African students planning to study in Canada in 2027 can access substantial undergraduate scholarships at the University of Ottawa, including automatic awards that can provide up to CAD 70,000 in total scholarship support for eligible international students studying in English.
The University of Ottawa currently offers two major scholarships to newly admitted international students entering eligible undergraduate programmes taught in English:
- International English Admission Scholarship
- International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
The International English Admission Scholarship can provide up to CAD 60,000 over a four-year degree, while selected high-achieving students can receive an additional CAD 10,000 International English Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Because the two awards can be combined, eligible international students can receive as much as:
CAD 70,000.
Even better, students do not submit a separate application for either scholarship. The University of Ottawa automatically considers eligible international students when they receive admission and enrol full time.
You can confirm the current award values and requirements through the University of Ottawa’s official International English Scholarships page.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and other African countries can qualify if they meet the university’s international admission and scholarship requirements.
Applications for programmes beginning in Fall 2027 opened on September 17, 2026.
Although programme deadlines vary, the University of Ottawa recommends that international students submit their applications before January 15, 2027, especially because popular programmes can fill before their final advertised deadline. Check the official 2027 undergraduate application deadlines.
University of Ottawa Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
University: University of Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Study Level: Undergraduate
African Students: Eligible
International English Admission Scholarship: Up to CAD 60,000 over a four-year degree
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship: CAD 10,000
Maximum Combined Scholarship: Up to CAD 70,000
Separate Scholarship Application: No
Minimum Average for International English Admission Scholarship: 80%
Minimum Average for Academic Excellence Scholarship: 95%
Full-Time Study Required: Yes
Eligible Faculties: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and Telfer School of Management
Applications for Fall 2027 Opened: September 17, 2026
Recommended Application Date: Before January 15, 2027
Study Begins: September 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
International English Admission Scholarship
The International English Admission Scholarship is the main University of Ottawa award available to international students studying eligible undergraduate programmes in English.
The scholarship provides:
CAD 7,500 per term
with the university describing the award as worth:
CAD 60,000 over the course of a four-year degree.
The award is renewable, provided the student continues to satisfy the scholarship conditions.
Most importantly, there is no separate scholarship application.
Eligible students automatically receive consideration after admission.
According to the University of Ottawa’s current international scholarship rules, the number of these awards is unlimited for students who satisfy the eligibility conditions.
Who Qualifies for the CAD 60,000 Scholarship?
To qualify, you must:
- Be an international student with a valid Canadian study permit
- Be newly admitted to an eligible undergraduate programme taught in English
- Have a minimum admission average of 80%
- Study full time
- Pay international tuition fees
- Not enrol in the French Immersion Stream
Eligible faculties currently include:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Telfer School of Management
Therefore, students applying for programmes such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Economics, Health Sciences and several Arts or Social Sciences degrees can potentially qualify.
How Much Is CAD 60,000 Per Year?
The University of Ottawa states that the International English Admission Scholarship reduces tuition by:
CAD 15,000 per year
during a standard four-year degree.
That creates a total advertised value of:
CAD 60,000.
The amount is applied toward tuition rather than being paid to the student as unrestricted cash.
Therefore, students should not expect CAD 60,000 to arrive in their personal bank account.
Instead, the scholarship reduces the tuition fees they owe the University of Ottawa.
Is the CAD 60,000 Scholarship Automatic?
Yes.
You do not need to write a separate scholarship essay.
You do not need school nomination.
You do not need to complete a second scholarship application.
If the University of Ottawa admits you and you meet the scholarship conditions, the university automatically assesses your eligibility.
This makes the scholarship easier to access than Canadian awards such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship or UBC International Scholars Program, where students must complete additional competitive scholarship processes.
International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
High-achieving international students can receive an additional scholarship worth:
CAD 10,000.
The International English Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to 100 outstanding international students.
The award is divided into:
CAD 5,000 per term
for the student’s first two academic terms.
The scholarship is not renewable.
However, it can be combined with the International English Admission Scholarship, which creates the possibility of receiving up to CAD 70,000 in total support.
The University of Ottawa confirms this combination on its official International English Scholarship page.
What Grades Do You Need for the CAD 10,000 Excellence Scholarship?
You need a minimum admission average of:
95%.
You must also:
- Be an international student
- Hold a valid study permit
- Enter an eligible undergraduate programme taught in English
- Study full time
- Pay international tuition
- Remain outside the French Immersion Stream
Because only 100 awards are available, meeting the 95% minimum does not necessarily guarantee selection.
