Ottawa, Ontario (ON), Canada
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Join at Carleton University
Join at Carleton University
Join at Carleton University
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Join at Carleton University
Life at Carleton University
Life at Carleton University
Located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, Carleton University has delivered exceptional learning and research since 1942. With 27 undergraduate degrees and hundreds of majors, international students can tailor their studies across fields such as engineering, computer science, business, journalism and international affairs — supported by strong academic advising, career services and student support.
Carleton stands out for its integrated work experience. Over 200 programs offer co-op and paid placements, allowing students to graduate with real-world experience. Study terms alternate with paid work terms lasting four to 16 months, helping students build in-demand skills and launch successful careers.
Home to more than 30,000 students from over 160 countries, Carleton offers a welcoming and diverse campus community. Located in a G7 capital city, students benefit from access to government institutions, global organizations and a thriving tech sector with over 1,800 companies—creating unmatched opportunities for networking and employment.
Carleton also offers competitive tuition and generous funding, awarding over 12,500 scholarships and bursaries annually, totalling more than CAD 25 million. First-year students coming directly from high school are guaranteed on-campus housing if they receive an offer by mid-May, with the option to live in residence throughout their entire degree up to 5 years in total.
Set along the Rideau River and canal, Carleton’s campus combines natural beauty with access to one of North America’s fastest-growing tech hubs and a global centre for research in AI, health and public policy.
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The most recent statistics show that 93 percent of Carleton University’s graduates were employed two years after graduating, and 88 percent were employed after six months (2023/24 MCURES).
More than 200 undergraduate programs and streams include a cooperative education option, known as “co-op”, that offers students full-time, paid employment related to an academic program. Study terms alternate with paid periods of employment from four up to 16 months long. Students can also take advantage of internships, apprenticeships, research placements, and more.
Carleton University is proud of its extensive database of active employers that includes over 11,000 companies. There were 3,622 co-op work terms completed only in 2025-2026. On average, 5,600 co-op jobs unique to Carleton University students are posted every year.
Carleton University undergraduate students can join research projects from year one of their studies! Some of the research programs supporting undergraduate researchers:
The Career Services team supports all students and alumni to identify and achieve their career goals so that students can leave university with a diverse range of life and work experiences. Support includes:
Carleton University launched six new undergraduate programs (all available for international students):
Committed to inspire, encourage and include women in engineering and IT, Carleton University’s Women in Engineering and Information Technology program is the first in Canada. Working in collaboration with industry and government partners, it seeks to provide exclusive opportunities to female STEM students.
Through this program, women students receive access to industry tours and talks, networking opportunities, and support from role models and ambassadors, as well as help and guidance to transition into the workforce.
23,57,491 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
16,50,044 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
Carleton University offers one of Canada’s most generous undergraduate scholarship and bursary programs. The university awards over 12,500 scholarships and bursaries annually worth over CAD 25 million. Note that funding for postgraduate (graduate) programs is also extensive and may also take the form of teaching or research assistantships.
Undergraduate students admitted with an average of 85 percent or higher are automatically considered for a renewable entrance scholarship. International students are eligible for these merit-based awards. No application is required.
The scholarship amount ranges from CAD 4,000 to CAD 12,000, awarded over the four years of a degree program.
International undergraduate students applying for a program starting in September 2027 will be automatically considered for the President’s Welcome Award for International Students, a value of CAD 2,000 – 5,000, depending on applicant’s grades at the time of admission.
This award is offered in addition to other Entrance Scholarships. It is available only to international students entering directly from high school and paying international student fees.
Prestige Scholarships are Carleton University’s highest value awards, ranging from CAD 20,000 to the full domestic tuition fees offered over four years.
Students must apply for the scholarship and are only considered if entering the university directly from high school, with an admission average of 90 percent or higher. Students are also assessed on their range of community service or secondary school extracurricular activities.
Undergraduate applicants are encouraged to check whether they are eligible for any of Carleton University’s other bursaries or awards.
