The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is a bilingual public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest bilingual university in North America and the second largest university in Ontario. uOttawa offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including:
- Arts: uOttawa’s Faculty of Arts is known for its programs in human rights, international relations, and public policy.
- Engineering: uOttawa’s Faculty of Engineering is known for its programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and software engineering.
- Health Sciences: uOttawa’s Faculty of Medicine is one of the most respected medical schools in Canada. The Faculty of Health Sciences also offers programs in nursing, pharmacy, and physiotherapy.
- Law: uOttawa’s Faculty of Law is the only bilingual law school in Canada.
- Management: uOttawa’s Telfer School of Management is one of the top business schools in Canada.
- Science: uOttawa’s Faculty of Science is known for its programs in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Social Sciences: uOttawa’s Faculty of Social Sciences is known for its programs in economics, political science, and psychology.
In addition to its academic programs, uOttawa is also known for its research excellence. The university is ranked among the top 10 research universities in Canada. uOttawa researchers are making significant contributions to a variety of fields, including:
- Photonics: uOttawa is a world leader in photonics research. The university has several research institutes dedicated to photonics, including the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Light and Particle Physics (OCLIPP) and the Centre d’optique, photonique et laser (COPL).
- Vascular and cardiovascular health: uOttawa is also a leader in vascular and cardiovascular health research. The university has several research institutes dedicated to this field, including the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CRI) and the Heart Institute.
- Brain and mental health: uOttawa is a leader in brain and mental health research. The university has several research institutes dedicated to this field, including the Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI) and the Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR).
- Francophonie: uOttawa is a world leader in Francophone studies. The university has several research institutes dedicated to Francophonie, including the Centre de recherche sur le français (CRFL) and the Institut canadien de recherches sur la francophonie (ICREF).
- Public policy and social justice: uOttawa is a leader in public policy and social justice research. The university has several research institutes dedicated to this field, including the Centre for Public Policy and Governance (CPPG) and the Canadian Centre for Global Studies (CCGS).
uOttawa is a vibrant and diverse community with a strong commitment to academic excellence and research. The university is a great place to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to Ottawa University. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application.
Ottawa University SAT Requirements
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.
Average SAT: 1000
The average SAT score composite at Ottawa University is a 1000 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score makes Ottawa University Lightly Competitive for SAT test scores.
Ottawa University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile SAT score is 900, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1080. In other words, a 900 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1080 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 490 | 460 | 510 |
| Reading + Writing | 510 | 440 | 570 |
| Composite | 1000 | 900 | 1080 |
SAT Score Choice Policy
The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.
Ottawa University ACT Requirements
Just like for the SAT, Ottawa University likely doesn’t have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.
Average ACT: 20
The average ACT score at Ottawa University is 20. This score makes Ottawa University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.
The 25th percentile ACT score is 18, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 22.
Even though Ottawa University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 18 or below, you’ll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 20 and above that a 18 will look academically weak.
ACT Score Sending Policy
If you’re taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.
Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.
This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school’s ACT requirement of 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you’re happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.
ACT Superscore Policy
By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.
We weren’t able to find the school’s exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Ottawa University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 22.
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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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.