Carleton University is a public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1942, it is known for its practical courses, experienced faculty, flexible master’s options, and strong facilities. Carleton University follows a three-intake academic year system: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The fall term is the primary intake for most programs, while Winter and Summer have more limited admission options
For Indian students applying to undergraduate programs, Carleton requires completion of Class 12 with a minimum of 70%. For master’s admissions, applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (four-year or three-year) with a minimum of 65-74%. UG students can apply via *OUAC or Carleton 360, while PG students must apply through Carleton 360 only. Students must also submit official transcripts, CV, statement of intent, portfolio (if required), letters of recommendation, English proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo), and GMAT/GRE scores where applicable.
OUAC: Ontario Universities’ Application Centre is a central application system for undergraduate programs in Ontario.
Note: As of February 8, 2026, 1 CAD = 66.20 INR is used throughout the article for currency conversion.
| Particulars | Details |
| Location | 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| No. of Students | 30,700 students across undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | 21-22% |
| Popular Courses | MCS Computer Science, Master of Architecture, MBA |
| Annual Cost of Living | CAD 32,500 – 40,000 (INR 21.48 – 26.43 Lakhs) |
| Qs Worlds Rankings 2026 | #781-790 |
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Carleton University offers over 200 undergraduate programs and over 100 graduate programs. The amounts listed below have been taken from the official sources and it indicates the overall expenses for a full academic year. These figures provide the total annual cost that a student can expect to incur, including tuition, mandatory fees, and other associated academic charges for the year.
| Course Name | Course Duration | Annual fees in CAD | Annual Fees in INR | Additional tips for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCS Computer Science | 2 years | CAD 26,641.26 | INR 17.60 Lakhs | Requires a 4-year bachelor’s (or 3-year + Master’s) in CS or related field with strong grades. |
| Master of Architecture | 3 years | CAD 21.331.59 | INR 14.10 Lakhs | Highly competitivePortfolio quality is critical for advanced standing. |
| Master of Business Administration [MBA] | 16 months | CAD 46,374.48 | INR 30.64 Lakhs | A GMAT is strongly required. 2+ years of work experience needed. |
| MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | CAD 33,331.73 | INR 22.03 Lakhs | 4-year bachelor’s (or 3-year + Master’s) in engineering/related fields. |
| MBA Business Analytics | 1 year | CAD 33,331.73 | INR 22.03 Lakhs | Similar to a general MBA GMAT and work experience are preferred. |
| BEng Aerospace Engineering | 4 years | CAD 57,806.12 | INR 38.19 Lakhs | A strong math/physics foundation is crucial. |
| BCS Computer Science | 4 years | CAD 56,273.62 | INR 37.18 Lakhs | Focus on a solid academic record in math/CS-related subjects for better chances. |
| BA Psychology | 4 years | CAD 36,978.70 | INR 24.44 Lakhs | Highlight consistent grades/extracurriculars related to social sciences if profile requested. |
| BA Law | 4 years | CAD 36,978.70 | INR 24.44 Lakhs | No specific prerequisites are needed beyond the general undergraduate entry requirements. Good preparation for further legal studies. |
| BIT Network Technology | 4 years | CAD 52,498.82 | INR 34.67 Lakhs | Class 12 with math/tech subjects preferred. Submit mark sheets. |
For a detailed view of fees and courses for 2026, click here.
Note: If you apply while your current studies are still in progress, Carleton University may review your application and issue an early or conditional offer. You are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. The university may also ask for additional tests from any applicant, irrespective of their academic background.
As per Carleton University, International undergraduate (UG) students can apply through OUAC or directly via Carleton 360, while Graduate (PG) students must apply only through Carleton 360. Here is a general overview of the admission requirements at Carleton University, specifically for Indian students.
| Particulars | Bachelors | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Academic eligibility (course-specific) | Completed Class 12 from a recognised institution with a minimum of 70% or more. | A four-year bachelor’s degree or a three-year bachelor’s degree. (minimum 65-74%) |
| Application requirements |
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| English Proficiency Score (course-specific) | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 4.5 | PTE: 55-60 | Duolingo English test: 120-125 | |
To know about the admission process at Carleton University, click here.
