International Students
Carleton is home to many international graduate students who chose to attend Canada’s Capital University. Approximately 22% of our graduate student population is made up of international students and many of our other students were born outside of Canada making Carleton a distinctly international university.
COVID-19 admissions update: Visit the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page for up-to-date information.
When to Apply
The majority of our graduate programs offer admission for the fall term (September). However, some of our programs also offer admission in the winter term (January) or summer term (May). Although the application deadlines will vary depending on the program you are interested in, the deadline to apply for the fall term is typically between January and March of the same year calendar. As a general guideline, it is recommended that you begin the application process at least 5-6 months prior to when you wish to begin your studies.
How to Apply
Applying to grad school at Carleton is a multi-step process and is the same for both international and domestic students. For more information, please visit Apply Online.
Study Permits
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. At the time of admission, Carleton will provide you with an Offer of Admission, a Statement of Standing on Admission, and a Letter for International Students. The electronic copies of these documents are available in Carleton Central after you receive an Offer of Admission from Carleton and are considered the official documents from Carleton University. You should submit these documents along with other required documents when you apply for a study permit.
Please consult the nearest Canadian consulate (embassy, high commission or government office) for complete regulations and applications procedures. You can also visit the IRCC website for more information.
International Students
Admission Requirements
Applicants who have received degrees from outside of Canada will have their educational backgrounds assessed appropriately. Listed below are guidelines for the minimum admission requirements from each country. You will also need to ensure that you have reviewed and meet the minimum requirements of the program(s) to which you are applying. You will also have to meet the minimum English as a Second Language requirements. Please be advised that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
International Students
Cost and Fees
Estimating the cost of a year at Carleton will vary depending on your program of study and lifestyle preferences. The chart below will give you a general idea of what you should expect to spend over the course of a year while living in Ottawa, but actual costs will vary depending on your personal needs. The approximate costs are given in Canadian dollars and are based on a 12-month period unless otherwise noted.
When planning to pay for your university education in Canada, it’s important to explore all of the funding options that are available to you from all sources. Please note that funding from Carleton (including teaching assistantships, research assistantships and scholarships) is limited to only a few outstanding international applicants.
| Expenses | Single Student | Average Family of Four |
| Tuition and ancillary fees 2021-2022* Varies according to program. Visit Student Accounts Receivable for a list of fees by program. Fees listed are for the fall and winter terms of the listed academic year only (September-April). Many programs also require summer registration, which will increase your annual fees.The quoted amounts include both the compulsory fees and optional non-tuition fees in their totals. | $17,792 – $24,674 (Fall & Winter terms only). Some programs <also require a Summer term. Please consult your dept. & the fee calculator for details) | $17,792 – $24,674 (per student) |
| MBA/MAcc Tuition and ancillary fees 2021-2022* Visit Student Accounts Receivable for complete fee details. Fees listed are for the fall and winter terms of the listed academic year only (September-April). | $30,086-$34,337 | $30,086-$34,337 (per student) |
| On-campus living Single room in Carleton’s residence including meal plan. Cost from September to April only. | $12,455 – $14,187 | N/A |
| Off-campus living Estimates based on a one bedroom unfurnished apartment for a single student and a 2-3 bedroom unfurnished accommodation for a family of four. Shared accommodations (i.e. roommates) and location within Ottawa may lower the overall cost. Additional utility charges may apply. | $8000-$10,000 | $19,100 |
| Books and supplies Varies according to program. | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Miscellaneous expenses Clothes, entertainment, personal expenses, etc. | $3,000 | $10,150 |
| Groceries | $4,000 | $6,500 |
| Transportation** Public transportation amount based on one monthly adult transit pass. Cost listed is for 12 months. | N/A | $1,400 |
| Estimated Total Expenses | $38,447 – $56,724 | $56,142 – $72,687 |
*Tuition and ancillary fees are estimates and include international student fees and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) fee for 12 months.
** If your registration status is full-time, the U-Pass (Universal Transit Pass) amount is included in your fall term fees. The U-Pass is for current students only. Dependents will be required to buy a PRESTO card or use bus tickets. octranspo.com
Note: International student tuition fees are subject to an annual increase of 5% to 8% pending Board approval. Students may be required to register in the summer term and will be subject to the appropriate tuition fee for that term. Official tuition fee information is available on the Student Accounts Receivable website.
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