Software Engineering at uOttawa: Admission Average
University of Ottawa · Ottawa, ON
What average do you need for Software Engineering at uOttawa?
Software Engineering at University of Ottawa typically admits students with averages in the high 80s-low 90s, roughly 85–92%. It is the most competitive of the 13 uOttawa programs we track.
Strong co-op, bilingual options, good Ottawa tech connections.
How competitive is it?
Of the 14 universities we track that offer it, 3 ask for a higher average and 9 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 92% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 92% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Software Engineering at other universities
- University of Waterloo – high 90s (94-97%+)
- University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
- McMaster University – high 80s-low 90s
- Western University – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- York University – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- Physics
- Chemistry
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Linear Algebra
- Programming Fundamentals
- Digital Circuits
- Engineering Profession
These are typical for Software Engineering programs across Canada. About the Software Engineering degree
After a Software Engineering degree
Software Engineering usually takes 4 years.
- Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
- Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
- Waterloo SE and CS are both excellent but SE has a stronger focus on engineering process - CS is more research-oriented.
- SE graduates often command slightly higher starting salaries than general CS at non-Waterloo schools.
- The accreditation as an engineering program means you can pursue a P.Eng designation - uncommon in CS.
Applying to uOttawa
The University of Ottawa is Canada's largest bilingual (English-French) university and sits in the heart of the nation's capital. Its proximity to Parliament Hill, federal departments, and national institutions makes it uniquely positioned for students interested in law, political science, public policy, and government.
University of Ottawa is in Ottawa, ON, was founded in 1848 and has about 49,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,100 a year and co-op is available.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Being bilingual (English-French) genuinely elevates your candidacy at uOttawa and opens federal career doors.
- Ottawa co-op placements often include federal government departments - unmatched for public policy students.
- The law school has two programs: Common Law (English) and Civil Law (French/bijural) - both excellent.
Other uOttawa programs
- Common Law (JD) – LSAT + GPA dependent
- Civil Law (LLL - French) – LSAT + GPA dependent
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Health Sciences (BHSc) – high 80s-low 90s
- Nursing (BScN) – high 80s-low 90s
- Biochemistry – high 80s
- Political Science – high 70s-low 80s
- International Studies – high 70s-low 80s
- Criminology – high 70s-low 80s
- Psychology – high 70s-low 80s
- Education (BEd) – mid 70s
- Social Work (BSW) – high 70s