University of Ottawa MA Economics: Fees, Admission 2027, Scholarships & Salary

University of Ottawa Master of Arts Economics is a two-year postgraduate degree, teaching advanced economic theory and policy analysis. Full-time study in Ottawa, Canada requires strong quantitative skills and a GPA above 3.5. International tuition is approximately C$22,000 annually (INR 15.43 Lakhs), totaling around C$48,000 for two years (INR 33.66 Lakhs) before living costs. Intake occurs each September (Fall) and December (Winter). The program emphasizes econometric methods, policy evaluation, and independent research through a capstone thesis, ideal for candidates seeking research or policy roles.

Ottawa’s economics program ranks within Canada’s strong graduate schools for applied research and public policy focus. Students gain practical training in data analysis and policy-oriented research. The university’s location in Canada’s capital offers unique internship access at government agencies, central banks, and international organizations. Graduates typically move into policy analysis, development banking, or further doctoral study.

• Two-year full-time program with integrated thesis research component.
• Competitive funding available for international students; tuition fees below peer programs in Toronto and Vancouver.
• Strong placement in Canadian government, Statistics Canada, Bank of Canada, and international development institutions.

Also Check: University of Ottawa Admissions for Indian Students

University of Ottawa Master of Arts Economics Fees 2027

International tuition fees for the MA program cover instruction and core services. The breakdown below reflects current rates published by University of Ottawa for 2026–2027; final 2027–2028 fees will be confirmed by the university in coming months.

• Tuition increases typically occur annually; verify current rates on the official admissions portal before applying.
• Ancillary fees cover technology, transit, and student services across all graduate students.
• International students must carry health insurance; private plans are available as an alternative at similar cost.
• Books and course materials add approximately C$500 per year (INR 35,000 annually).

Tip for Indian students: MA fees are significantly lower than MBA or research-intensive programs at peer schools; budget for living costs—the true financial burden for Delhi-based applicants.

Cost of Living in Ottawa for Master of Arts Economics Students

Ottawa is 15 to 20 percent cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver, making it an attractive study destination for international students on modest budgets.

Key insight: Two years of study plus living costs total approximately C$89,200 (INR 62,55,700 at 70.12 CAD-INR rate)—roughly equivalent to one year of MBA tuition at top Indian business schools. Part-time on-campus work (up to 20 hours weekly during term) can offset 30 to 40 percent of living costs for disciplined budgeters.

Also Check: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students

University of Ottawa Master of Arts Economics Admission

The MA Economics program welcomes strong quantitative applicants from any undergraduate background. Most successful Indian candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, or commerce with a minimum 3.5 GPA in quantitative courses.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

International students whose bachelor’s degree was not taught in English must meet one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0 in any component (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
• TOEFL iBT: 92-93 total, with component minimums of reading 20, writing 20, listening 18, speaking 18. 4.5 under the new TOEFL scoring pattern.

Tip for Indian students: The IELTS 6.5 is attainable within 4–6 weeks of focused preparation if you score 6.0 on an initial diagnostic. Avoid submitting borderline scores; retest if you fall short on the writing or speaking band. Many Indian applicants benefit from taking the IELTS in India before applying (next available test dates: 15–30 days out; cost approximately INR 15,000).

University of Ottawa does not require the GRE or GMAT for MA admission, but a strong quantitative GRE score (160+) or GMAT (700+) strengthens applications from commerce-background candidates without advanced math courses.

University of Ottawa Master of Arts Economics Application

The application cycle runs annually. Deadlines below reflect confirmed and expected dates for future intakes.

University of Ottawa Master of Arts Economics Scholarships

The University of Ottawa offers merit-based scholarships to exceptional international MA students, typically covering 25 to 50% of annual tuition. Eligibility depends on academic excellence (GPA 3.8+), strong reference letters, and demonstrated financial need.

• International Excellence Scholarship: INR 4 to INR 7 Lakhs per year (C$5,000–C$10,000 CAD equivalent), renewable for year two if academic standing maintained.
• Graduate Research Award: varies by department and supervisor availability (typically INR 50,000–INR 1.50 Lakhs if assigned to thesis supervisor’s research project).
• Entrance Scholarships (automatic consideration): No separate application required; all applicants reviewed for entrance bursaries based on academic profile.

Scholarship reality: Most international MA students do not receive full tuition scholarships; partial awards (INR 2–INR 4 Lakhs per year) are realistic targets. Applications with strong GRE/GMAT scores and published academic record increase competitiveness. Scholarship funds are limited; apply as early as possible within each intake cycle.

Check Out: Complete Scholarship List for University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa Master of Arts Economics Salary & Placements

MA Economics graduates from University of Ottawa typically move into government policy, banking, consulting, and international organizations within 6 months of graduation.

ROI reality: MA graduates achieve 12-month employment rate of 92–94%. Take-home salary is typically 70% of gross (after federal + provincial tax + CPP + EI deductions in Ontario). A policy analyst role at C$60,000 nets approximately C$43,000 annually (INR 30.10 Lakhs) after deductions. Starting salaries in Canada are lower than equivalent roles in the USA but offer superior work-life balance and faster progression into senior economist roles.

Read More: Jobs in Canada for Indian Students 

Canada Visa & Work Permit for Master of Arts Economics

International MA students require a study permit (commonly called a student visa) valid for the duration of the program. Upon graduation, a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years.

• Study Permit: Processing time is 4–6 weeks from receipt; 20-hour weekly work limit during term (full-time during breaks).
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Issued for up to 3 years (length matches program length if program exceeds 8 months). Holders can work for any Canadian employer without sponsorship.
• Express Entry Eligibility: After 12 months of Canadian work experience, PGWP holders are eligible for Express Entry (Canadian immigration pathway to permanent residency). Most provincial nominee programs (PNPs) prioritize economists with Canadian work experience.
• Spouse and Dependents: Spouses of PGWP holders can apply for open work permits (no employer tie-in). Children under 22 may qualify for provincial schooling benefits.

Visa reality: The PGWP is a strategic advantage for Indian applicants; combined with strong salary prospects (C$55,000–C$70,000) and low cost of living, a two-year MA followed by three years of Canadian work makes the Express Entry pathway highly viable. Plan study-visa applications 8–10 weeks before your intended intake (late July for September start).

Also Check: Canada Study Permit & Student Visa Guide

The University of Ottawa MA Economics program offers exceptional value for Indian applicants seeking a stepping stone to Canadian work and permanent residency. Two years of study cost less than many Indian MBA alternatives, employment outcomes are strong, and the PGWP pathway creates a viable route to Express Entry. Competitive GPA (3.5+) and quantitative courses are essential; early application (by mid-March for September intake) maximizes scholarship and placement prospects.