University of Ottawa Scholarships & Awards 2026 — Financial Support for International Students

The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) offers a wide range of scholarships, awards, and financial support programs designed to help students succeed academically while reducing the financial burden of higher education. As one of Canada’s leading bilingual universities, uOttawa is committed to attracting talented students from around the world and supporting them throughout their academic journey.

These funding opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate, and international students, based on merit, need, leadership, research excellence, and community engagement.

Overview of Scholarships & Financial Support

The University of Ottawa provides multiple forms of financial assistance, including:

• Entrance scholarships for new students
• Merit-based awards recognizing academic excellence
• Need-based financial aid and bursaries
• Faculty-specific and program-specific scholarships
• Graduate research funding and assistantships
• Awards for leadership, innovation, and community service

Together, these opportunities help ensure that talented students can access quality education regardless of financial background.

Entrance Scholarships

Entrance scholarships are automatically considered for students at the time of admission, particularly for undergraduate applicants with strong academic records.

Key Features

• Awarded based on academic merit
• Available to domestic and international students
• Renewable in some cases, subject to academic performance

These scholarships reward high-achieving students and help ease the transition into university life.

Undergraduate Scholarships & Awards

Undergraduate students at uOttawa can benefit from a variety of scholarships throughout their studies, including:

• Merit-based scholarships for continued academic excellence
• Faculty and discipline-specific awards
• Leadership and extracurricular involvement awards
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion-based scholarships

Students are encouraged to maintain strong academic standing and actively participate in campus and community life to remain competitive for these awards.

Graduate Scholarships & Funding

Graduate students have access to a robust funding ecosystem that supports advanced studies and research.

Graduate Funding Opportunities Include

• University-funded scholarships and fellowships
• Teaching and research assistantships
• External scholarships administered through uOttawa
• Faculty-based research grants and stipends

Many graduate programs offer funding packages that combine scholarships with assistantships, enabling students to focus on research and academic development.

Need-Based Financial Aid & Bursaries

To support students facing financial challenges, uOttawa offers:

• Need-based bursaries
• Emergency financial assistance
• Targeted aid for students from underrepresented or vulnerable backgrounds

These supports are designed to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent students from continuing their education.

Special & Prestigious Awards

The University of Ottawa also administers several prestigious scholarships aimed at recognizing exceptional achievement in areas such as:

• Academic excellence
• Research innovation
• Leadership and public service
• International engagement
• Community impact

These awards often carry significant financial value and provide recognition that strengthens academic and professional profiles.

Application & Selection Process

While some scholarships are automatically awarded, others require a separate application. Selection criteria may include:

• Academic performance
• Personal statements or motivation letters
• Letters of recommendation
• Leadership, research, or community involvement

Students are advised to track deadlines carefully and prepare strong applications where required.

Why Choose uOttawa for Funded Study?

Studying at the University of Ottawa offers more than financial support:

• One of Canada’s top research universities
• Strong focus on international students
• Bilingual learning environment (English & French)
• Located in Canada’s capital, close to government, NGOs, and global institutions
• Excellent pathways to careers, research, and graduate studies

Combined with scholarships and financial aid, uOttawa provides a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.

The University of Ottawa Scholarships & Awards 2026 reflect a strong commitment to student success, equity, and excellence. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, or international student, uOttawa offers numerous opportunities to fund your education and achieve your academic goals in Canada.