Note: The application fee for OUAC is CAD 166 / INR 10,980, while Carleton 360 charges CAD 100 / INR 6,614.
Carleton University states that it reviews undergraduate applications on a rolling basis, meaning applications are assessed as soon as all required documents and grades are submitted, rather than after a fixed deadline. Graduate applications are course-specific with general deadlines. However, international students must still submit their applications by the official intake deadlines to be considered.
| Intake | Undergraduate Deadlines | Graduate deadlines (course-specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (September) | 1 April 2026 | 3 July 2026 |
| Spring 2027 (January) | 15 October (recommended by the university) | 6 January 2026 |
Carleton University itself does not provide placements to the students; instead, it has a career services team, which is the main hub for helping students prepare for and connect with employment opportunities.
Main Career Services offerings include:
Note: Carleton University organises career and networking events where students can meet employers and recruiters. Examples include seasonal career fairs and employer information sessions designed to help students explore opportunities and build professional networks.
On-Campus Job Opportunities: Students can also find work directly on campus. Through the Career Services portal, academic departments, and the Work Study Program, students can apply for roles such as:
Carleton University has one main campus in Ottawa, Ontario. Plus two additional satellite locations that are part of its broader campus strategy rather than separate universities.
Carleton University Campus Facilities:
On-campus housing at Carleton includes utilities, internet, and tenant insurance, with most options requiring a meal plan (the All Access Plus plan provides additional Dining Dollars). Off-campus costs are estimates from Numbeo, as Carleton does not provide official off-campus listings.
| Campus | Cost in CAD | Cost in INR | Period | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | CAD 15,192.42 – 17,369 | INR 10,04 – 11,48 Lakhs | 8 months | Includes utilities, internet, and tenant insurance Most require a meal plan (All Access Plus adds Dining Dollars) Convenient access to campus facilities Ideal for first-year international students |
| Off-campus | CAD 20,407 | INR 13,49 Lakhs | 12 months | Students cover utilities, internet, and other expenses Good for more independent living. |
Also read: Carleton University Accommodation
The figures below are estimated costs derived from the official website of Carleton University. Actual annual expenses may vary depending on individual lifestyle and personal needs. All international students are required to have medical insurance.
| Annual Expenses | Student Expenses (Annual in CAD) | Student Expenses (Annual in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus Fees | CAD 13,735 – CAD 15,585 | INR 9.08 L – 10.30 L |
| Off-campus Fees | CAD 21,720 | INR 14.35 L |
| Books and supplies(Varies) | CAD 1,500 | INR 99.365 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | CAD 3,600 | INR 2.38 L |
| Groceries | CAD 6,760 | INR 4.47 L |
| Transportation | N/A | N/A |
| Estimated Total Expenses | CAD 32,500 – CAD 40,000 | INR 21.48 L – INR 26.43 L |
Also read: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
Note: If you are enrolled as a full-time student, the U-Pass (public transit pass) is included in your fall term fees at no additional cost. It allows unlimited use of city buses and public transit. Please note that the U-Pass is available only to students.
Carleton University offers several scholarship options for international students based on its official site. It ranges from automatic entrance scholarships to competitive and specialised awards available for eligible applicants.
| Scholarship Name | Award Value (CAD) | Award Value (INR) | Eligibility (International Students) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Entrance Scholarships | CAD 4,000 – 16,000 total | INR 2.64 – 10.57 Lakhs | Automatic for qualifying international undergraduate students (based on grades equivalent) |
| President’s Welcome Award for International Students | CAD 2,000 – 5,000 (first year only) | INR 1.32 – 3.30 Lakhs | Undergraduate International students are automatically considered |
| Prestige Scholarships (e.g., Chancellor’s, Richard Lewar, Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence) | CAD 20,000 – 56,712 total | INR 13.22 – 37.48 Lakhs | 90%+ admission average + leadership/extracurriculars/community serviceopen to UG international students |
| International Graduate Student Award | Up to CAD 500 | INR 33.202 | International graduate students are facing financial burdens. |
In addition to internal scholarships, students may also apply for external scholarships in Canada.
