Scholarships and awards overview
Source: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/fees-financial-support/scholarships-awards-overview Parent: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/undergraduate-studies
Our scholarship program is one of the most generous in the country. A scholarship is awarded for academic achievements while a bursary is awarded based on financial need.\ \
Online Scholarships and Bursaries
This online tool gives you access to the directory of scholarships and bursaries offered at the University of Ottawa, including undergraduate admission scholarships and bursaries (for new applicants) and undergraduate and graduate scholarships and bursaries (for enrolled students).
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How to apply
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries as soon as you've applied to the University of Ottawa and have received your uoAccess ID and password.
See our simple steps to applying for scholarships and awards
Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries
Read about a number of our undergraduate scholarships and bursaries below. To search for all scholarships and bursaries, get application criteria or apply, use the Online Scholarships and Bursaries tool.
General eligibility criteria for an admission scholarship or bursary
- Meet the admission requirements of the program you have been admitted to;
- Be enrolled full time for the first time in a university undergraduate program;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or have protected person or refugee status (unless otherwise indicated)
Required averages to keep or renew a scholarship are rounded to two decimal places. For example, a student with an average of 8.49 would not be eligible for a scholarship that requires an 8.50 average. See academic regulation A-3.3 for more information on calculating averages.
Note: Mature applicants and university transfers are not eligible for certain admission scholarships. Please review eligibility criteria carefully.
The Financial Aid and Awards Service reserves the right to change scholarship, bursary and financial aid details and requirements without notice. In cases where differences occur between scholarship and bursary information printed in publications or online, the information on our website is the most accurate and up to date.
Admission scholarships 2026-2027
University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship
Value
Admission average of:\ 95-100% = $3,000\ 90-94.9% = $2,000\ 85-89.9% = $1,000
Description
The University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship automatically provides between $1,000 and $3,000 to all eligible full-time students with an average of 85% to 100% who are studying in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section. No application is required for this scholarship; all eligible students are automatically considered for this award. Mature applicants and university transfers are not eligible for this scholarship.
Updated: September 18, 2025
French Studies Bursary
Value
$4,000 ($1,000 per year)
Description
The French Studies Bursary is automatically awarded to full-time students enrolled in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, who are taking at least 3 courses (9 units) each term taught in French, or 2 courses (6 units) taught in French, or in French as a second language (FLS) if you are in French immersion. This bursary can be renewed for the three following years provided the student maintains full-time enrolment in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, and is enrolled each term in at least 3 courses (9 units) taught in French, or 2 courses (6 units) taught in French, or in FLS if you are in French immersion, and maintains a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 5.50 at the end of each academic year. No application is required for this bursary; all eligible students are automatically evaluated for this award.
- Some exceptions to these requirements may be made for students participating in an international exchange or in a program where they are unable to take the required number of units in French.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language
Value
$3,000
Description
The Government of Canada is committed to promoting a bilingual country. With this in mind, a French as a second language bursary program was created. Administered by the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) and Canadian Heritage, this bursary was created to promote bilingualism among English-speaking Canadians by encouraging them to learn French.
Watch the video A bursary to help gain a superpower
To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:
- Have English as your first Canadian official language spoken
- Have completed secondary school in an English-language institution or non-official language (neither English nor French) and graduated from this institution
- Be enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate program in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section
- Be enrolled in a program taught in French or in the French Immersion Stream
- Take at least six units (two courses) per term taught in French
This bursary can be combined with other scholarships or bursaries offered at the University of Ottawa.
To learn more and apply, view the terms of reference.
Deadline
March 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Professional Training Scholarship
Value
$1,000 minimum
Description
The Professional Training Scholarship is automatically awarded upon admission to some students who have an excellent academic record and are enrolled full time in an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, the Faculty of Education or the Faculty of Medicine, MD and PharmD programs. No application is required for this scholarship; all eligible students are automatically considered for this award.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Admission Contests
Value
Variable
Description
Francophone and French-immersion students can participate in a number of contests to win admission awards. Some of the contests are offered through French for the Future, Canadian Parents for French or Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne. A full list of available contests is available through the Online Scholarships and Bursaries tool.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Prestigious admission scholarships 2026-2027
Schulich Leader Scholarship
Value
$100,000 to $120,000
Description
The annual Schulich Leader Scholarships program was established in 2012 by the Schulich Foundation. These prestigious scholarships are awarded to high school students intending to study Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). A Schulich Leader Nominee represents the top STEM student in your graduating class and in turn becomes eligible to win a $120,000 or $100,000 scholarship. This dynamic, entrepreneurial-minded student demonstrates leadership, charisma and creativity. Strong consideration is given for financial need.
