University · Ottawa, Ontario

University of Ottawa Scholarships & Financial Aid

The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is Canada's largest bilingual university and offers generous entrance scholarships — many of which are automatic based on your admission average. uOttawa's bilingual programs can be a financial advantage, as French-language and bilingual study options may qualify for additional provincial and institutional awards.

Chancellor's Scholarship: Up to $30,000 (competitive) Automatic merit awards: $1,000–$4,000 based on admission average Bilingual advantage: Additional awards for French Immersion and bilingual programs Need-based bursaries: Through uOttawa Financial Aid & Awards
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Quick facts — University of Ottawa Scholarships & Financial Aid
Chancellor's Scholarship Up to $30,000 (competitive)
Automatic merit awards $1,000–$4,000 based on admission average
Bilingual advantage Additional awards for French Immersion and bilingual programs
Need-based bursaries Through uOttawa Financial Aid & Awards
Co-op program Available in multiple faculties
Location Ottawa, Ontario
Last verified March 2026
Entrance scholarships

uOttawa offers a range of entrance awards:

  • Automatic admission scholarship: $1,000–$4,000 based on admission average (no application required)
  • Chancellor's Scholarship: Up to $30,000 — competitive, application required, for top students
  • Faculty-specific entrance awards: Engineering, Science, Health Sciences, Telfer Business all have dedicated awards
  • French Immersion Entrance Bursary: $1,000 for students entering the French Immersion Stream
Pro tip: Use our free 5-step quiz to see which of these programs you're eligible for — and get a ranked list of matching scholarships, grants, and bursaries in under 3 minutes. Take the quiz →
Bilingual advantage

Being bilingual or studying in French at uOttawa can unlock additional funding:

  • French Immersion Stream bursary: $1,000 entrance bursary for immersion students
  • Ontario French-language post-secondary bursary: Provincial funding for studying in French
  • Bilingual graduates are highly competitive for federal government co-op placements (many require bilingualism)
  • uOttawa is the largest bilingual university in the world — strong institutional support for French-language learners
Tips for uOttawa students

Practical advice for maximizing aid at uOttawa:

  • Automatic entrance awards require no application — but check your eligibility for the Chancellor's Scholarship separately
  • Consider the French Immersion Stream even if your French isn't perfect — the bursary and career advantages are significant
  • uOttawa's co-op program places many students with the federal government in Ottawa — great for networking and earning
  • Apply for institutional bursaries through uoZone every year on top of OSAP

Frequently asked questions

Automatic entrance scholarships generally start at 80%+ admission average, with higher amounts at 85%, 90%, and 95%+ thresholds. Check the uOttawa website for the current scholarship grid.
No. uOttawa offers programs in English, French, and bilingual (French Immersion) streams. You can study entirely in English if you prefer.
The Chancellor's Scholarship is uOttawa's most prestigious entrance award, worth up to $30,000. It requires a separate application and is highly competitive.
Yes. Ontario residents at uOttawa can receive OSAP grants and loans. Apply through ontario.ca/osap and also apply for uOttawa's institutional bursaries through uoZone.
Yes. uOttawa provides graduate scholarships, research and teaching assistantships, and the Admission Scholarship for incoming graduate students. Check the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
Your next steps
1
Take the free quiz. Answer 5 quick questions about your province, program, year, and background — no sign-up required.
2
Review your matches. Get a ranked list of scholarships, grants, and bursaries tailored to your exact profile.
3
Apply directly. Click through to each official program page and apply before the deadline.
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Official source: Financial Aid & Awards – University of Ottawa · Last verified: March 2026 · Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying.

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