The cost of studying

Planning your budget may appear to be a laborious process. However, this is an essential step if you wish to complete your studies in a worry-free and, as much as possible, debt-free manner. Whether you’re a future student or are already enrolled at the University of Ottawa, it’s never too early or too late to set up your budget.

  • The Website canlearn.ca contains several tools to help you plan your budget and estimate your expenses during your studies.
  • This section also contains several tips for estimating your income and expenses.
  • The Financial Aid and Awards Service can also help you set up your budget for the academic year and deal with any financial difficulties you may encounter along the way. Don't wait to find yourself in crisis before taking advantage of the help that our advisors can provide. Please contact us to make an appointment.

Example of average annual costs for an eight-month period

  At
Home
Conventional Residence Apartment-Type Residence Off-Campus Apartment (Shared, Unfurnished)

Tuition and ancillary fees (direct-entry faculties)*

$6,320 - 8,811

$6,320 - 8,811

$6,320 - 8,811

$6,320 - 8,811

Books and school supplies

 $800 - 1,200

$800 - 1,200

$800 - 1,200

$800 - 1,200

Residence fees

 

$4,622 - 5,384

$5,464 - 6,872

 

Rent

 

 

 

$4,000 - 5,000

Heat, hydro and water

 

 Included

Included

 $800

Meal plan

 

$2,700 - 3,600

$2,700 - 3,600

 

Groceries

 

   

 $2,400

Telephone (mobile), cable and/or Internet

 $400

$400

$400

$1,000

Long distance

 

$200

$200

$200

Visits to family

 

 $200 - $600

$200 - $600

$200 - $600

Bus passes - UO Pass

Included in the incidental fees

Included in the incidental fees 

Included in the incidental fees 

Included in the incidental fees

The amounts shown in this table are based on the fees in place for the 2012-2013 academic year (september to april) and are subject to change.

*Tuition fees for Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents and Exempted International Students.