Admission to Carleton University’s undergraduate (Bachelors) degree programs is based on a student’s previous academic performance. Usually, students must have graduated or be graduating from secondary school to be accepted into an undergraduate program.
Academic admission requirements vary by program, so students should check individual entry requirements for their preferred undergraduate program of study. Specific subjects (prerequisites) may also be required.
International students are encouraged to visit Carleton University’s admissions website, where they can input their education system and program of choice to see admission requirements tailored to them, along with key deadlines and a step-by-step guide detailing how to apply.
International applicants who do not speak English as their first language will also need to demonstrate a strong level of English proficiency by providing an English as a Second Language (ESL) test score. The standard requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5, with no lower than 6.0 in any band or an equivalent qualification.
Students who do not meet the English language requirement may be conditionally accepted into their program with a requirement to take an Academic ESL course in their first term of study. Students should check the ESL requirements for undergraduate or graduate study for their program of choice.
Carleton University offers 27 undergraduate programs, with hundreds of majors and areas of specialization to choose from. Students can customize a degree to their particular interests, including combined honours.
Media programs prepare students for the exciting challenges facing journalists and communications professionals in an ever-changing landscape.
This constantly evolving discipline studies the theory, design and implementation of computer applications and systems in areas, including business, communication, science, entertainment, and medicine.
Provides a complete business education, with eight specializations and options for co-op (a paid work-study opportunity), study abroad and/or a minor in another subject.
Degrees offered cover a range of 13 engineering and design specializations with rigorous programs and a highly supportive learning environment with practical, hands-on experience.
Labs, tutorials, field courses and seminars are conducted in small classes, resulting in personalized interactions with professors.
Students can select from more than 100 programs, pathways and specializations at the graduate level, including:
This full-time, weekday MBA equips students to lead and make a difference in a changing global context in just 16 months. Here, world-class faculty and students collaborate to share perspectives and challenge conventional thinking.
Engineering Practice focuses on enhancing the technical expertise of students, with a particular focus on internationally trained engineers who have received their undergraduate degree from a university outside the Canadian Accreditation System.
Support at Carleton University covers academics, career goals, health and wellness and is complemented by many social and fun activities. In 2025, Carleton University ranked fifth for overall student satisfaction (Maclean’s), largely because of its learning support and co-op services, as well as health and mental health support carefully designed for a successful university experience.
Academic support is robust, with peer study sessions, workshops on exam preparation, academic writing and much more. The Career and Co-op offices organize networking events and career fairs, support students in finding co-op placements, and help get them job-ready with resumes, cover letters and interview skills. Students also have many opportunities to volunteer and become involved with the community.
International students receive dedicated support from Carleton’s Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office. This office organizes orientation and arrival for international students at the start of their studies and fun cultural and social activities throughout the year. International students can also access dedicated peer advisors, plus advice and workshops on a range of issues, including:
Student safety is important to Carleton University. Carleton University’s Campus Safety Services provides support to the university community 24/7, 365 days a year through:
That’s alongside a Safe Walk program, Work Late program, secure bicycle compounds, safety planning, sexual assault education and prevention programs (in partnership with the Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities), and more.
Discover the voices of students just like you as they help guide you on your study journey
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“Diversity” - my perspective combine between Ho Chi Minh city (Vietnam) and California (USA). At Carleton, I’m excited to learn, connect, and share my strength pov!
View my postsHello! My name is Romina, I am a fourth year student in the Bachelor of Art and Honours in Film Studies with a minor in English and Literature at Carleton University. I am originally from Mexico City and I moved to Canada to pursue my studies almost three and a half years ago! Living in Canada was always my dream, and now that I am almost done with university I can truly say that dreams can come true
View my postsHi! I’m Aisha, a fourth-year Health Science student at Carleton. I’m from Nigeria and came to Canada 3 years ago. It's been an exciting journey navigating Carleton and living independently. I love reading and binge-watching shows in my spare time, and when the weather is nice, I enjoy walks in the park. As an inquisitive person, being in a new place has been a great chance to explore. Balancing life, school, and fun has been a key part of my journey!