The university awards the scholarship to top eligible international applicants.
Can You Receive Both uOttawa International Scholarships?
Yes.
An eligible student could receive:
CAD 60,000 International English Admission Scholarship
plus:
CAD 10,000 International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
for a combined value of:
CAD 70,000.
This is one reason African students should seriously consider the University of Ottawa when building a Canadian university application list.
Can African Students Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships?
Yes.
The current international English scholarships apply to qualifying international students rather than restricting awards to a small list of nationalities.
Therefore, eligible students can come from countries including:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Senegal
- The Gambia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Benin
- Togo
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
and other African countries.
The University of Ottawa also maintains dedicated admissions information for African countries.
For example, its official Nigeria admissions page specifically notes that Nigerian students may qualify for international scholarship opportunities.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes.
Nigerian students can apply for admission and international undergraduate scholarships at the University of Ottawa.
The university recognises Nigerian qualifications including:
- WAEC Senior School Certificate
- WASSCE
If you are still completing your WAEC or WASSCE, the University of Ottawa currently asks you to submit:
- Transcripts from your previous three years of secondary education
- Results from the first term of your final year
If you have already graduated, you can submit:
- WAEC or WASSCE results
- Proof of secondary school graduation
You can review the current document requirements on the University of Ottawa’s Nigeria admission page.
Can Ghanaian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can apply for the same international English scholarships.
Your academic results must meet the admission requirements for the programme you choose.
Competitive programmes may require results significantly higher than the general minimum.
Can Kenyan Students Apply?
Yes.
Kenyan students can receive University of Ottawa international scholarships if they qualify for admission and satisfy the scholarship requirements.
Can Ugandan Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ugandan international students can qualify.
Can South African Students Apply?
Yes.
South African students can apply for international entrance scholarships at uOttawa.
Can Rwandan and Tanzanian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible students from Rwanda, Tanzania and other African countries can receive consideration.
University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship
In addition to the international English awards, the University of Ottawa has a general automatic Admission Scholarship.
For 2027–2028, the current scholarship structure is:
95%–100% admission average: CAD 3,000
90%–94.9%: CAD 2,000
85%–89.9%: CAD 1,000
No separate application is required.
The University publishes the current structure in its 2027–2028 undergraduate scholarships directory.
However, applicants should check the conditions attached to each award before assuming every automatic scholarship can be combined without restriction.
Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship
Students entering the Faculty of Arts can also receive consideration for the Dean’s Merit Scholarship.
The scholarship is worth:
CAD 4,000
paid as:
CAD 1,000 per year for four years.
The Faculty offers ten awards.
Applicants need a minimum admission average of:
90%.
No separate application is required.
International students are eligible.
To renew the scholarship after first year, students currently need to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least:
9.0
while remaining enrolled full time in the Faculty of Arts.
The university lists this scholarship in its official 2027–2028 scholarships directory.
French-Language Scholarship Option for African Students
The University of Ottawa is Canada’s largest bilingual English-French university.
African students who can study in French have another important funding route.
The university offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship to eligible international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in undergraduate or master’s programmes taught in French or through an eligible French Immersion route.
The scholarship can significantly reduce international tuition.
Eligible students receive the exemption automatically when they enrol.
You can find the current details through the University of Ottawa scholarship directory.
Therefore, French-speaking African students from countries such as:
- Senegal
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cameroon
- Benin
- Togo
- Burkina Faso
- Niger
- Mali
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
should compare the French tuition exemption route with the English-language scholarship route.
Can You Receive the English Scholarship if You Study in French Immersion?
No.
The current International English Admission Scholarship rules specifically state that recipients must not enrol in the French Immersion Stream.
Therefore, students need to choose their funding route carefully.
A French-speaking applicant may find the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship financially attractive.
An English-programme applicant can pursue the International English Scholarships.
Is the University of Ottawa Scholarship Fully Funded?
Not in the traditional full-ride sense.
The CAD 60,000 and CAD 10,000 international scholarships primarily reduce tuition.
They do not automatically promise:
- Free international flights
- Free accommodation
- Free food
- Free Canadian study permit
- Complete living-expense funding
Therefore, applicants should prepare a financial plan for remaining costs.
However, receiving CAD 60,000 to CAD 70,000 in tuition-related scholarship support can significantly reduce the cost of a Canadian degree.
