University of Ottawa for Kenyan Students
QS #219 ranked University of Ottawa (U15 Research University) is located in Ottawa, Canada. Kenyan students can apply directly to undergraduate programmes. Undergraduate tuition is CA$43,335–CA$63,164/year, with a minimum IELTS of 6.5. For Masters entry, a minimum GPA of 3/4 (2:1) and IELTS 6.5 is required, with tuition from CA$29,163–CA$70,672/year. 4 scholarships are tracked for Kenyan students, including International English Admission Scholarship and International English Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Program minimums: Arts/Social Sciences 70%, Science 78% (Biomedical 83%), Engineering 80–83%, Computer Science/Software Eng/Data Science 90%, Telfer Commerce 85%, Nursing 90%. Competitive programmes (CS, Computer Eng, Data Science, Health Sciences) apply by March 1. IELTS 6.5/6.5 writing for unconditional entry; often waived for KCSE English-medium schooling.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: CA$43,335–CA$63,164. Application deadline: April 1 (most programmes); March 1 for competitive programmes.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4 (2:1 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. General minimum is 70% (B average) over last 20 courses. IELTS 6.5 overall/6.5 writing, no band below 6.0 — often waived for English-medium schooling. MBA (12-month, English intensive) totals ~CA$70,672. Research masters from ~CA$29,163/year.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: CA$29,163–CA$70,672. Application deadline: Programme-specific — typically December–March for fall intake. Decision time: 6–12 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4 (Second Class Honours Upper Division master's degree). Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. Entry requires a master's degree with 75% (B+) average over last 10 courses. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships ($50,000/year × 3 years) available for top candidates, institution-nominated.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
Programme-specific — check individual faculty deadlines
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
International English Admission Scholarship
by University of Ottawa · Undergraduate
Learn more →International English Academic Excellence Scholarship
by University of Ottawa · Undergraduate
Learn more →Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
by Government of Canada · Phd
Learn more →International Doctoral Scholarship
by University of Ottawa · Phd
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Ottawa accept KCSE?
Yes — KCSE is treated as equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma, giving direct entry with no Foundation Year required. Most programmes need a 75% average, but competitive fields go higher: Computer Science and Data Science require 90%, Engineering 80–83%, and Telfer Commerce 85%.
Can Kenyan students get a scholarship at Ottawa without applying separately?
Yes. The International English Admission Scholarship is automatic — if your admission average is 80%+, you get $7,500 per term, renewable for up to 12 instalments (up to $60,000 over a 4-year degree). Score 90%+ and you also qualify for an additional $10,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship, no extra application needed.
Is IELTS required if I studied in English in Kenya?
Often not. uOttawa waives the English test requirement for applicants with at least 3 years of full-time study at an English-medium school in a country where English is an official language — Kenya qualifies. If you do need IELTS, the requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing for unconditional entry.
How much does a PhD cost at Ottawa for Kenyan students?
Much less than you'd expect. International PhD tuition is now close to domestic rates — about CA$17,500–18,150/year — thanks to the automatic International Doctoral Scholarship ($45,000 spread over 5 years). Top candidates can also compete for the Vanier CGS, worth $50,000/year for 3 years.
Tips for Applying to Ottawa
Ottawa is one of the most straightforward and affordable Canadian options for Kenyan students: KCSE is accepted directly at a 75% average, IELTS is frequently waived, and the automatic English-language scholarships mean strong performers can offset a significant chunk of tuition without a separate application. Location in the national capital, steps from Parliament Hill, adds strong Public Policy and Law programmes to the usual Engineering/CS draw.
Official source: University of Ottawa ↗Plan Your Canada Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Kenyan passport holders applying to Canada.
Cost of Living in Ottawa
University residence 8-month double ~CA$1,160/month; 12-month apartments CA$1,330–2,275/month
Mandatory meal plan for residence students ~CA$890/month equivalent
Full-time students get uPass (unlimited OC Transpo) included in mandatory fees