View my postsHey, my name is Camila. I’m doing a combined honors in Political Science and Law with a concentration in International Relations and World Politics. I’m from Mexico City and move to Canada to persue my bachelors degree! I’m so happy to connect with you all and feel free to reach out with any questions!
View my postsHey everyone 👋🏽 My name is Carolyne Bergeron and I am a second year student double majoring in Journalism and Communication and Media Studies. I am originally from the beautiful island of Jamaica and came to Carleton University to complete my degree at the best journalism program in the country! I have a love for writing and storytelling, and I hope to develop those skills to build a career in media. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!
View my postsHi! I’m Ana, an international student from Mexico studying a double major in Biology and Biotechnology at Carleton University. I love reading and baking in my free time! I’ve been living in Ottawa for a while now and have picked up lots of tips on studying at Carleton and life in the city. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat or have any questions. I’m more than happy to help!
View my postsHeyyy ! I'm Nishtha , a second year Carleton university student with a highly intersectional background ! I'm very passionate about a lot of stuff , so feel free to come say hii ✨️
View my postsHello! My name is Rain😊 I am an international student at Carleton University and my home country is Malaysia 🇲🇾 I am going into my final year of Environmental Engineering, and I have done some cool co-op jobs in my past 16 months, so feel free to send me a message to ask about these wonderful experiences! I like to cook👩🏻🍳 restaurant exploring 🏘️photography 📸 thinking about the most productive way to live in my free time!
View my postsHi! I’m a third-year psychology honours student, truly passionate about understanding how the mind works. This field has fascinated me for as long as I can remember and every day at university deepens that curiosity. I know choosing a university can feel overwhelming, but I’m happy to share honest insights about the program and student life. If you’re curious, nervous or just want a friendly chat about what to expect, feel free to reach out anytime.
View my postsHeyaa!! 👋🏼I’m Parth and I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s in Computer Science Honours at the vibrant Carleton University 🎓. Unlike most of the international student population, I absolutely LOVE snow and winters!! ☃️❄️Transitioning to university in a new country can come with its challenges, but its definitely a fun and rewarding experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns, comments, or even if you just want to chat about my journey - I’m always happy to help! 😊
View my postsHello! I’m a third-year student from environmental science in honours at Carleton. I’m an international student from Monterrey, Mexico. I love making new friends and exploring new places around Ottawa!! Feel free to ask any questions about my experience in Carleton and in Ottawa, I’ll be more than happy to answer☺️
View my postsHi, my name is Tracy and I am originally from Ghana. I went on exchange to France for a year and absolutely loved it. I enjoy traveling, dancing, singing, and listening to music. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any inquiries or just want to have a chat, and I’ll be more than happy to help out 😊
View my postsHey! My name is Eshitah, I’m currently in my 3rd year studying Commerce, concentrating in Finance. I grew up in Tanzania, hence becoming my home!! I am definitely a summer person, but turns out snow isn’t that bad :) Do feel free to reach out to me with any questions about Carleton, living on campus or Ottawa. I would love to share my experience as an International student ☺️
View my postsHeyy I’m Akriti I’m an international stinker from India, currently in my fourth and final year in Psychology 😊I am navigating the ends of my program and further plans after graduation! I would be happy to answer your questions about life in Canada , navigating your program and any other questions.
View my postsHi! My name is Usman, I’m in my third year of Aerospace Engineering, and I have learned a lot during my time here at Carleton that I would love to pass on to incoming students. I'm really into films (I am currently the vice president of the Carleton Film Society!), books (I write short stories and have published one!), and music (I have a pretty cool vinyl collection). I love talking to people, so feel free to chat with me and ask me your questions!❤️
View my postsHello! I'm Alexa, and International Student at Carleton University. I'm studying International Business and enjoy dancing, reading and playing soccer. I was born and raised in Panama and moved to Canada a year ago, I've learned a lot of new things about Ottawa and Carleton and now am more than happy to share them with you. Feel free to reach out and remember every question is valid🤗
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