Does the Scholarship Cover Accommodation?
The International English Admission Scholarship reduces tuition costs.
It does not provide a separate guaranteed free residence room.
Students should therefore budget separately for:
- University residence
- Private accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
Does the Scholarship Cover Flights to Canada?
International airfare is not listed as a standard benefit of the International English Admission Scholarship.
Students should budget for travel unless they receive another scholarship or external funding source.
University of Ottawa Application Dates for Fall 2027
Applications for programmes beginning in Fall 2027 opened on:
September 17, 2026.
The University of Ottawa does not use one universal application deadline for every undergraduate programme.
Instead, the deadline depends on:
- Programme
- Applicant type
- Language of instruction
- Programme capacity
The university recommends that Fall 2027 applicants submit before:
January 15, 2027.
International applications for many programmes can remain open later, but programmes can close once they reach capacity.
Competitive areas such as Engineering and Health Sciences may fill earlier.
You can check your exact programme through the University of Ottawa’s official Fall 2027 deadline tool.
Why Should African Students Apply Before January 15?
International applicants need more time than domestic students for:
- Admission processing
- Scholarship assessment
- Document submission
- Study permit applications
- Visa processing
- Travel preparation
A programme may also stop accepting applications after reaching capacity.
Therefore, even if your programme displays a later May deadline, applying in October, November or December can be much safer.
University of Ottawa English Language Requirements
International applicants need to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency when applying to programmes taught in English.
You may not need an English-language test if you completed at least three years of full-time study where English was the only language of instruction, excluding language courses, in a country where English is an official language.
The university explains this exemption route on its official English language requirements page.
This can be particularly useful for students from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.
However, the university states clearly that English exemptions depend on your education, not simply your citizenship.
Can Nigerian Students Apply Without IELTS?
Possibly.
If you completed at least three years of qualifying full-time education where English was the only language of instruction in Nigeria, you may satisfy the University’s English requirement without IELTS.
Nigeria is a country where English is an official language.
However, the university can still ask for additional evidence where necessary.
Therefore, applicants should wait for the University of Ottawa’s assessment instead of assuming automatically that IELTS is unnecessary.
What IELTS Score Does uOttawa Require?
For direct admission to most programmes taught in English, the current IELTS Academic requirement is:
6.5 overall
with:
6.5 in Writing.
The University accepts IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic One Skill Retake.
You can confirm current scores through the University of Ottawa English language requirements page.
Does uOttawa Accept Duolingo?
Yes.
For direct admission, the University currently requires:
Duolingo English Test: 120 overall
with:
120 in Literacy.
Other approved tests include TOEFL, PTE, CAEL and Cambridge English.
Can You Receive Conditional Admission With Lower English Scores?
Potentially.
The University of Ottawa operates an English Intensive Program for applicants who meet academic requirements but need additional English-language preparation.
For example, students with certain lower IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo scores can potentially receive admission conditional on completing required ESL courses.
The university publishes the current conditional-admission thresholds on its English Intensive Program and language requirements pages.
Can Final-Year Secondary School Students Apply?
Yes.
You do not need to wait until after final graduation.
The University of Ottawa can assess applicants who are completing their final year of secondary school using available transcripts and interim results.
For example, Nigerian WAEC/WASSCE candidates can submit their previous secondary school transcripts and current final-year results while waiting for their final examination outcome.
Can Gap-Year Students Apply?
Yes, depending on their education history.
A student who finished secondary school and has not completed university study can apply for first-year undergraduate admission.
Scholarship eligibility depends on the conditions of the individual award.
Can Current University Students Receive the CAD 60,000 Scholarship?
The International English Admission Scholarship is designed for students newly admitted to qualifying undergraduate programmes.
However, transfer and post-secondary applicants can face different award conditions.
Students who have already started university should check their exact admission category instead of assuming they receive the same first-entry scholarships as secondary-school applicants.
Do You Need Work Experience?
No.
These are undergraduate scholarships.
You do not need professional work experience to qualify.
Academic achievement and admission eligibility matter more.
How to Apply for University of Ottawa Scholarships From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Start with the undergraduate programme you want.
The University of Ottawa offers programmes across areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Business
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Political Science
- International Development
- Health Sciences
- Biomedical Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Communication
- Social Sciences
Check the prerequisites before applying.
