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.

Undergraduate Programs

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.

Communication and Media Studies, Journalism, or Media Production and Design

Media programs prepare students for the exciting challenges facing journalists and communications professionals in an ever-changing landscape.

Computer Science

This constantly evolving discipline studies the theory, design and implementation of computer applications and systems in areas, including business, communication, science, entertainment, and medicine.

Commerce (Business)

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.

Engineering, Architecture and Industrial Design

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.

Nursing, Science and Health Science

Labs, tutorials, field courses and seminars are conducted in small classes, resulting in personalized interactions with professors.

Graduate Studies

Students can select from more than 100 programs, pathways and specializations at the graduate level, including:

MBA (Sprott School of Business)

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.

Master of Engineering Practice

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.

Bachelor's programs

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 entry requirements

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.

Master's programs

• Master of Finance - Applicants for the Master of Finance at the Sprott School of Business will need a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant area such as business, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering with an average grade of B or above (equivalent to 8.0/12 on the Carleton scale).

English language requirements

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 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.

Entrance scholarships

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.

President's Welcome Award for International Students

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

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.

Other bursaries and awards

Undergraduate applicants are encouraged to check whether they are eligible for any of Carleton University's other bursaries or awards.

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:

• Budgeting
• Health insurance
• Immigration
• Study and work permits

Student safety

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:

• Patrol services
• Parking service
• Technical services
• Carleton University Student Emergency Response Team

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.

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).

Built-in work experience

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.

Research opportunities for undergraduate students

Carleton University undergraduate students can join research projects from year one of their studies! Some of the research programs supporting undergraduate researchers:

• The Internship-Carleton University Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (I-CUREUS)
• Carleton University Research Opportunity Program (CUROP)
• The Dean's Summer Research Internship (DSRI)

Careers support

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:

• Guidance and support with job readiness skills
• Organization of job fairs and networking events
• Facilitation of volunteer opportunities
• Provision of on-campus jobs
• Mock interviews
• Resume support
• Identification of work-abroad opportunities

New bachelor's degrees

Carleton University launched six new undergraduate programs (all available for international students):

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Engineering, Mechatronics
• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Data Science

Committed to women in engineering and IT

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.