The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is a bilingual public research university with a bilingual campus in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines.
The application process for undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Ottawa is different. Here’s a breakdown of the process for each level:
1. Choose a program
The University of Ottawa offers microprograms, graduate diploma, master’s, short-duration master’s, and PhD programs. Explore our graduate programs to find the one that’s right for you.
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2. Check deadlines
Make sure to meet the application deadlines. Application deadlines vary by program and can be as early as 10 months before classes begin. The fall, winter and spring-summer terms begin in September, January and May, respectively.
Submit your application and all required documentation by the deadline specified in the program requirements.
To find deadlines, select the program you are interested in on the program admission requirements webpage and view the application deadline in the table.
See the deadlines for each program keyboard_arrow_right
3. Check the admission requirements
Minimum requirements
Master’s and graduate diploma programs:
- Hold an honours bachelor’s degree (four years) or the equivalent, with an average of 70% (B), based on your last 20 courses.
PhD programs:
- Hold a master’s degree or the equivalent, with an average of 75% (B+), based on your last 10 courses.
Additional requirements
Some graduate programs have additional admission requirements, such as a higher average, other documentation to be provided or specific tests.
Admission to our programs is highly competitive and meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission.
Check the program requirementskeyboard_arrow_right
4. Check the language requirements
You must understand and fluently speak the language of the program you are applying for (English or French) and must provide, on request, your results in one of the language proficiency tests approved by the University of Ottawa.
Below are examples of requirements for the tests most often used to assess admission applications. To find out the minimum result you require, see the specific requirements.
For more information on language proficiency requirements, contact your academic unit.
The following tests are also accepted: MELAB, CAEL, Cambridge English Language Assessment, Pearson, Bridging (ESL500).
5. Find a thesis supervisor
If you are applying to a master’s program (research paper or thesis option) or to a PhD program, you must choose a thesis supervisor who will guide you throughout your studies.
For more information, see our thesis supervision webpage, and review the list of academic units for the program that interests you to find the names of professors who can oversee graduate research.
More information on thesis supervisionkeyboard_arrow_right
Apply
6. Submit your application
The Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) handles admission applications for all Ontario universities, including the University of Ottawa.
You’ll have to create an OUAC account if you’re applying for admission to a university program in Ontario for the first time.
Undergraduate Studies
- Choose a Program: Start by exploring the various undergraduate programs offered by the University of Ottawa. Consider your interests, academic strengths, and career aspirations when making your decision.
- Check Deadlines: Pay attention to the application deadlines for the programs you’re interested in. Deadlines vary depending on your application type and nationality.
- Check Admission Requirements: Review the admission requirements for your chosen programs. These may include minimum academic averages, specific courses, and language proficiency tests.
- Create an OUAC Account: If you’re applying for the first time, create an account with the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). This is the centralized platform for submitting applications to multiple Ontario universities.
- Complete the OUAC 105 Form: Fill out the OUAC 105 application form, providing personal information, academic details, and program choices.
- Submit Transcripts: Request official transcripts from your previous educational institutions and send them directly to the University of Ottawa.
- Pay Application Fees: Pay the application fees using the OUAC website or by mail.
- Submit Supplementary Documents (if applicable): Some programs may require additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, portfolios, or personal essays. Check the specific requirements for your chosen programs.
- Monitor Your Application: Keep track of your application status through the OUAC portal. You’ll receive notifications about any updates or additional information requests.
- Accept Your Offer: Upon receiving an offer of admission, carefully review the terms and conditions and accept the offer by the specified deadline.
- Prepare for Enrollment: Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions on enrollment procedures, including course selection, financial aid applications, and student services registration.
Graduate Studies
- Find a Thesis Supervisor: For research-based graduate programs, it’s crucial to identify a thesis supervisor who aligns with your research interests and expertise.
- Check Program Requirements: Review the specific admission requirements for your chosen graduate program. These may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, research proposals, and GRE or GMAT scores (if applicable).
- Apply Through the University of Ottawa Website: Complete the online application form for graduate studies, providing personal details, academic background, and research interests.
- Submit Required Documents: Upload or mail the required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any program-specific requirements.
- Await Admission Decision: The university will review your application and notify you of their decision. Admission decisions may take several weeks or months.
- Accept Your Offer: If accepted, review the offer letter carefully and accept it by the specified deadline.
- Prepare for Enrollment: Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions on enrollment procedures, including course selection, funding opportunities, and student services registration.
After you apply
7. Log in to your uoZone account
You’ll receive an email from the University of Ottawa acknowledging receipt of your application within one week of applying. Make sure to check your inbox and junk mail folders.
If you don’t receive your acknowledgment within two weeks of applying, contact the academic unit responsible for the program to which you applied.
You’ll also receive an email containing your student number, your uoAccess ID and your password, as well as detailed instructions on how to start a session in the uoZone student portal and track the progress of your application.
For technical support (uoAccess ID, uoZone password, etc.), contact the Information Technology Service Desk.
The University will also email you regularly to let you know of any updates to your admission file.
8. Submit your documents in uoDoc
The documents you need to submit will depend on the program. For the list of documents you must provide, check the program requirements. Upload a copy of each required document in uoDoc (in uoZone) for each program you’re applying to.
To upload documents in uoDoc:
- Log into your uoZone account and access your admission file.
- Get ready to upload each file.
- Don’t merge your documents into a single file. If you do, your admission file will be considered incomplete.
- We strongly encourage you to save each file in PDF format.However, you can also use formats such as .doc, .docx, .jpeg, .jpg or .txt.
- Give each file a short and relevant name that doesn’t contain special characters (brackets, quotation marks, etc.). Use an underscore (_) to separate words.
- Maximum file size is 10 MB.
- Before uploading files, make sure all the information they contain is accurate. Once you’ve uploaded your files, you can’t change or delete them.
- Upload your documents. Note: Don’t upload any documents other than the ones specified on the list. Extra documents will be deleted from your admission file.
We’ll evaluate your application once we have received all your documents. You’re responsible for submitting the documents in a timely manner.
9. Submit letters of recommendation
If your program requires it, your admission file must include letters of recommendation from professors or professionals.
Procedure for letters of recommendation:
- Check your program requirements to find out the number of letters you’ll need.
- Choose your referees. Ideally, and unless the program accepts professional references, your referees should be university professors who can attest to your research ability.
- Contact your referees two to three weeks before the deadline for submitting your application. Confirm their availability, email address and job title.
- Access your admission file (in the uoZone “Applications” section) and enter their names and contact information.
- Let your referees know that the University of Ottawa’s letter-of-recommendation process is fully confidential. They’ll receive an email containing a link to a secure form.
- Give your referees an exact date for providing their letter of recommendation, i.e., before the deadline for applying for admission to the program.
- Make sure the letters are written in English or French, in accordance with the program requirements.
- You shouldn’t ask family members, students (e.g., former or current classmates), staff or teaching assistants for letters of recommendation.
- Encourage your referees to send their letters from email addresses linked to institutions or organizations, instead of public email service providers (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail).
Make sure that the letters of recommendation are submitted before the application deadline for admission to the program. Your admission file won’t be considered complete and won’t be evaluated until we’ve received all your letters of recommendation.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.