Carleton University
Ottawa's public university beside the Rideau Canal, strongest in journalism, public affairs and aerospace engineering.
- Students
- 30,675
- 24,847 undergraduates
- International
- 10%
- of students
- Tuition
- CA$39,000
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1942
About Carleton
Carleton University began in 1942 as Carleton College, an evening college in rented Ottawa classrooms serving returning Second World War veterans, and awarded its first degrees in journalism and public administration in 1946. It was chartered as a university in 1952, took the name Carleton University in 1957 and moved to its current campus between the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River in 1959. Today it has 30,675 students, 24,847 of them undergraduates, and 1,058 faculty.
Carleton is organised into five faculties: Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering and Design, Public and Global Affairs, Science, and the Sprott School of Business, offering 65+ programs. Its best-known units reflect its location in Canada's capital: the School of Journalism and Communication, the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, the School of Public Policy and Administration and the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs. Carleton says it was the first Canadian university to offer a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, in 1988, and it runs a Great Books degree, the Bachelor of Humanities.
Admission is grade-based: published Ontario minimums start at 70% for many Arts programs, while Aerospace (86%) and Mechanical Engineering (88%) ask for much higher averages. Carleton suits students who want policy, media, government or engineering careers in a mid-sized city, and who like a campus where every building is linked by 5 km of underground tunnels.
Ours the Task Eternal
University motto
Why students choose Carleton
Ottawa location: the House of Commons and Senate Page programs let eligible first-year students work part-time on Parliament Hill while studying.
International undergraduate tuition (CAD 39,000 to 55,000 a year depending on the degree) is frozen for 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29, so fall 2027 entrants pay the published rate in their first two years.
More than 200 programs and streams offer co-op options, and Carleton reports 85.7% graduate employment in a related field.
High school entrants with an admission average of 85% or more are automatically considered for a renewable Entrance Scholarship (CAD 1,000-3,000 a year), and international students also get the President's Welcome Award of CAD 2,000 to 5,000.
Admissions
Fall 2027 entry (OUAC and Carleton360 applications opened September 2026)
Selectivity
Carleton does not publish an admission rate. Admission is based on your grade average and prerequisite subjects, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so some programs can fill before the deadline.
Typical entry requirements
| IB Diploma | Minimum points to keep a conditional offer for 2027-28: 24 (Arts, Economics, Global and International Studies), 26 (Commerce, Journalism), 28 (Computer Science, Health Sciences, Humanities), 32 for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering with at least 5 in Math, Physics and Chemistry |
|---|---|
| A-levels | Minimum average to keep a conditional offer: C for most arts, business and social science degrees; B/C for Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Data Science; A/B for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, with program prerequisites |
| Ontario high school (OSSD) | Minimum averages of 70% to 88% depending on the program, with prerequisite 4U courses such as English, Advanced Functions, Calculus, Physics and Chemistry |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 86 IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band. TOEFL iBT 86 (22 writing and speaking, 20 reading and listening) for tests taken before 21 January 2026; 4.5 with at least 4.0 in each band on the new scale for later tests. PTE Academic 55; CAEL and Duolingo are also accepted. |
Deadlines
- Ontario high school students (OUAC) Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 monthsJanuary 15, 2027
Recommended date for Ontario secondary school applications through OUAC; some programs have earlier deadlines.
- Program-specific deadline Non-binding In ~5 monthsMarch 1, 2027
Architectural Studies, Industrial Design, Music, Social Work and Nursing; additional admission material due March 5, 2027. Also the Prestige Scholarship deadline.
- International students (main deadline) Non-binding In ~6 monthsApril 1, 2027
For students whose transcripts come from outside Canada or the US. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Canadian and US transcripts (general deadline) Non-binding In ~8 monthsJune 1, 2027
General fall deadline for students whose transcripts originate in Canada or the US.
Dates are from Carleton's 2026-27 admissions timeline for fall 2027 entry. Applications for winter 2027 close on October 15, 2026 (international transcripts) and November 15, 2026 (Canadian or US transcripts).
How to apply
Current Ontario high school students apply through OUAC. Other Canadian, US and international students can apply through OUAC (CAD 166, up to three Ontario universities or programs) or directly to Carleton through Carleton360 (CAD 100, two program choices). Submit transcripts and, if needed, English test scores, then track requests and decisions in your Carleton360 account.
What admissions looks for
- An admission average that meets the program's published minimum, calculated on your best final-year courses.
- Required prerequisite subjects at the stated grade, such as Advanced Functions and Calculus for Computer Science or Math, Physics and Chemistry for Engineering.
- Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, unless they meet an exemption.
- For Prestige Scholarships, an average above 90% plus leadership, community service and extracurricular activity.
Tips for applying to Carleton
- 1 Apply early: Carleton reviews applications as they arrive, and some programs fill before the April 1 international deadline.
- 2 If you only want Carleton, the direct Carleton360 application (CAD 100 for two programs) is cheaper than OUAC, unless you are in the Ontario school system.
- 3 With a 90%+ average, apply for a Prestige Scholarship by March 1; they are worth CAD 5,000 to 14,178 a year and are renewable.
- 4 Canadian students interested in politics should look at the House of Commons Page Program (application deadline November 8, 2026), which pays more than CAD 18,000 for the year.
