Ibrahim Gardner
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a popular destination for international students due to its reputed institutions, cosmopolitan environment, and comparatively lower living costs. The cost of living in Ottawa is 18% lower than the national average, making it a reasonable choice for students. The average monthly cost of living for a single individual in Ottawa is CA$3,252, including rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and entertainment. International students should also budget for additional expenses such as health insurance, study permits, and international student fees. Student accommodation in Ottawa offers various options, including on-site university housing, private apartments, and homestays, with prices ranging from CA$1,000 to CA$2,500 per month. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, but public transportation is easily accessible and affordable, with a monthly bus pass costing CA$125. Overall, Ottawa provides a good quality of life, academic excellence, and affordable housing options for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of living | CA$1,500–CA$2,500 per month for students, including rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and some entertainment |
| Accommodation | CA$1,000–CA$2,500 per month for student accommodation; CA$129/night for a homestay |
| Utilities | CA$30 per week; electricity, cooling, heating, garbage, and water cost CA$180.90 per month |
| Food | CA$70 per week; eating out is expensive |
| Transportation | CA$50 per week; a bus pass costs CA$125 per month |
| Tuition fees | Variable depending on the course and university; scholarships available for international students |
| Job opportunities | Part-time jobs available for students |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students
The cost of tuition for international students in Ottawa, Canada, depends on several factors, including the university, programme, and level of study. While exact fees vary, there are a variety of scholarships available for international students, as well as opportunities for part-time work.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Fees
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) will remain unchanged from the 2024-2025 academic year. For master's and doctoral programmes, fees will also remain the same. The University of Ottawa offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in a bachelor's or master's programme. The scholarship is also available for students in the French Immersion Stream.
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Scholarships and Work Opportunities
The University of Ottawa offers an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at $45,000 over five years to international students. Additionally, many universities in Ontario offer scholarships and financial aid programmes specifically for international students. International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time while studying, usually up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.
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Cost of accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Ottawa, Canada's capital, is considered reasonable for students. The city offers a range of affordable housing options, with the average cost of living lower than the national average by 18%. This makes Ottawa a preferred destination for international students.
The cost of student accommodation in Ottawa depends on the type of housing chosen. On-site accommodation, or university residences, typically cost between CA$1000 to CA$2500 per month. This option is often ideal for first-year students, offering a convenient location and modern amenities. Private apartments, on the other hand, can be rented individually or shared with friends, providing more independence but potentially higher costs. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa ranges from CAD 1,200 to CAD 1,800 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can range from CAD 2,240 to CAD 2,782.63, depending on its location.
Homestays are another option, with nightly rates of CA$ 129, and shared housing can also help reduce costs. Additionally, many universities in Ontario offer scholarships and financial aid programs specifically for international students, providing further support with living expenses.
When planning a budget, students should also consider expenses beyond rent, including utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment. The weekly cost of utilities is estimated at £30, while a monthly bus pass costs CA$125. Eating out at restaurants in Ottawa is reported to be expensive, so this should be factored into the budget as well. Overall, the cost of living in Ottawa for international students is considered lower than many other global study destinations.
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Utilities and other expenses
As an international student in Ottawa, you should expect to pay around CAD 30 per week for utilities, according to UniAcco. This includes electricity, cooling, heating, garbage, and water.
The cost of utilities will depend on the type of accommodation you choose. For example, if you opt for on-site student accommodation, you may find that some utilities are included in your rent. On the other hand, if you decide to rent a private apartment, you will likely have to pay for utilities on top of your rent.
In addition to utilities, there are other expenses to consider when creating your budget. These include:
- Food and groceries: Eating out at restaurants in Ottawa is known to be expensive, so you may want to cook at home.
- Transportation: A monthly bus pass in Ottawa costs around CAD 50-125.
- Health insurance: International students in Ontario are advised to budget for health insurance.
- Study permits and international student fees: These costs vary depending on your chosen institution, so be sure to research the specific requirements.