Academic excellence is implied for acceptance into university. We are looking for charismatic future leaders with grit and determination, not necessarily the top academic student in your graduating class.
To be eligible, applicants must be in their final year of high school or in CEGEP and be a Canadian citizen. Students must be nominated by their high school or CEGEP. Applications must be submitted online.
Nomination process
Please visit the nomination process section of the Schulich Leadership Scholarships website for step-by-step instructions.
Deadline
January 28, 2026
Updated: November 28, 2025
Indigenous Leadership Scholarship
Value
$26,000 ($6,500 per year) or $19,500 ($6,500 per year) if you are in civil law
Description
The Indigenous Leadership Scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student who demonstrates academic excellence and outstanding leadership skills. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships at the University of Ottawa. Applicants must be of Indigenous origin (and provide proof of this) and be enrolled full time and for the first time in an undergraduate program in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section. They must have an admission average of 85% or higher and demonstrate leadership qualities and commitment to academic and extracurricular activities.
Preference will be given to students who are able to speak an Indigenous language.
The University also provides a one-time award of $1,500 to applicants who are ranked second, third and fourth for each of the six scholarships. Applications must be submitted online.
This scholarship cannot be combined with the University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed for the three following years provided the student maintains full-time enrolment in a direct-entry faculty, or Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section (see note), and a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 8.50.
Students can renew their scholarship at 50% of the annual value if they have a CGPA between 8.00 and 8.49 at the end of the academic year. They can also renew their scholarship for the full amount in a subsequent year if their CGPA increases to 8.50 or higher.
Note that renewal criteria for recipients in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section differs.
Deadline
March 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Loran Award
Value
Up to $100,000
Description
Every year, the Loran Scholars Foundation offers prestigious admission scholarships to students who distinguish themselves through their determination and commitment to community service and leadership. Applicants must be in their final year of uninterrupted full-time studies in high school or CEGEP, have a minimum cumulative average of 85% for students outside of Quebec or present an R Score equal to or higher than 29 for students in Quebec. They must also be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and be at least 16 years of age by September 1 of the following year. Applications must be submitted online.
- Students planning to attend university outside of Quebec after only one year of CEGEP are also eligible to apply in their first year of CEGEP.
Deadline
October 16, 2025
Updated: September 18, 2025
Faculty admission scholarships 2026-2027
Faculty of Arts Dean's Merit Scholarship
Value
$4,000 ($1,000 per year)
Description
The Faculty of Arts awards 10 of these renewable scholarships, each valued at a total of $4,000. Applicants must be enrolled full time, and for the first time, in an undergraduate program at the Faculty of Arts and have a minimum admission average of 90%. This scholarship can be renewed for the three following years provided the student has a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 9.00 or higher at the end of a term (in at least 24 units) and is enrolled full time at the Faculty of Arts. No application is required for this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded during the summer preceding your studies.
- All eligible students, including international students, are automatically considered for this award.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship
Value
$2,000
Description
The Faculty of Engineering awards this scholarship to seven female students—one from each of the engineering programs (excluding computer science). This $2,000 award is given to applicants with a minimum admission average of 80% and who best fulfill the eligibility criteria. To apply, students must submit a letter explaining why they are applying to an engineering program as well as an up-to-date resumé highlighting their latest academic and extracurricular achievements. Applications must be submitted online.
- All female students admitted to the Faculty of Engineering, including international students, are eligible for this scholarship.
