Carleton University or University of Ottawa: Which is better to study in Canada?

Carleton University vs University of Ottawa

Carleton University is a public university in Ottawa, Ontario, within the Canadian capital region. It is a mid-sized institution with about 30,713 students, of which 25,119 are undergraduates and 3,646 are international students. The admissions are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 22%. Popular majors are Engineering, Journalism, Computer Science, Public Affairs, and International Relations. It is well-known for its excellent co-op programs, particularly for tech and media-related fields. The six-year graduation rate is estimated to be around 75–80%, depending on the program. Carleton graduates earn a median salary of approximately INR 43,00,000 (converted from $51,600 median earnings ten years after graduation).
University of Ottawa is a large public bilingual university based in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, and it instructs students in both English and French. It is a huge university with more than 42,000 students, out of which 7,000 are international students. Admissions are easier, with an acceptance rate of about 87%. Some popular majors are Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Business, and Social Sciences. The university excels in life sciences and public policy and is favored due to its closeness to federal institutions. The graduation rate after six years is predicted to be around 80–85%. University of Ottawa alumni command a median salary of about INR 52,00,000 (which is roughly equivalent to $62,000 median income ten years after graduation).

Overview Comparison
Carleton UniversityUniversity of Ottawa
Collegedunia Score4.2 Out of 104.7 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 501 Times Higher Education 2026
# 781 QS World University 2026
# 501 Times Higher Education 2025
# 187 Times Higher Education 2026
# 219 QS World University 2026
# 189 QS World University 2025
Subject Strength# 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
# 273 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
# 124 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 69 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -54
PG Programs -43
Doctorate Programs -5
UG Programs -67
PG Programs -53
Doctorate Programs -11
Acceptance Rate22.0 %80.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-550
IELTS-6.5
MELAB-85
PTE-60
TOEFL-86
Duolingo-120
GMAT-628
IELTS-6.5
PTE-60
TOEFL-86
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   21137
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  17841
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 24907 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   43306
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  19102
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 15758 Per Year
placement (average package)

Graduate employability ranking: #301-500,
Average Salaries By The Degree:

  • Other Degree :  $60,000 
  • Bachelor (Other) : $52,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $47,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts  : $43,000 
  • Masters in Science : $38,000 

Ranked #237 in QS World University Rankings

University of Ottawa Graduates & Alumni Salaries - By  Degree

  • MBA : $105,000 
  • Other Degree: $64,000 
  • Bachelor (Other) : $62,000 
  • Masters in Science : $56,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $55,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts : $42,000 

application requirements

An average score of 70% is required for UG admissions. 
PG aspirants from India must have 4-year bachelors and first-class division (80% or more).

UG applicants must have 70% minimum score.
PG applicants must have a grade of B (60-70%). 

Campuses and B-SchoolsSprott School of Business
Telfer School of Management
CollegeDunia Reviews7.1/10 Read 25 reviews7.6/10 Read 38 reviews
General Facts Comparison
General FactsCarleton UniversityUniversity of Ottawa
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1942
1848
Student:Faculty Ratio9:1:1
15:1:1
Male:Female52% Male, 48% Female40% Male, 0% Female
Location Facts

Central Government headquarters are a few minutes away.
The campus lies between Rideau river and Rideau canal, 500 km of tunnels that connect the campus underground
 


Located in the residential area of Sandy Hills
Rideau Canal of the city is located near
Parliament hill is at walking distance


Library

1,069,744 printed books; 872,369 e-books; 74,408 ejournals; Print volumes: 1.8 millions


844 databases, 20,000 digitized French books, Institutional repository contains 24,0000 items with 13,000 theses.
Print books- 2,425,715
E-journals- 74,414
Microforms- 1,933,215
Government publications- 1,023,632


Campus Life

200 active clubs and societies, parliamentary work opportunities, variety of sports and athletic activities. 


45 Intramural leagues
175 different clubs and groups to join
Museum of classical antiques
Comedy nights at Cafe Nostalgica
Various arts, music and sports festivals. 
on-campus free movie screenings
University’s Got Talent, fund raiser competition
 


Hostel#Housing expenses - $12000
#Housing expenses - $12907
#Traditional (double occupancy bedrooms) - $8258
Famous Alumni

David Azrieli (architect & developer), Peter Grunberg (Nobel laureate in physics), Gavin McGinness (Co-founder Vice-Media), Jim Watson (mayor of Ottawa), Dan Aykroyd (actor), Conrad Black (British publisher)


A community with 180,000 Alumni
Alex Trebek (TV host), Andrew Scheer (Canadian MP), Peggy Tseng (Model), Paul Martin (former Canadian Prime Minister), Felix Leclerc (singer/song writer), Carol Sheilds (Pulitzer Winner).


Weather
Comparison Notes

Carleton University vs University of Ottawa

Subject Strength & Rankings (2025/2026)

University of Ottawa ranks higher globally (QS #219, THE #191) than Carleton (QS #781–790, THE #501). Ottawa excels in Medicine, Law, and Engineering; Carleton is strong in Journalism, Public Affairs, and International Relations.

General Information

Ottawa, founded in 1848, is Canada’s largest bilingual university with 42,000+ students. Carleton, established in 1942, has around 30,000 students and a scenic campus by the Rideau River.

Admissions & Programs

Ottawa’s acceptance rate is 87%, while Carleton’s is 22%. Ottawa offers a broader range of graduate programs including Medicine and Law. Carleton is known for its Sprott Business School and International Affairs.

Research & Facilities

Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities, with strong STEM infrastructure. Carleton focuses on AI, cybersecurity, and public policy, with notable interdisciplinary centers.

Cost & Financial Aid

Ottawa’s tuition averages CAD 43,000/year; Carleton’s is around CAD 21,000/year. Both offer generous scholarships and financial aid, with Carleton awarding over CAD 87 million annually.

Career Outcomes

Ottawa grads earn CAD 55K–105K, with strong placement in law, healthcare, and government. Carleton grads earn CAD 43K–60K, thriving in media, policy, and tech. Ottawa’s location offers better co-op access; Carleton fosters tight-knit alumni networks.