- 5 To be guaranteed a residence room, accept your admission offer and pay the Residence Advance Payment by June 7, 2027.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CAD
High school and CEGEP entrants with an admission average of 85% or more are automatically considered for renewable Entrance Scholarships of CAD 1,000-3,000 a year (renewal needs an A- average). International students entering from high school also receive the President's Welcome Award (CAD 2,000-5,000 in first year), and students with averages over 90% can apply for Prestige Scholarships of CAD 5,000-14,178 a year by March 1.
- CAD 87 million
- Scholarships and bursaries awarded (undergraduate and graduate)
- CAD 1,000-3,000 a year, renewable with an A- average
- Automatic entrance scholarship (85%+ admission average)
- CAD 5,000-14,178 a year
- Prestige Scholarships (application by March 1)
- About CAD 1,400 books and supplies plus CAD 3,000 personal
- Estimated books and personal expenses (8 months)
Academics
Academic calendar: Fall and winter terms (September-April), with summer courses
Bachelor of Journalism
Carleton's first degrees in 1946 were in journalism; the program asks for a 76% Ontario average or 26 IB points.
Aerospace Engineering (BEng)
Carleton says it was the first Canadian university to offer a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (1988); students choose one of four streams after a common first year. Entry needs an 86% Ontario average or 32 IB points.
Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management
Taught through the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs in the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs; entry needs an 80% Ontario average.
Bachelor of Global and International Studies
Multidisciplinary degree in the faculty that houses the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, founded in 1965 and described by Wikipedia as Canada's oldest school of international affairs.
Bachelor of Humanities
A Great Books program leading to the B.Hum degree; entry needs a 78% Ontario average or 28 IB points.
Bachelor of Computer Science
Entry needs about 78% overall with 76% in Advanced Functions and Calculus; international tuition is CAD 55,000 a year.
Research
- CAD 155.4 million in sponsored research funding in 2024-25.
- 32 Canada Research Chairs, 35 Royal Society Fellows and 14 IEEE Fellows on faculty.
- Carleton reports more than 100 AI researchers, 10 Killam Prize winners and research fellows, and 11 3M National Teaching Fellowships among its faculty.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Design
- Faculty of Public and Global Affairs
- Faculty of Science
- Sprott School of Business
Carleton reports 85.7% of graduates employed in a field related to their studies.
Student life
Carleton is a compact campus where all buildings are joined by 5 km of underground tunnels, which matters in an Ottawa winter. It has about 4,000 residence spaces, including the new Rideau House, and first-year residence fees include an unlimited all-access meal plan. There are more than 170 clubs and societies, and the Carleton Ravens field 16 varsity teams with 22 U Sports national championships between them (Wikipedia credits the men's basketball team alone with 18 national titles). Students come from more than 160 countries.
- 5 km of underground tunnels connect every campus building.
- Carleton Ravens: 16 varsity teams, 350+ athletes, 22 U Sports national championships and 62 OUA titles.
- 170+ active clubs and societies.
- House of Commons and Senate Page programs for students who want paid work on Parliament Hill.
Housing. Secondary school and CEGEP students entering first year in fall 2027 with an offer of admission by May 31, 2027 are guaranteed a traditional double room if they accept and pay the Residence Advance Payment by June 7, 2027.
Location
Carleton's campus sits between the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Rideau River, a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and easy to reach by transit. Ottawa has more than a million residents and combines the federal government and Parliament with a diverse tech sector and major research institutions. The U-Pass city transit pass is included in Carleton's compulsory student fees.
Nearest airport: Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Notable alumni
- JM John ManleyFormer Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Canada; BA from Carleton (1971)
- SS Shane SmithCo-founder and former CEO of Vice Media; graduated in English literature and political science
- PO Paul OkalikFirst Premier of Nunavut; BA in political science
- OA Omar Abdirashid Ali SharmarkeFormer Prime Minister of Somalia; degrees in political science and political economy
- ES Eric SprottFounder of Sprott Asset Management; Bachelor of Commerce (1965)
- WH Waneek Horn-MillerOlympic water polo player and Mohawk activist; studied political science and was a three-time Carleton athlete of the year
- LT Linda Thom1984 Olympic gold medallist in pistol shooting; BA (1967)
Frequently asked questions
What average do you need to get into Carleton?
It depends on the program: Ontario applicants need about 70% for many Arts and Economics programs, 76% for Journalism, 78% for Computer Science and 86-88% for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. IB minimums run from 24 to 32 points.
How much is Carleton tuition for international students?
CAD 39,000, 45,000 or 55,000 a year depending on the degree, plus about CAD 2,500 in miscellaneous fees. Carleton has frozen these rates for 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29.
What is the Carleton application deadline for fall 2027?
April 1, 2027 for international students with transcripts from outside Canada or the US, and June 1, 2027 for Canadian and US transcripts. Ontario high school students should apply through OUAC by January 15, 2027, and some programs close on March 1.
Does Carleton give scholarships to international students?
Yes. High school entrants with an admission average of 85% or more are automatically considered for renewable Entrance Scholarships of CAD 1,000-3,000 a year, international students also receive the President's Welcome Award of CAD 2,000-5,000, and applicants over 90% can apply for Prestige Scholarships by March 1.
Is residence guaranteed at Carleton?
Yes for first-year high school and CEGEP students with an admission offer by May 31, 2027, as long as they accept the residence offer and pay the advance payment by June 7, 2027.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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