Quick Summary
Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada, is a public research university that has shaped higher education since 1942. Ranked #701-710 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 31522 students including 16% from outside Canada. Known for strengths in Journalism, Public Policy, International Relations, it maintains an acceptance rate of 73%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Prime location in the nation's capital provides unique access to federal institutions, global embassies, and a thriving high-tech hub (Kanata North).
Subject Strengths
JournalismPublic PolicyInternational RelationsTelecommunications EngineeringArchitectureCriminology
Founded1942
TypePublic Research University
Total Students31522
Intl Students16%
Faculty Ratio27
CampusUrban/Riverside
Campus Size153 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationOntario Ministry of Colleges and Universities
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#701-710
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctoral,Postgraduate Diplomas,Certificates
Programs
38
PhD Programs
15
Online Programs
54
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate73%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL86
Min GPA3
GRERequired for specific graduate programs
GMATRequired for MBA programs
SATOptional (Recommended for US applicants)
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply early for scholarship consideration; maintain a high average in prerequisite subjects for competitive programs like Journalism and Aerospace Engineering.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Canadian Dollar
UG Tuition
C$32,100/yr
per year · CAD
Living Cost
C$17,000/yr
per year · CAD
PG Tuition
C$20,200/yr
per year · CAD
Application Fee
$100
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
C$49,100/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CAD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctoral,Postgraduate Diplomas,Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Journalism | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bachelor of Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Bachelor of International Business | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Master of Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$54,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementExcellent (Extensive Co-op options in federal government and tech sectors)
Industry Connections
Government of CanadaShopifyNokiaNational Research CouncilCiena
Notable Alumni
Dan Aykroyd,Peter Mansbridge,Jim Watson,Shane Smith,Kandace Springs
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Ice House Arena,Norm Fenn Gymnasium,High Performance Centre,Indoor Soccer Field,Olympic Pool
Student Clubs
300
Library Resources
MacOdrum Library with over 2 million items
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available