Deadline
March 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Scholarship
Value
$11,500
Description
The Faculty of Science awards 16 of these scholarships to the best students. This scholarship consists of two work terms with a research group at the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Medicine (first work term = $5,000; second work term = $6,500). Students must be enrolled full time, for the first time in September, in an undergraduate program at the Faculty of Science and have a minimum admission average of 92%. They must also demonstrate research skills and involvement in extracurricular scientific activities. Applications must include a letter of recommendation from a science teacher and a 250-word text describing how the candidate explores their passion for science and shares it with others. Students must also be available for an interview in the spring. Applications must be submitted online.
- Areas of research include biochemistry, biology, biomedical science, biopharmaceutical science, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental geoscience, environmental science, geology, immunology, mathematics and statistics, microbiology, neurology, pharmacology, physics, physiology and virology.
Deadline
March 15
Updated: September 18, 2025
Faculty of Social Sciences Dean's Excellence Award
Value
$4,000
Description
The Faculty of Social Sciences awards a variable number of these $4,000 scholarships to the best students enrolled full time in an undergraduate program at the Faculty of Social Sciences with a minimum admission average of 92%. No application is required for this scholarship; all eligible students are automatically evaluated for this award.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Faculty of Social Sciences Jean Chrétien Scholarship
Value
$5,000 minimum
Description
The Faculty of Social Sciences awards up to five $5,000 scholarships to the best students enrolled full time in an undergraduate program in political science or public administration and who have a minimum admission average of 92%. To apply, students must submit an up to date resumé highlighting their leadership qualities and latest academic and extracurricular achievements. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
March 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Fleur de Lys Admission Scholarship
Value
$10,000 ($2,500 per year)
Description
Created through a generous donation by Mr. Ian Telfer, the Fleur de Lys Scholarship Fund aims to lighten the financial burden of francophone students at the Telfer School of Management, while encouraging and supporting the activities and programs offered by the School.
Eligibility criteria
- Be enrolled full time in the French Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program
- Be enrolled in at least 3 courses (9 units) per term taught in French
- Be a resident of a province or territory in Canada other than Ontario
- Have completed your high school, CEGEP or equivalent education in French
- Have the highest admission average among applicants to the program
These scholarships are granted for four years, upon condition that the student\ maintains a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 7.00 or higher at the end of each\ academic year, remains a full-time student at the Telfer School of Management and takes at least 9 units in French per term.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Scholarships for international students 2026-2027
Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship
Value
Varies depending on the program of studies.
Description
In keeping with its commitment to the French-speaking world, the University of Ottawa offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship to international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program given in French, or in the French Immersion Stream. This major assistance reduces tuition fees considerably. Visit the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship page to learn more about the eligibility criteria and conditions to maintain the scholarship.
- All eligible students will receive this scholarship automatically when they enrol.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Updated: February 3, 2026
International English Admission Scholarship
Number
Unlimited
Value
$7,500 per term ($60,000 over the course of a four-year degree)
Renewable each term (maximum of 12 instalments).
Description
The University of Ottawa is proud of its internationally diverse student body. This renewable scholarship is for international students who are newly admitted in the winter 2026 term or thereafter in an eligible undergraduate program offered in English. This significant contribution reduces tuition fees by $15,000 per year. The scholarship is awarded automatically to eligible candidates upon full-time enrolment. Tuition fees are immediately reduced by the amount of the scholarship.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Learn more about the International Admission Entrance Scholarship.
Updated: February 3, 2026
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
Number
100
Value
$10,000 ($5,000 per term)
Description
The University of Ottawa is proud of its internationally diverse student body. This scholarship is for top international students with an admission average of 90% or above, who are newly admitted in the winter 2026 term or thereafter and enrol in an eligible undergraduate program offered in English. This significant contribution reduces tuition fees by $10,000 per year. The scholarship is awarded automatically to successful candidates upon full-time enrolment. Tuition fees are immediately reduced by the amount of the scholarship. Although this scholarship isn't renewable, it can be combined with the International English Admission Excellence Scholarship.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Learn more about the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Updated: February 3, 2026
Faculty of Arts Dean's Merit Scholarship
Value
$4,000 ($1,000 per year)
Description
The Faculty of Arts awards 10 of these renewable scholarships, each valued at a total of $4,000. Applicants must be enrolled full time, and for the first time, in an undergraduate program at the Faculty of Arts and have a minimum admission average of 90%. This scholarship can be renewed for the three following years provided the student has a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 9.00 or higher at the end of a term (with at least 24 units) and is enrolled full time at the Faculty of Arts. No application is required for this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded during the summer preceding your studies.
