Canada City guide
Study in Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada's bilingual capital, combines the public sector, tech in Kanata and universities with a strong English–French mix.
Sandy Hill and Glebe host most student housing near uOttawa, reachable by OC Transpo bus or bicycle.
Mid-range costs
Study Permit (student visa)
Up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP)
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
The University of Ottawa and Carleton University anchor degree and graduate study; Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale cover applied diplomas in English and French. Ottawa makes sense if you value bilingualism, internships around government/tech, or a more manageable city pace than Toronto.
The O-Train and OC Transpo connect campuses; winter is serious — budget proper clothing and planned trips. Housing costs usually sit between Montreal and Toronto, with sharp neighbourhood differences.
Proximity to Gatineau (Québec) lets you practice extra French off campus. For Latin American students, Ottawa often feels safe and organised, with solid international student associations.
ApplySite helps you filter Ottawa programs, compare languages of instruction and apply directly. No platform commission — you pay the school.
City guide
Why students choose Ottawa
- Bilingual capital with public sector and tech
- uOttawa, Carleton and applied colleges
- More manageable pace than Toronto
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Ottawa; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Ottawa
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Ottawa
Language schools and intensive courses in Ottawa to level up before college or university in Canada.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Ottawa
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Ottawa institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Ottawa
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Ottawa's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
Markets, grocery chains and campus canteens drive weekly spend in Ottawa. Cooking in a shared flat saves money; eating out daily does not.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Ottawa you will typically need the Study Permit (student visa). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP) Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to Canada →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Ottawa
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
Canada
Other cities in Canada
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Ottawa?
With a valid study permit you can work up to 20 hours/week during classes and full-time in scheduled breaks.
How much does it cost to live in Ottawa?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Ottawa.
How do I apply to a program in Ottawa?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Ottawa, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Ottawa?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.