The University of Ottawa ranked 141st in the world and 7th in Canada by the Times Higher Education  
World University Rankings in 2020. 
 
The University is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world located at the heart of Canada’s capital.  
 
With professors that are internationally recognized for their cutting-edge research, out of the box thinking, and their leadership of key research networks, the University is able to take on the most important issues faced by today’s business leaders, anticipating and devising solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.  
 
Telfer School of Management at the University has accreditations from the three most demanding international organizations (AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS), underlining the Telfer as one of the world’s top business schools. 
 
The International Office Buddy Program pairs incoming exchange students with upper year uOttawa students to facilitate their integration into Canadian society and university life in Ottawa. More information on the Buddy Program can be found here. 

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River, in the east of southern Ontario, near the city of Montréal and the U.S. border. The city is bilingual with most residents speaking both English and French. Ottawa is known as one of the most educated cities in Canada, and has the highest per capita concentration of engineers, scientists, and residents with PhDs in Canada. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the city. During the winter months, Rideau Canal is turned into the longest outdoor skating rink in the world, stretching for nearly eight kilometres. As a multicultural city, Ottawa is also known for its superb Lebanese food, Chinese food and Vietnamese food. Off the beaten path, consider a tour of the city’s infamous history with a Haunted Walk of Ottawa city tour.

Canada is a country in the north of North America, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country by total area, and shares the world's longest bi-national land border with the USA.

As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated with the majority of its land area dominated by forest and tundra. Over 80% of its 37.6 million people are concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, with 70% residing within 100 kilometres of the US border. Both English and French are commonly spoken.

Cities such as Montreal and Quebec located in the historically French part of Canada offer a European city experience in North America, along with the opportunity to develop language skills and explore a different culture. Canadians are renowned for being friendly and helpful, and Canada experiences very low crime and a high standard of living. The exchange rate is generally more favourable for Canada than the US, making it more affordable for students.

Canada’s incredible range of natural wonders are perfect for exploring – it has the most coastline of any country, alongside famous mountain ranges, huge lakes, ancient forests, arctic lands, some desert and unique wildlife. Popular natural attractions include the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks, the Aurora Borealis, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Cabot Trail, Niagara Falls, and Banff National Park.

Did you know…..?

Canada offers some amazing festivals and parties, including the Celebration of Light - the largest fireworks competition in the world. The Toronto International Film Festival is also a must-see for film, art, and media students.

Canada is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Telfer School of Management ADM (Administration) courses are available to UniSA Business students only. 
 
Courses from the following faculties are not available for exchange, 

• Faculty of Medicine 
• Faculty of Education 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport
• English language proficiency (if applicable)  

Students in Common Law, Civil Law, Theatre, Visual Arts, Music and Postgraduate students must also submit the following additional documents:

• Letter of motivation (written in the language of instruction of the exchange, maximum one page). This letter should elaborate on your interests and academic objectives for your exchange program at the University of Ottawa.
• Resume (maximum two pages)
• Academic Reference Form  (PDF) or a letter of recommendation
• Visual Arts students must submit a portfolio
• Music students can participate to the exchange program for the full academic year only and must submit a performance DVD with their application

To be considered a full-time student a minimum of 12 credits is required. 
Therefore, we recommend that: 

• 5 courses (15 credits) is equivalent to 18 UniSA units 
• 4 courses (12 credits) is equivalent to 13.5 UniSA units 

If a non-Domestic student (see Glossary term here for ‘Domestic Student’) has completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time studies with UniSA, they would be exempt from providing language test results.

Find courses at Ottawa

University of Ottawa offers airport pick up for students arriving in September only. More information will be published on the website in August. 
 
Outside of this time, students will need to make their own way to the campus. 
 
From Ottawa International Airport 
You can take a taxi (about $40.00 CAN) or the OC Transpo bus, # 97 (exact change is required) and get off at the University campus (Campus Station). The #97 bus leaves the airport every 15 minutes until 7:50p.m., and every 30 minutes after that time. 
 
From Dorval International Airport (Montreal) 
You can take an interprovincial bus (a two-hour ride) to Ottawa. Upon your arrival at the airport, go to the information booth called CONNAISSEUR to purchase your ticket. Buses leave every two hours. 

The University of Ottawa has rooms available in university residences for exchange students, even though on-campus accommodation is never guaranteed. Students can join the uOttawa Bureau International Office Facebook group to view postings from fellow students.  
 
Should you wish to consider Off-Campus Housing, please see their website to obtain further information. 

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to University of Ottawa, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:  

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  
 
Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 
 
A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 
 
If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 
 
As an exchange student you must purchase additional health insurance (UHIP) as required by Canadian government.