Canada shines as one of the world’s top study-abroad destinations. Thousands of international students flock to its shores every year, setting their eyes on the country’s promise of quality education, excellent job prospects and high quality of life. Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is one of the region’s best cities for foreign learners. Studying in Ottawa offers access to top academic institutions, such as the University of Ottawa, and allows students to pursue their education in a safe and welcoming environment rich with culture and dotted with stunning landscapes.
Why study in Ottawa, Canada
Is Ottawa good for international students? The capital city is preferred by many foreigners for its world-class educational programs, abundant employment opportunities and excellent student experience. Here are some reasons why international students should consider studying in Ottawa, Canada.
Highly ranked universities
Ottawa is known for its highly acclaimed education system. It’s home to several highly-ranked universities and colleges, including the University of Ottawa. These institutions offer international students with studying options spanning multiple disciplines, facilitated at different levels with a variety of subjects.
Ottawa also hosts a bilingual population, granting learners the chance to pick up the French language, either by pure immersion or through stand-alone language courses.
Safe and welcoming environment
Ottawa is one of Canada’s safest cities. This makes it an ideal choice for independent students who are moving to the region without their families.
Ottawa is also a multicultural city. One in four residents is an immigrant, so foreign students can connect with and learn from individuals of various backgrounds. They can also always find people of the same heritage, in case they want to go back to what’s familiar.
Exceptional student experience
Ottawa’s commitment to a burgeoning higher education system sets the tone for exceptional student experiences. Home to a large cohort of international students, the city’s academic institutions have laid robust foundations for support and guidance, ensuring that foreigners always have access to the resources they need to have the best education.
Universities also offer an abundance of activities offered by their clubs and organisations. Thus, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and hone their skills outside of the classroom.
Plentiful career opportunities
Ottawa’s diverse and booming job market opens up promising career opportunities for international students both while they study and after graduation. The city highly encourages students to stay and contribute to the city’s thriving labour sector through multiple post-study work pathways.
As the country’s capital city, Ottawa holds the government seat, offering several employment options in related sectors, such as public administration, policy development and international relations. The city is also committed to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, laying a foundation for graduates interested in starting their own ventures. Otherwise, business graduates can look into Ottawa’s banking, consulting and finance services for employment.
The tech field in Ottawa is also developing, guaranteeing a wide job market for students in computer science, information technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, etc. Meanwhile, graduates with degrees in health are also in high demand in Ottawa’s strong healthcare sector, with positions open in hospitals, research institutions and other wellness organisations.
Affordable cost of living
The cost of living in Ottawa is generally more affordable than that of other major Canadian cities. International students spend just around CA$1,500 to CA$2,500 a month, including rent, utilities, transportation, groceries and some recreational spending. With good financial planning, some can even live on a monthly budget below CA$1,000!
Rich culture
As a multicultural city, Ottawa boasts rich cultural experiences. While a large part of its ambiance is owed to strong European influence, the area also exudes a uniqueness all of its own. Students can visit many museums, art exhibits, music festivals and other events celebrating Canada’s own traditions.
Ottawa also has plenty of green spaces that can give students a respite from the rigours of academic life. Parks, canals, rivers and other heritage sites and landscapes dot the city, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Where to study in Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa hosts several highly-rated universities. But at the top of the list is the University of Ottawa (uOttawa), a world-renowned bilingual institution (the largest in the world!) that recently emerged as part of the best 200 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). The University of Ottawa ranking attests to the institution’s growing global recognition in its research strength and leadership in sustainability.
uOttawa is an Ottawa university known for its high-quality academics. It offers 550 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, of which more than 350 are open to direct entry by undergraduates. Many of its programs are among the best in Canada (QS World University Rankings 2024), including:
- political science – 4th
- law – 4th
- education – 6th
- chemistry – 3rd (in Ontario)
- sport science – (in Ontario).
University of Ottawa for international students
The university fosters an inclusive community and a rich cultural atmosphere with an international student body that hails from over 145 countries. In Fall 2023, uOttawa welcomed over 10,000 foreign enrolees. Notably, its undergraduate population was largely made up of international students (71.3%). Here, international students enjoy a supportive environment through counselling, scholarships, walk-in clinics and tons of other academic and personal support. uOttawa gives students access to resources like:
- international mentors who can help with transitioning to the local culture
- an Indigenous Resource Centre for Indigenous students and First Nations, Inuit and Métis students
- a Pride Centre to celebrate diversity and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community
- anti-Black racism campaigns
- pet therapy dogs.
The average University of Ottawa acceptance rate is 78%, making it highly accessible for students with competitive academic standings. Small classes, excellent professors and modern facilities allow learners to thrive and develop in their chosen fields, while clubs, student associations and cultural experiences enrich student life outside of school.
As uOttawa is located at the heart of Canada’s capital city, it provides students with greeted access to internships, co-ops and networking opportunities with key players in government, business and research.
Learn more about the University of Ottawa
upGrad GSP is a proud partner of the University of Ottawa. To learn more about uOttawa and get support for international students hoping to study in Ottawa, Canada, get in touch with our business development experts today.
