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The capital of Canada, Ottawa is ranked 55th in this year’s Best Student Cities ranking. A diverse and dynamic city, Ottawa is also multilingual, with many residents fluent in both English and French.
Although it has fallen slightly since the previous edition of the ranking, Ottawa has improved its rank in some areas including student view and student mix. The latter is perhaps unsurprising given the recent trend in international students viewing Canada as a more attractive alternative to the United States.
Best universities in Ottawa - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =53rd
Rank
University
=237
University of Ottawa
601-650
Carleton University
More about Ottawa
Although Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal all out-perform Ottawa in this year's ranking, any of these Canadian cities would make for a fantastic study destination. In fact, all four are within the top 25 cities in the world for desirability. Ottawa also benefits from being a more affordable city than either Vancouver or Toronto.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Ottawa?
Plenty to see and do
Ottawa is home to the Rideau Canal, the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, which is also a world heritage site. There are countless other cultural and historical spots of interest to explore, including the most-visited museum in Canada, the Canadian Museum of History. The city is also home to the impressive neo-gothic parliament building ‘Centre Block’.
A student-friendly city
Ottawa is ranked within the top 50 for the student view indicator, a score which reflects the city’s lively student life, diversity and friendliness.
It received praise in our student survey, with one respondent saying: “I love the opportunities and the diversity as well as the student-centred culture” while another praised the “diverse array of activities, programs and events you can get involved in.”
Demographically diverse and rich in culture
As well as having a much younger population, over 20 percent of Ottawa's population is foreign born. Chinese, British and Lebanese citizens are among the largest international communities, while there's also a significant aboriginal population too.
Cost of studying in Ottawa
While it's not among the world's most affordable cities, Ottawa does benefit from a cheaper cost of living than other cities in North America (including Toronto). Rent in particular is about one-fifth cheaper in Ottawa than in Toronto, according to Numbeo.
The typical individual will need around US$948 per month for living expenses excluding rent, while a one-person city-centre apartment will cost you just under $1,300 a month.
Life and culture in Ottawa
Ottawa is a city rich with boutique shops, galleries, museums and theatres so there'll be no shortage of things to see, do and explore in your time living here. The city also hosts a vast range of festivals and outdoor events throughout the year, including Winterlude, the largest festival in Canada.
If looking for something to do on a rainy day, the collections and exhibitions at the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum are well worth viewing. The city is also home to several professional sports teams, from ice hockey to baseball.
Fittingly for the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is home to several key industries with a particular focus on high-tech companies and healthcare. The city is also home to the Canadian government and a significant number of the city's residents will work within the Public Service of Canada.
The city's high-tech focus has earned it the nickname "Silicon Valley North", in reference to the cluster of tech firms based in San Francisco. Companies such as Shopify, Corel and Mitel were all founded in Ottawa, while multinationals such as Nokia and IBM also have bases here.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Study in Ottawa
Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 09, 2024Save
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Ottawa for students
The capital of Canada, Ottawa is ranked 55th in this year’s Best Student Cities ranking. A diverse and dynamic city, Ottawa is also multilingual, with many residents fluent in both English and French.
Although it has fallen slightly since the previous edition of the ranking, Ottawa has improved its rank in some areas including student view and student mix. The latter is perhaps unsurprising given the recent trend in international students viewing Canada as a more attractive alternative to the United States.
The two top universities in Ottawa are both ranked within the top 650 in the world, with the University of Ottawa an impressive joint 237th in the QS World University Rankings® 2023.
Best universities in Ottawa - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =53rd
More about Ottawa
Although Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal all out-perform Ottawa in this year's ranking, any of these Canadian cities would make for a fantastic study destination. In fact, all four are within the top 25 cities in the world for desirability. Ottawa also benefits from being a more affordable city than either Vancouver or Toronto.
Number of universities ranked by QS
2
Highest-ranked institution
University of Ottawa (joint 237th)
Population
1,393,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$22,600
Desirability rank
21st
Employer Activity rank
103rd
Affordability rank
=84th
Student View rank
39th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Ottawa?
Plenty to see and do
Ottawa is home to the Rideau Canal, the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, which is also a world heritage site. There are countless other cultural and historical spots of interest to explore, including the most-visited museum in Canada, the Canadian Museum of History. The city is also home to the impressive neo-gothic parliament building ‘Centre Block’.
A student-friendly city
Ottawa is ranked within the top 50 for the student view indicator, a score which reflects the city’s lively student life, diversity and friendliness.
It received praise in our student survey, with one respondent saying: “I love the opportunities and the diversity as well as the student-centred culture” while another praised the “diverse array of activities, programs and events you can get involved in.”
Demographically diverse and rich in culture
As well as having a much younger population, over 20 percent of Ottawa's population is foreign born. Chinese, British and Lebanese citizens are among the largest international communities, while there's also a significant aboriginal population too.
Cost of studying in Ottawa
While it's not among the world's most affordable cities, Ottawa does benefit from a cheaper cost of living than other cities in North America (including Toronto). Rent in particular is about one-fifth cheaper in Ottawa than in Toronto, according to Numbeo.
The typical individual will need around US$948 per month for living expenses excluding rent, while a one-person city-centre apartment will cost you just under $1,300 a month.
Life and culture in Ottawa
Ottawa is a city rich with boutique shops, galleries, museums and theatres so there'll be no shortage of things to see, do and explore in your time living here. The city also hosts a vast range of festivals and outdoor events throughout the year, including Winterlude, the largest festival in Canada.
If looking for something to do on a rainy day, the collections and exhibitions at the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum are well worth viewing. The city is also home to several professional sports teams, from ice hockey to baseball.
Testimonials
Careers in Ottawa
Fittingly for the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is home to several key industries with a particular focus on high-tech companies and healthcare. The city is also home to the Canadian government and a significant number of the city's residents will work within the Public Service of Canada.
The city's high-tech focus has earned it the nickname "Silicon Valley North", in reference to the cluster of tech firms based in San Francisco. Companies such as Shopify, Corel and Mitel were all founded in Ottawa, while multinationals such as Nokia and IBM also have bases here.
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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