Students’ Review on Reddit: For international students, major scholarships are limited, and funding options are more competitive and generally less generous compared to those available to domestic students.
All the rankings mentioned below have been taken from the official rankings bodies. The table shows that Carleton University’s rankings have mostly declined slightly over the past few years.
| Ranking Body | 2026 Rank | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #781-790 | #741-750 | #671-680 |
| Times Higher Education | #501-600 | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities | #616 (2025-26) | #617 (2024-25) | #526 (2023-24) |
| QS MBA Rankings | #301+ | #251+ | – |
Overall, the university has remained stable in some rankings but has seen a gradual dip in others.
Also read: Carleton University rankings 2026
Indian students looking for an affordable study option to complete their higher studies in Canada can choose Carleton University. The university is located in the capital of Canada (Ottawa), which means students can grab better opportunities for internships with NGOs, tech firms and government offices. The university is known for its reputable programs in subjects like engineering, computer science, business and international relations. Carleton has an affordable fee structure compared to top-tier universities like UBC and the University of Toronto. The campus includes student communities. However, students aiming for very high global rankings or elite brand value may prefer more research-intensive Canadian universities.
Indian students often compare Carleton University with the University of Ottawa and York University because they fall into a similar category of well-known, mid-to-high-ranked Canadian public universities that offer strong programs at relatively comparable tuition fees. Below is a table of comparison for a better understanding:
| Factor | Carleton University | University of Ottawa | York University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees | CAD 21,331.59 – CAD 57,806.12 (INR 14.10 – 38.19 Lakhs) | CAD 19,183 – CAD 47,154 (INR 12.7 – 31.3 Lakhs) | CAD 19,716 – CAD 123,732 (INR 13 – 82.1 Lakhs) |
| Co-operative Education | Offers co-operative education programs with 4-16 month paid work terms. Requires completion of the *COOP1000 preparatory course. | The University offers a co-op program available in a 4-year UG program and some master’s programs (16 months paid work experience) | Offer flexible co-op programs Provides full-time work terms of 4,8 or 12 months, integrated with academic studies. |
| Location Advantage | Located in the heart of Ottawa, providing opportunities in a safe, vibrant and affordable city. | The downtown campus is near Parliament Hill and Byward Market. Major tech hub with companies like Shopify and IBM. | Located in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a global hub for finance and tech. |
COOP1000 preparatory course: It is a mandatory non-credit preparatory course for students in a co-op program. It teaches resume writing, job search strategies, interview skills and workplace professionalism. A co-op work term at Carleton University is a paid, full-time job placement that students complete as part of their degree. Instead of studying that semester, students work with an employer (in government, tech, business, NGOs, etc.) to gain real-world experience related to their program. These work terms usually last 4 months (sometimes longer) and are officially recorded as part of the co-op program.
Students’ Review as per Reddit: Ottawa’s capital city location provides solid internship and job prospects, with alumni placed in reputed companies. However, structured placement support can feel limited for some students beyond career fairs.
Carleton University is a solid option for students planning to study in Canada, especially those interested in practical, career-focused education. Its location in Ottawa offers exposure to government bodies, research centres, and growing job opportunities. The university provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs supported by experienced faculty and strong campus facilities. While tuition fees and living costs are moderate, international students should plan their finances carefully due to limited scholarship availability. Overall, Carleton University is well-suited for students seeking quality education, academic flexibility, and long-term career growth.
