Reasons to Study Business in Ottawa
- Access to networking in Canada's national capital, with governmental organizations and private companies located throughout the city.
- Enrol in highly ranked business programs at Carleton and the University of Ottawa.
- Numerous opportunities for scholarships and financial grants.
- Variety of business learning opportunities outside the university track.
Ottawa is so much more than the political hub of the nation: it’s a burgeoning centre of economic growth, with so many people and businesses moving in. The capital’s combination of global organizations, government institutions, and start-ups serves as a fantastic environment for business students to learn and grow.
If you have been considering an undergraduate degree in business or commerce, want to elevate your learning through a Master of Business Administration, or simply want to upgrade your skills, Ottawa is the place to be. Canada's business schools offer co-ops, hands-on learning, and global ties.
Let’s take a look at the top Ottawa business schools and what makes each of them so special.
University of Ottawa Telfer School of Management
The Telfer School of Management is one of the most respected business institutions in Canada with accreditations from the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS - a distinction few schools have. Located in downtown Ottawa, Telfer has specialized programs in health systems and public sector management, a perfect fit for the national capital.
Founded in 1969, Telfer has grown in its programming, staff, and infrastructure thanks to a generous $25 million donation from alumnus Ian Telfer. One major addition to Telfer includes the world-class executive learning facility in the Sun Life Financial Centre in downtown Ottawa. The building houses the Masters of business in Complex Project Leadership and Telfer Executive programs. The learning facility boasts various room options, a board room, and tech resources.
Telfer prides itself on taking results-oriented approach with a focus on "building a better Canada". Research and data analysis generated at Telfer forms the basis of knowledge that shape the curriculum and the faculty's international contributions. Earning a business degree online in Canada can boost your career options.
Students benefit from access to internships and networking being just steps away from Parliament Hill and numerous government and corporate offices. Programs include BCom, MBA, Executive MBA, MSc in Management, MSc in Health Systems, MHA, and PhD.
(Image Source: Harleyd613, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Carleton University Sprott School of Business
Located in South Ottawa, the Sprott School of business takes a modern, interdisciplinary approach to business. Innovation, global business and social responsibility are areas of emphasis at Sprott. For example, the Bachelor of International Business offers students a unique opportunity to learn a new language and participate in international exchange.
Students can customize their MBA based on their interests. As a student, you'll enjoy the close-knit Carleton community with many opportunities for research. The new Nicol Building provides students with a contemporary learning environment with collaborative workspaces and cutting-edge technology.
Sprott also offers Future EDge offers innovative professional development and continuous education for professionals already in the workforce that want to continue growing. Leveraging expertise and resources from across campus with those of collaborative partners, Future EDge offers relevant, innovative educational instruction.
Other programs include BCom, International Business, MBA, MSc in Management, and PhD. There are also certificates in exciting areas like Real Estate Development, AI driven business development, human resources, and sports management.
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How Ottawa's Business Schools Compare Globally 🌍
| Feature | Telfer School of Management | Sprott School of Management |
|---|---|---|
| International Accreditation | Prestigious "Triple Crown" accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs), and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) | Accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and NIBS (Network of International Business Schools) |
| Global MBA Ranking | Ranked #14 in Canada (QS 2023); #1 Executive MBA Program (CEO Magazine 2025); Masters of Management ranked Ranked #151+ globally (QS 2025) | Ranked #15 in Canada (QS 2023); Full Time MBA Ranked #251+ globally (QS 2025) |
| Eduniversal Business Schools Ranking | 4 Palmes – Top Business School | 3 Palmes – Excellent Business School |
| Notable Strengths | Triple accreditation; strong executive programs | Emphasis on sustainability and innovation |
Starting a Business Course in Ottawa Outside the University Track
Attending university is not for everyone: you may be looking for a skills upgrade, quick entry to the workforce, or prefer the culture of Canadian college life. Here are some options for those looking to earn a diploma or certificate in business.
Algonquin College School of Business
Algonquin has a hands-on, career focussed program that is ideal for students that prefer a practical approach and direct industry engagement. Programs of study include marketing, finance, international business, project management, HR, and entrepreneurship. Many programs offer co-ops or work placements, giving students valuable experience before graduation.
La Cité École de gestion et de technologie des affaires
Located in East Ottawa, La Cité serves the French-speaking community with quality education in business and technology. If you are looking for a bilingual education and business training in French, this could be your best choice in Ottawa. The school's modern campus and inclusive learning environment also makes the school attractive to Francophone students.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid for Business Students in Ottawa
Tuition is always a major consideration when selecting a business school, as it is well-known that they are among the most costly degrees available. Ottawa students looking for financial support should seriously consider applying for the many scholarships and funding opportunities available for business students.
The Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa has over 75 scholarships and bursaries for Bachelor of Commerce students that demonstrate academic excellence, community engagement, financial need, and diversity.
Telfer students can apply to the Fleur de Lys Admission Scholarship provides students with $10,000 over four years for French BCom students. They may also consider the Paul Gagné Admission Scholarship awards $2,500 for students from Northern Ontario with an 80%+ admission average. Finally, the Telfer Diversity and Equity Admission scholarship is offered to Indigenous and radicalized students in the BCom program.
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Are you a Telfer MBA student? Check out the Telfer MBA Admission Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to full-time MBA students demonstrating academic excellence. The Hennessey Admission Scholarship gives $5,000 for women admitted to the MBA program.
Carleton students are also well-served by the school’s many scholarships for business students. The Dean’s Entrance Scholarship of Excellence offers $2,000–$4,000 for top incoming BCom students. CIBC Bursaries are available to incoming BCom students demonstrating financial need and leadership, with a minimum 85% admission average. The Connor, Clark & Lunn Scholarship for Women in Finance provides $4,000 for women in the Finance concentration, considering extracurricular involvement.
Tips for Applying to Financial Aid and Scholarships
Where Can I Get Additional Help for My Business Studies?
Business is an interdisciplinary pursuit, meaning that you must have strong mathematical reasoning, reading, and communication skills to be successful. For this reason, it is not uncommon for students to seek help for courses they are taking in their business programs.
International students at English medium schools, for example, may find they need additional academic writing support for help in writing research papers or getting through challenging readings. Students who struggle in mathematics also seek support to achieve success in complex courses like calculus and other university level math courses.
Superprof Canada is an excellent place to start looking for the right tutor to help you thrive in a business degree program. Browse the site to find tutors that will serve your needs best as a student in Ottawa. You will find plenty of options across different subject areas, that will work with you either online or in person.
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Study Business in Ottawa
Ottawa’s business schools offer a wide variety of programs for all kinds of learners: recent high school graduates, working professionals, and international students, to name a few. The city’s unique blend of government, tech, and global business makes it an amazing place to study and start your career.
Excellent schools like Telfer, Sprott, Algonquin, and La Cité prove you don't have to go to Toronto or Vancouver for a world-class business education — it thrives right here in the nation's capital.
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