- All eligible students, including international students, are automatically considered for this award.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Updated: February 3, 2026
Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship
Value
$2,000
Description
The Faculty of Engineering awards this scholarship to seven female students—one from each of the engineering programs (excluding computer science). This $2,000 award is given to applicants with a minimum admission average of 80% and who best fulfill the eligibility criteria. To apply, students must submit a letter explaining why they are applying to an engineering program and also submit an up-to-date resumé highlighting their latest academic and extracurricular achievements. Applications must be submitted online.
All female students admitted to the Faculty of Engineering, including international students, are eligible for this scholarship.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Deadline
March 31
Updated: February 3, 2026
Faculty of Social Sciences Dean's Excellence Award for International Students
Value
$1,500
Description
The Faculty of Social Sciences awards a $1,500 scholarship to one or more international students enrolled full time, for the first time, in an undergraduate program at the Faculty of Social Sciences with a minimum admission average of 92%.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Updated: February 3, 2026
Education Bursary for International Students with Disabilities
Value
Variable
Description
Students with a permanent disability or a permanent medical condition that prevents them from taking more than 12 units per term may be eligible for a tuition bursary. Students must contact the Academic Accommodations Service to determine their eligibility. Applications must be submitted each term in the Online Scholarships and Bursaries tool.
- This scholarship is only available to international students who pay international tuition fees. Students paying domestic fees are not eligible.
Deadlines
November 3, 2025 (Fall)\ February 28, 2026 (Winter)\ July 24, 2026 (Spring-Summer)
Updated: February 3, 2026
Private donor bursaries
Value
Variable
The University of Ottawa distributes several bursaries from private funds. For a complete list, please go to our Online Scholarships and Bursaries General Directory.
Updated: February 3, 2026
Scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students 2026-2027
Ontario Indigenous Student Bursary
Value
$1,000 minimum
Description
This bursary aims to support Indigenous students who demonstrate financial need who are attending postsecondary programs and/or training programs at either Ontario publicly assisted colleges or universities or approved Indigenous postsecondary education and training institutions. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
January 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Education Bursary for Indigenous Students
Value
$1,000
Description
The purpose of this bursary is to provide financial assistance to Indigenous students who are undertaking undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa and who demonstrate financial need. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
November 3
Updated: September 18, 2025
Indigenous Leadership Scholarship
Value
$26,000 ($6,500 per year) or $19,500 ($6,500 per year) if you are in civil law
Description
The Indigenous Leadership Scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student who demonstrates academic excellence and outstanding leadership skills. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships at the University of Ottawa. Applicants must be of Indigenous origin (and provide proof of this) and be enrolled full time and for the first time in an undergraduate program in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section. They must have an admission average of 85% or higher and demonstrate leadership qualities and commitment to academic and extracurricular activities.
Preference will be given to students who are able to speak an Indigenous language.
The University also provides a one-time award of $1,500 to applicants who are ranked second, third and fourth for each of the six scholarships. Applications must be submitted online.
This scholarship cannot be combined with the University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship.
Renewal criteria
This scholarship can be renewed for the three following years provided the student maintains full-time enrolment in a direct-entry faculty, or Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section (see note), and a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 8.50.
Students can renew their scholarship at 50% of the annual value if they have a CGPA between 8.00 and 8.49 at the end of the academic year. They can also renew their scholarship for the full amount in a subsequent year if their CGPA increases to 8.50 or higher.
Note that renewal criteria for recipients in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section differs.
