recreational activities and events, you’ll never be bored at uOttawa!
Exercise is one way to promote wellness and staying active has never been easier than at the University of Ottawa! Join one of its intramural sports leagues, choose from a range of fitness classes, or make the most of the various sports facilities on campus. You have the opportunity to take part in exciting, action-packed events to make you feel part of the Gee-Gees community. Check out the calendar of events for more info!
The University of Ottawa hosts several festivals during the year, including Pride Week, the Winter Festival, the Mois de la Francophonie, etc. Are you a foodie? You’ll surely find something delicious to savour at uOttawa’s Poutine Festival or Comfort Food Festival. Why not pursue your interests and hobbies by joining one of many student clubs that focus on cultural, religious, sports or other interests, which are sponsored by the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU). You can also get to know your peers and learn about opportunities in your field of study by joining your student association.
Careers at the University of Ottawa
uOttawa prides itself on making sure you are ready for the workplace. Gain valuable professionals skills with top employers through its co-op, internship, and work-study programs; become a global citizen by taking part in an international exchange; or start doing research right away as an undergraduate. Learning by doing is the best way to leverage your skills in your chosen field. Nine out of ten uOttawa students participate in hands-on learning.
uOttawa supplements its excellent academic programs with an early focus on aligning what you learn with the career you want. Take advantage of the support provided by the Career Development Centre and start planning now. You can learn more about academic programs and the job opportunities they lead to.
City Life at the University of Ottawa
Live in the Heart of Canada’s Capital. As the only university in downtown Ottawa, uOttawa offers an exciting city lifestyle. Whether you’re an urban explorer or nature lover, you’ll enjoy a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere in a revitalised capital.
Adventure awaits in every season! Go whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, or relax on a nearby beach. With 600 km of cycling paths and Gatineau Park’s 165 km of trails, outdoor lovers have endless options. In winter, skate the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a break from studying and dive into the city’s culture. Browse fresh produce at the ByWard Market, experience Winterlude, RBC Bluesfest, and the Canadian Tulip Festival, or watch the sound and light show on Parliament Hill. Visit the National Gallery and six other national museums. And, of course, don’t miss out on Ottawa’s famous BeaverTails! With its perfect blend of excitement and accessibility, Ottawa is the ultimate student city.
Student Support at the University of Ottawa
uOttawa’s healthy environment and stable culture make for an ideal setting for learning and personal growth. Join more than 10,600 international students from 150+ countries at uOttawa. The university’s global outlook includes a warm welcome and a wide range of support services, including international student mentors to help you settle in and learn about Canadian life.
Missing home? Find someone you can relate to at the Regional Mentoring Centre. The team of friendly mentors from different regions in Canada and around the world is there to help you transition smoothly into university life and answer all your questions.
Taking good care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. The University provides free services for students to help you overcome any challenges you may be facing, whether personal or academic, that are preventing you from reaching your goals and making the most of your time at university. If you’re in distress or feel you need to speak to someone confidentially, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Counselling and Coaching Service.
Student Accommodation at the University of Ottawa
Feel right at home living in one of 11 residences at uOttawa either on or off campus, or get tips on living in nearby neighbourhoods.
Make new friends, get involved in your community and access programs and resources. Studies have shown that first-year students who stay in residence adjust better to university and receive more support than those who live off campus.
Facilities at the University of Ottawa
Five new cutting-edge facilities have been opened in the past eight years. These sleek, modern spaces complement the rich architectural history of the Ottawa campus, dating back to the 19th century.
New additions include the STEM Complex, Learning Crossroads, LabO black box theatre, Advanced Research Complex and Lees football dome. These high-tech facilities represent a next-gen evolution, standing proudly among buildings with deep roots, such as Tabaret Hall, Hagen Hall and Alex Trebek Alumni Hall.
Depending on your course, year of study and learning needs, classes at uOttawa can vary from lectures in large halls to intimate discussion groups to labs. Large or small, most of uOttawa’s classrooms are equipped with wireless internet and LCD screens.
Sports & Clubs at the University of Ottawa
uOttawa’s three sports centres will help you stay active and healthy. Montpetit Hall is equipped with gymnasiums, an Olympic-sized pool, a fitness centre, saunas and studio spaces for martial arts, yoga and more. The Minto Sports Complex includes two ice rinks, two squash courts, a fitness centre and a FIFA two-star certified soccer pitch. The Lees campus is home to uOttawa’s football field and a 7,000 square foot gymnasium. Give yourself a sporting chance!
The “GGs” nickname was taken from the initials of uOttawa’s colours. It was eventually combined with the horse-racing term “gee-gee,” meaning the first horse out of the starting gate, and the horse mascot was born!
- -Basketball (Men’s and Women’s)
- -Football
- -Ice Hockey (Men’s and Women’s)
- -Rugby (Men’s and Women’s)
- -Soccer (Men’s and Women’s)
- -Swimming (Men’s and Women’s)
- -Volleyball (Women’s)
Sustainability at the University of Ottawa
At the University of Ottawa, sustainability isn’t just a job; it’s a lens through which the university sees the world. The Office of Campus Sustainability (part of Facilities Services) strives to have sustainability integrated into daily life on campus in as many ways as possible, big and small — from taking notes on scrap paper to designing more energy-efficient campus facilities. It all matters, and often results in significant cost savings to the University and its students in addition to reducing its impact on the environment.
The University of Ottawa ranks in the top 100 globally for sustainability. The Office of Campus Sustainability ensures that the campus is ethical and green, and that buildings reflect this commitment to sustainable development. For example, the Social Sciences Building contains a six-storey living wall with 2,000 plants from 12 different species, and 80% of the building’s heating needs are met through heat redistribution. uOttawa has also joined 15 other Canadian universities in adopting a charter on responsible investment.
Rankings
Ranked in the Top 10 in Canada (QS World University Rankings 2025)
The world's largest bilingual English-French university
