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's rank for the student view indicator 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.

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.

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.