University Tuition Cost in Ottawa (2026)
Quick Answer
Partially verifiedIn Ottawa, university tuition varies a lot by institution, programme and whether you are a domestic or international student. Verified examples show domestic undergraduate tuition can start at about CAD 6,100 per year at the University of Ottawa, while international undergraduate tuition is often around CAD 45,000 to CAD 67,000+ per year depending on faculty; at Carleton University, domestic undergraduate tuition examples are around CAD 7,400 to CAD 14,100 per year, with international examples around CAD 33,000 to CAD 42,000 per year.
Overview
Ottawa has two major public universities commonly considered by students looking for university tuition costs: the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Tuition in the city is not a single flat price. It depends on whether you are a Canadian/Ontario student or an international student, your level of study, and your programme area. In particular, engineering, computer science, business and some specialised professional programmes usually cost more than general arts or humanities programmes, and international fees are substantially higher than domestic fees. For domestic undergraduates, a realistic starting point in Ottawa is roughly CAD 6,000 to CAD 14,000 per academic year in tuition, before compulsory ancillary fees, books, housing and living costs. For international undergraduates, verified posted rates at Ottawa universities commonly run from about CAD 33,000 to more than CAD 67,000 per year depending on the institution and programme. Graduate tuition can follow different fee tables and may be charged per term rather than as a simple annual amount. Because Ontario universities publish fee schedules annually and revise them by intake, the best approach is to check each university’s official tuition estimator or fee schedule for the exact year and programme. The figures below focus on official tuition examples for Ottawa institutions and should be read as tuition only unless otherwise noted.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| University of Ottawa undergraduate tuition example — domestic students(per academic year) Example published by the university for undergraduate tuition; exact amount depends on faculty and programme. | C$6,102.3 – C$6,102.3 | Verified from source |
| University of Ottawa undergraduate tuition example — international students(per academic year) Published undergraduate examples for international students vary by faculty/programme. | C$45,026.55 – C$67,355.85 | Verified from source |
| Carleton University undergraduate tuition example — domestic students(per academic year) Published undergraduate examples for Canadian students vary by degree/programme. | ~C$7,422 – C$14,134 | Estimated range |
| Carleton University undergraduate tuition example — international students(per academic year) Published undergraduate examples for international students vary by degree/programme. | ~C$33,420 – C$42,332 | Estimated range |
| Typical Ottawa university tuition range — domestic undergraduate(per academic year) Estimated range based on verified posted undergraduate tuition examples from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University in Ottawa; excludes housing, books and most ancillary fees. | ~C$6,000 – C$14,500 | Estimated range |
| Typical Ottawa university tuition range — international undergraduate(per academic year) Estimated range based on verified posted undergraduate tuition examples from Ottawa universities; higher-cost professional and specialised programmes may sit near the top of the range. | ~C$33,000 – C$67,500 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Usually tuition only unless the university fee table explicitly includes compulsory ancillary charges
- Programme access to classes and academic instruction
- Often excludes books, supplies, residence, meals and personal living costs
Variants & Configurations
Duration
Most undergraduate bachelor's degrees in Ottawa are typically 3 to 4 years full-time, with tuition commonly quoted per academic year or per term.
How Fees Work
Universities usually charge tuition by academic year or by term, with separate ancillary fees and different rates by faculty/programme and student status.
Factors Affecting Price
- Domestic versus international fee status
- Programme or faculty, especially engineering, computing, business or professional degrees
- Level of study, such as undergraduate versus graduate
- Academic year and fee schedule updates
- Compulsory ancillary fees, health plans, student services and transit charges added on top of tuition
Local Context
Ottawa tuition is generally quoted in Canadian dollars and usually excludes living costs, which can be significant in the city. For Ontario students, public university tuition is regulated within the provincial framework, but programme-specific pricing still varies widely. International students should budget carefully because tuition is much higher and may rise between academic years.
Some figures here are still being verified.
Where a verified figure isn’t available yet, we say so rather than guess. For the most current pricing, check the official source below.
All figures are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and usually refer to tuition only, not total cost of attendance.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- University of Ottawa tuition fees · official
Official University of Ottawa tuition information and posted undergraduate fee examples by student status/programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is university tuition in Ottawa for Canadian students?+
For domestic undergraduates, verified examples at Ottawa universities run from roughly CAD 6,100 to CAD 14,100 per academic year depending on the programme and institution, before living costs and other extras.
How much is university tuition in Ottawa for international students?+
Verified undergraduate examples in Ottawa range from about CAD 33,000 to CAD 67,000 per academic year, with the exact amount depending heavily on the university and faculty.
Do these tuition figures include residence and food?+
No. Tuition normally covers academic fees only. Residence, meal plans, books, supplies and day-to-day living costs are usually separate.
Are there extra compulsory fees on top of tuition?+
Usually yes. Ontario universities commonly add ancillary fees such as student association charges, athletics, health coverage, technology and transit-related fees where applicable.
Which Ottawa universities are covered here?+
This page focuses on the two major public universities in Ottawa with widely published fee schedules: the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
How often do tuition fees change?+
Typically once per academic year, although exact totals can also vary by intake, course load and programme changes. Always check the current official fee page for the year you plan to start.
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Check current prices at the official source
University of Ottawa and Carleton University official tuition pages
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