- Textbooks and cellphone plans: These are essential expenses to consider when planning your budget.
It is important to note that the cost of living in Ottawa is considered reasonable for students, with living costs lower than the national average by 18%. Additionally, part-time job opportunities are available for international students in Canada, allowing up to 20 hours of work per week during term time and full-time work during breaks.
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Transport
Ottawa is considered a relatively affordable place to live compared to other major cities in Canada. The average cost of living in Ottawa is around CAD 1,500–2,500 per month, including rent. This is lower than in cities like Vancouver and Calgary, where living costs can reach 2,000 CAD per month.
Public transport is a convenient and affordable option in Ottawa. The city offers a light rail system, buses, and taxis. Students aged 18 to 25 can purchase a monthly transport pass at a discounted rate of 90 CAD per month, while a one-way ticket costs 3 CAD. Taxis are also readily available, with fares typically ranging from 2 to 6 CAD per kilometre.
For those who prefer active transportation, Ottawa is a cyclist's dream. The city boasts 800 kilometres of recreational routes, making it an excellent choice for those who want to get around by bike. Additionally, the city is highly walkable, with a compact size that allows for easy navigation on foot. The short driving distance from one end of the city to the other highlights the minimal need for a vehicle.
For longer-distance travel, Via Rail Canada operates a passenger rail service connecting Ottawa to other major cities in Quebec, such as Montreal and Quebec City. Intercity bus services like Greyhound, Megabus, and Orleans Express are also available for travel within Quebec and beyond.
When considering transportation costs in Ottawa, it's important to factor in the discounts available for students. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit, which services Ontario, both offer student discounts on monthly passes. Additionally, students can take advantage of the various hiking trails and camping sites throughout the province for exploration on a budget.
In summary, while transportation costs are a factor in the overall cost of living in Ottawa, the city offers a range of affordable and accessible options for students, including public transport, active transportation, and intercity travel. With careful budgeting and the utilisation of student discounts, international students can effectively manage their transportation expenses in Ottawa.
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Scholarships and part-time work
The cost of living in Ottawa, Ontario, can be high for international students, who also have to budget for additional expenses such as health insurance, study permits, and international student fees. To help manage these expenses, international students can explore scholarship opportunities and part-time work.
Scholarships
The University of Ottawa offers a range of scholarships and grants for international students, including:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based grants
- Entrance and Excellence Scholarships for students from Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, South Korea, India, or Bangladesh studying in English
- International English Entrance Scholarships and International English Excellence Scholarships for various faculties, including Engineering, Science, and Social Sciences
- Scholarships for female aspirants, with a value of $25,000 for a Master's Degree Program and a $1,000 research allowance
The scholarship amounts vary depending on the degree program and can be renewed for up to 12 terms if certain renewal criteria are met.
Part-time Work
International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time while studying, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during breaks. Part-time job opportunities for students are available in Ottawa, and many universities in Ontario offer career services to help students find positions. Students can also check local job boards, such as Glassdoor, which currently lists 48 part-time student jobs in Ottawa. Examples of part-time jobs in Ottawa include:
- Bilingual university-level student positions in IT, healthcare, scientific, management, marketing, and communications fields
- Graduate assistant
- Summer camp counselor
- Student worker
- Student ambassador
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Project Coordinator
- Web Developer
- Administrative Assistant
- Human Resources
- Graphic Designer
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in Ottawa is lower than the national average by 18%, making it a preferred destination for international students. The average cost of living for a single renter is CA$ 3,252 per month, with rent ranging from CA$ 1,200 to CA$ 1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
International students should budget for expenses such as health insurance, study permits, and international student fees. The cost of a monthly bus pass is CA$ 125, and a doctor's visit is approximately CA$ 65.30. Eating out at restaurants can also be expensive.
Yes, many universities in Ontario offer scholarships and financial aid for international students. For example, the University of Ottawa offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for international students enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program, as well as an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at $45,000 over five years. International students are also allowed to work part-time while studying, which can help supplement their income.