Step 2: Decide Whether You Want to Study in English or French
This matters because the scholarship route changes.
If you choose an eligible English-language programme, you can potentially receive the International English Scholarships.
If you choose an eligible French-language programme, you may qualify for the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship.
Compare both routes carefully.
Step 3: Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Applications for Fall 2027 are already open.
Submit your application as early as possible.
The University recommends applying before January 15.
Step 4: Access uoZone
After the University receives your application, you gain access to the uoZone student portal.
Use it to:
- Submit documents
- Monitor your application
- Review admission decisions
- Access scholarship information
Step 5: Submit Your Academic Documents
Follow the instructions for your country.
For example, Nigerian students still completing WAEC/WASSCE should prepare:
- Previous three years of secondary school transcripts
- First-term final-year results
Graduates should prepare:
- WAEC/WASSCE results
- Proof of graduation
Step 6: Meet the English Requirement
If you qualify through English-medium education, provide the required evidence.
If you need an English test, complete it early.
Step 7: Wait for Automatic Scholarship Assessment
For the International English Admission Scholarship, you do not need to fill out a scholarship form.
If you meet the requirements, the scholarship is automatically applied to your tuition.
Students with admission averages of 95% or higher are also considered for the additional CAD 10,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship.
How to Maximise Your University of Ottawa Scholarship Chances
Focus on Your Admission Average
The main international scholarships use clear academic thresholds.
For the CAD 60,000 International English Admission Scholarship:
Minimum: 80%.
For the CAD 10,000 International English Academic Excellence Scholarship:
Minimum: 95%.
Therefore, final secondary school grades matter.
Choose an Eligible Faculty
The international English scholarships currently apply to approved programmes in:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Telfer School of Management
Confirm your programme before assuming eligibility.
Apply Early
The scholarship may be automatic, but you still need university admission.
A programme that fills up before you apply will not become available simply because you have excellent grades.
Keep Your Results Accurate
Do not inflate grades when entering information.
Your admission and scholarship eventually depend on official academic records.
University of Ottawa vs Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto offers a more comprehensive package covering tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
However, Pearson is extremely competitive and requires school nomination.
The University of Ottawa’s CAD 60,000 scholarship is much easier procedurally because eligible students receive automatic consideration.
Students targeting Canada can compare both through our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of Toronto Scholarship.
University of Ottawa vs UBC International Scholars Program
UBC’s International Scholars Program provides substantial need-based assistance to outstanding international students.
Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need, receive nomination and complete a separate scholarship application.
The University of Ottawa English scholarship does not use the same need-based assessment.
Eligible students receive the CAD 60,000 award automatically based on admission and scholarship criteria.
Read our UBC International Scholars Program 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of British Columbia Scholarship for comparison.
University of Ottawa vs York University Scholarships
York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence can provide up to CAD 180,000 over four years but requires a competitive application and school nomination.
The University of Ottawa offers up to CAD 70,000 through international English scholarships without requiring a separate scholarship application.
Students considering Ottawa and Toronto can compare York through our York University Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
University of Ottawa vs University of Alberta Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers competitive awards worth up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
However, the highest-value Alberta awards require a separate scholarship application.
The University of Ottawa’s main CAD 60,000 international scholarship is automatic for qualifying students.
You can compare the Alberta options in our University of Alberta Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
University of Ottawa vs University of Waterloo Scholarships
Waterloo automatically provides eligible first-year international students with a CAD 10,000 entrance scholarship and offers additional faculty awards.
The University of Ottawa’s automatic international scholarship can provide up to CAD 60,000 over a four-year degree, with a further CAD 10,000 available to selected high-achieving students.
Read our University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Canada Entrance Awards to compare both universities.
University of Ottawa vs University of Calgary Scholarships
The University of Calgary’s main International Entrance Scholarship provides CAD 20,000 and can renew for up to four years, creating a potential CAD 80,000 award.
The University of Ottawa’s main international English scholarship provides an advertised CAD 60,000 over four years and requires no separate scholarship application.
Students considering Alberta can read our University of Calgary Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
Common University of Ottawa Scholarship Mistakes
Assuming You Need a Separate Scholarship Application
You do not need one for the main International English Admission Scholarship.
Eligible students receive automatic consideration.
Missing the 80% Academic Requirement
The main international English scholarship requires at least an 80% admission average.
Assuming 95% Automatically Guarantees the CAD 10,000 Award
The Excellence Scholarship has only 100 awards.
