University of Ottawa, Canada

Originally established as the College of Bytown in 1848 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, UoO is regularly ranked among the top 15 varsities of Canada and among the world’s top 250 universities 

Sited in Canada’s eponymous capital, the University of Ottawa (UoO, estb.1848) is North America’s largest bilingual higher education institution offering its 30,000 students from 150 nations the choice of pursuing degree programmes in English and/or French — the country’s two official languages. A member of the Group of Thirteen, a consortium of Canada’s premier research-intensive universities, UoO offers over 300 undergraduate and 160 postgrad programmes across nine faculties. One of the country’s oldest institutions of higher learning, UoO is regularly ranked among the top 15 varsities in Canada, and is ranked (226) among the world’s top 250 universities in The Times Higher Education-QS World Univer-sity Rankings 2009.

“Our bilingualism, multicul-turalism and research excell-ence set us apart from other universities and attracts the brightest and best students from Canada and the world over. Our teaching and research programmes — offered in both official languages — are designed to actively engage our students, expand knowledge and create a learning environment rich in diversity, talent and ideas,” says Allan Rock, vice chancellor of the university.

Originally established as the College of Bytown in 1848 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, in 1861 the institution was rechristened the College of Ottawa. In 1866 it received a royal charter from London to become the University of Ottawa. Although founded as a liberal arts college, the university has been teaching pure and applied sciences since the 1800s. Currently it offers a wide range of academic and professional programmes at the undergraduate level in nine faculties: arts, education, engineering, health sciences, law, medicine, management, science and social sciences. Masters and doctoral degrees are also offered by the faculty of graduate and post-doctoral studies.

Ottawa. Sited on the border of Ontario and Quebec provinces on the south bank of the Ottawa River, Canada’s national capital, Ottawa (pop.1 million) offers a near-perfect blend of urban-rural habitat features and natural beauty with its hundreds of parks and green spaces. The Rideau Canal runs straight through the city centre, attracting joggers, rowers and skaters. Every winter, when the canal freezes over, it transforms into the world’s longest ice-skating rink.

Also the cultural capital of Canada, the city boasts over 30 museums, 50 galleries and theatres and hosts dozens of festivals year-round. Parliament Hill, the seat of government in Canada, is less than 2,000 metres from the university campus. The climate in Ottawa varies from warm summers to snowy winters. Summer temperatures range from 15.1oC-26.4oC which plunge to -6.3oC-15oC in winter.

Campus facilities. UoO’s main campus is sited on a massive 42.5-hectare property, a stone’s throw away from Parliament Hill. Its second campus is sited in downtown Ottawa at Lees, and the third in Roger Guindon. Together they host 38 buildings housing 625 research and 278 teaching laboratories, and seven residences with 2,885 beds. The university’s main library, located in Morisset Hall, offers a plethora of media resources, archives and special collections, and geographic, statistical and government information. Five other specialised libraries have more than 5 million units of study and research material.

Games and sports facilities are provided by two state-of-the-art sports complexes which include an olympic-size swimming pool, two ice rinks, three gymnasia, two fitness centres and an outdoor multi-sports field. Moreover there are over 100 student organisations and clubs on campus which conduct a series of cultural and social activities year-round.

Admission. The minimum eligibility criterion for admission into UoO’s undergrad programmes is successful completion of class XII/Plus Two. A minimum overall average of 70 percent or equivalent is required for admission. However, higher averages may be required for some degree programmes.

For admission into graduate progra-mmes, students must possess a first-class bachelor’s undergraduate degree. Moreover all international students need to submit proof of proficiency in the English language. A TOEFL score of 4.5 and IELTS score of 6.5 are acceptable. For the fall session beginning Septem-ber, the admission deadline is May 1 and for the winter session starting January, the last date is October 15. Students can download the admission application form on www.ouac.on.ca.

For further information contact Admissions Office, University of Ottawa, 550 Cumberland Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5. Tel.:+1-613-562-5847; Fax:+1-613-562-5100; e-mail: isa-cee@uottawa.ca; website: www. uottawa.ca.

Accommodation. UoO offers 2,885 places in seven different residences. All first-year international students are guaranteed accommodation and can choose from conventional residences (offering shared kitchens and lounges); two-bedroom suites (furnished two-bedroom suites with student lounges) and apartment-style residences (single room with shared kitchen, washroom and living area). All residences feature kitchens and laundry rooms, high-speed internet access and telephone lines.

Degree programmes. Ottawa U’s ten faculties offer over 300 undergrad and 160 graduate degree programmes (see box). From the fall (September) of 2010, international students can apply for the university’s co-op programme wherein students alternate between study and paid work terms (four internships of four months each).

Summiya Yasmeen