Deadline
March 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Dr. Arlington F. Dungy Scholarship for Students in the Faculty of Medicine Indigenous Program
Value
$1,000 minimum
Description
The Dr. Arlington F. Dungy scholarship is awarded to a deserving undergraduate student enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine’s Indigenous Program. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
November 3
Updated: September 18, 2025
Irene and William Duquette Indigenous Teacher Education Scholarship
Value
$3,000 minimum
Description
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the final year of the Indigenous Teacher Education Program or of the Teacher Education Program and whose education might otherwise be compromised. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
November 3
Updated: September 18, 2025
William Commanda Indigenous Medical Scholarship
Value
Variable
Description
The William Commanda Aboriginal Medical Scholarship is awarded to Indigenous students who are in the MD program at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ottawa. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
November 3
Updated: September 18, 2025
Gaston Héon Memorial Fund in Canadian and Indigenous Studies
Value
$1,000 minimum
Description
The Gaston Héon Memorial Fund in Canadian and Indigenous Studies aims to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in a Canadian Studies or Indigenous Studies program at the University of Ottawa whose education would otherwise be compromised. Applications must be submitted online.
Deadline
November 3
Updated: September 18, 2025
National Endowment Fund
Value
Up to $3,000
Description
The University of Ottawa offers this scholarship to provide financial assistance to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those with protected or refugee status who were a victim, spouse or child of a victim, of the tainted blood tragedy in Canada between 1980 and 1989, inclusively. Applicants must be enrolled (full or part time) in a postsecondary program in a recognized Canadian institution, have good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. The amount of the bursary varies according to the number of applicants each year. Applications (PDF, 363 KB) and supporting documents must be given to the Financial Aid and Awards Service or sent by email to [email protected].
Deadline
September 30
Applications will be evaluated once the September 30 deadline has passed. Payments will be deposited no later than November 15. No emails regarding the payment date will be considered before then.
Updated: November 4, 2025
Scholarships and bursaries for current students
Scholarships for current and former youth in care
Value
$1,000 minimum
Description
These scholarships are intended to provide additional financial support to students who are or have been in the care of the Children’s Aid Society in Ontario or an equivalent agency if you are from another province or territory.
Learn more about the University of Ottawa Youth in Care Program.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Student Mobility Scholarship
Value
One term = $1,000\ Two terms = $2,000
Description
Through the International Exchange Program, the University of Ottawa offers many opportunities to study and complete internships abroad. Visit the student exchange program website to discover all the options available. The University awards Mobility Scholarships each year to help students pay for their studies or their internships abroad. No application is required. All students selected for the Exchange Program automatically receive a Student Mobility Scholarship.
Updated: September 18, 2025
Private Donor Scholarships and Bursaries
Value
Variable
The University of Ottawa distributes several scholarships and bursaries from private funds. For a complete list, please go to our Online Scholarships and Bursaries General Directory.
Updated: February 5, 2026
First Generation Bursary
Value
$1,000 minimum
Description
The First Generation Bursary was created by the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development in 2006. The purpose of this bursary (minimum of $1,000) is to help students who are enrolled in a direct-entry faculty and who demonstrate financial need to become the first member of their family to attend a postsecondary institution. Students are considered “first generation” students if their parent(s) have not pursued postsecondary education anywhere in the world on either a full or part-time basis.
Deadline
January 31
Updated: September 18, 2025
Education Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Value
Variable
Description
Students with a permanent disability or a permanent medical condition that prevents them from taking more than 12 units per term may be eligible for a tuition bursary. Students must contact the Academic Accommodations Service to determine their eligibility. Applications must be submitted each term in the Online Scholarships and Bursaries tool.
Deadlines
November 3, 2025 (Fall)\ February 28, 2026 (Winter)\ July 24, 2026 (Spring-Summer)
Updated: September 18, 2025
Admission scholarships (prior years)
See our undergraduate scholarships from prior years.
Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
$1,000 to $3,000 for your first year at university
With the University of Ottawa’s automatic scholarship program, if you’ve had very good grades in high school, CEGEP or college, you start off with an Admission Scholarship for your first year of university.
| Admission average | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 95% to 100% | $3,000 |
| 90% to 94.9% | $2,000 |
| 85% to 89.9% | $1,000 |
Updated: September 18, 2025
Graduate students
If you’re pursuing studies at the graduate level and are looking for financial support, see the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.