The 95% threshold makes you eligible but does not necessarily guarantee selection.
Choosing French Immersion While Expecting the English Scholarship
The International English Scholarships exclude French Immersion.
Compare the French tuition exemption instead.
Applying Too Late
International applicants should apply before January 15 where possible.
Popular programmes can fill.
Assuming the Scholarship Pays Accommodation and Flights
The International English Scholarships mainly reduce tuition.
Plan separately for living and travel expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Ottawa Scholarships 2027
Are University of Ottawa Scholarships open for 2027?
Yes.
Fall 2027 undergraduate applications opened on September 17, 2026.
How much can international students receive?
Eligible international students studying in English can receive up to:
CAD 70,000
by combining the CAD 60,000 International English Admission Scholarship with the CAD 10,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Is there a CAD 60,000 University of Ottawa scholarship?
Yes.
The International English Admission Scholarship is advertised as worth CAD 60,000 over a four-year degree. See the official scholarship details.
Do I need to apply separately for the CAD 60,000 scholarship?
No.
It is automatic for eligible students.
What average do I need?
The minimum for the main scholarship is:
80%.
What average do I need for the CAD 10,000 Excellence Scholarship?
You need at least:
95%.
Can African students apply?
Yes.
Eligible international students from African countries can receive the scholarships.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
The University of Ottawa recognises WAEC/WASSCE for Nigerian undergraduate applicants and specifically provides country guidance for Nigerian students. See the Nigeria admissions requirements.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes.
Can Kenyan students apply?
Yes.
Can Ugandan students apply?
Yes.
Can South African students apply?
Yes.
Can Rwandan students apply?
Yes.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily.
If you completed at least three years of qualifying full-time education in English in a country where English is an official language, you may satisfy the language requirement without an English test.
What IELTS score does uOttawa require?
For direct entry to most English undergraduate programmes:
6.5 overall
with:
6.5 in Writing. Check uOttawa’s current English test requirements.
Does uOttawa accept Duolingo?
Yes.
The current direct-entry requirement is:
120 overall
with:
120 Literacy.
Can I study Engineering?
Yes.
Engineering is one of the faculties currently eligible for the International English Scholarships.
Can I study Computer Science?
Yes, provided you meet the admission requirements for the programme.
Can I study Business?
Yes.
Eligible undergraduate programmes in the Telfer School of Management qualify for the current International English Scholarships.
Can I study Health Sciences?
Yes.
Eligible Health Sciences programmes are included.
Is the scholarship renewable?
The main International English Admission Scholarship is renewable under the programme conditions.
Is the CAD 10,000 scholarship renewable?
No.
The International English Academic Excellence Scholarship is a one-time award.
Does the scholarship pay for accommodation?
The main scholarship reduces tuition. It does not promise separate free accommodation.
Does it pay for flights?
International airfare is not listed as a standard benefit.
Is the University of Ottawa scholarship fully funded?
Not in the conventional full-ride sense.
However, eligible students can receive substantial tuition support worth up to CAD 70,000.
Final Advice for African Students
The University of Ottawa Scholarships 2027 deserve serious attention from African students looking for Canadian undergraduate funding.
Unlike many of Canada’s largest scholarships, you do not need to compete through a separate nomination process for the main award.
Eligible international students studying approved English-language programmes can automatically receive the International English Admission Scholarship worth up to CAD 60,000 over four years.
Students with admission averages of at least 95% can also compete for an additional CAD 10,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship, bringing possible combined scholarship support to:
CAD 70,000.
The first step is simply applying for admission.
Fall 2027 applications are already open.
Although individual programme deadlines vary, the University of Ottawa recommends applying before January 15, 2027, particularly for international students and competitive programmes. Check the current Fall 2027 deadlines before applying.
Choose your programme carefully.
Confirm that it belongs to an eligible faculty.
Check your academic prerequisites.
Then determine whether you already satisfy the University’s English requirement through your previous education or need IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or another approved test.
For students from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda who completed qualifying secondary education entirely in English, the ability to satisfy the English requirement without IELTS can make the application process even simpler.
Most importantly, apply early.
The scholarship may be automatic, but the university still needs to admit you first.
For an African student with an admission average above 80%, the University of Ottawa is one of the Canadian universities worth adding to a 2027 application list because the scholarship process is straightforward and the available tuition reduction is substantial.