Eligibility and admissions

Yes. International students applying for the Telfer BCom program must meet specific academic and language requirements based on their country of origin and education system. Here are the key points:

• Academic requirements
  International applicants must have completed a diploma equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with strong academic standing. Specific requirements vary by country and education system (e.g., IB Diploma, French Baccalauréate, A-Levels, U.S. high school diploma with APs).
• Program prerequisites
  • Equivalent courses to Ontario’s Grade 12 English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U) and one additional math (e.g., Calculus or Statistics)
  • Strong performance in these subjects

See the admission requirements for international applicants to management programs.

• Language proficiency
  • If your first language is neither English nor French, and you haven’t completed at least three years of full-time study in one of those languages, you must provide proof of language proficiency.
  • Accepted English tests include:
    • TOEFL iBT (minimum 86 overall with at least 22 in writing)
    • IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing)
  • French proficiency requirements depend on your chosen language of instruction.

For details on accepted English and French language tests, required scores and exemptions, see the uOttawa language requirements.

Yes. If you’re currently enrolled at a recognized college or university, you can apply for the Telfer Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program as a transfer student. Your eligibility will be based on your academic record.

You might be eligible for transfer credits for previously completed courses if they meet University of Ottawa criteria. These include course content, level, grades and institutional accreditation.

Learn more about transfer credits at uOttawa, including eligibility and the assessment process.

You can visit the University of Ottawa and the Telfer School of Management to explore the campus and learn more about the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program.

Campus visits and events

• Campus tours: The University offers in-person and virtual tours led by student ambassadors. They include a look at Telfer’s building, classrooms and common areas.
• Open House events: Attend a uOttawa Open House to meet faculty, students and advisers from Telfer, and get detailed program information.
• Class visits or webinars: Occasionally, Telfer offers opportunities to join info sessions or webinars specific to the BCom.
• Student for a day: Register to become a student for a day at Telfer.  Attend a class, meet with an academic specialist and talk with current students
• Virtual tour: Take a uOttawa virtual tour.

Book a campus tour or register for an event.

While the exact number of applicants can vary year to year, the Telfer School of Management receives thousands of applications annually for the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program.

Typical cohort size

• The incoming first-year BCom class size generally includes 1,200 to 1,300 students across all program options and language streams (English, French and French immersion).

Competitive admissions

• Admission is competitive, with a minimum average in the mid-80s typically required.
• Spaces in certain options, such as co-op or French Immersion, may be more limited and require higher academic performance.

For the most current figures or trends, email the Telfer Undergraduate Office at bcom@telfer.uOttawa.ca.

1. Ontario high school students (equivalents are required for students from other provinces):
   • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
   • Six 4U or 4M courses, including:
     • English (ENG4U)
     • Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
     • Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
   • Minimum admission average of 78% (currently — subject to change each year depending on applicant pool)
2. International applicants and students who’ve completed other curriculums:
   • Equivalent high school diploma or pre-university qualification (e.g., IB Diploma, French Baccalauréate, A-Levels, etc.).
   • Proof of language proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction you choose.

You can apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Discover our current, detailed  undergraduate admissions and Telfer BCom program requirements.

Telfer BCom students have access to a wide range of scholarships and bursaries based on academic excellence, leadership, financial need, language stream, co-op participation and international experience participation.

Scholarships and bursaries include:

• Admission scholarships (automatically awarded based on grades)
• Telfer-specific scholarships and awards
• French Studies Bursaries
• Co-op and international experience funding
• Needs-based bursaries

Learn more about Telfer scholarships and bursaries, including full details, eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

The minimum admission average for the Telfer BCom program is around 78% or higher for Ontario high school students. However, this can vary depending on the number of applicants and the competitiveness of the applicant pool that year.

For students applying from other provinces, from international systems or through alternative pathways (like college or university transfers), the required average is assessed based on program equivalency and overall academic performance.

• Note: For some BCom options, such as co-op or French immersion, higher averages may be required.

Application deadlines for the Telfer Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) depend on the type of applicant you are.

Ontario high school students and Canadian university or college transfers

• Applications for fall via OUAC: June 1
• Supporting documents (if required) are typically due shortly after the application deadline.

International students

• Deadline: April 1
  • Applying early increases your chances for scholarships and bursaries, co-op admission and course selection.
• Late applications might be accepted if space is available but we don’t guarantee this.

Winter (January) intake

• All students can enter Telfer in January. You must apply through OUAC by the third week of October. The application period starts in mid-September.

For the most up-to-date deadlines based on your applicant type, see:

• Application deadlines and available programs — international students

• Application deadlines and available programs — Canadian students

• Important academic dates and deadlines

You must apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). See our detailed, step by step guide on how to apply to uOttawa.

Choosing the Telfer School of Management for your Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) means joining a top-tier business school at the heart of Canada’s capital. Here’s why students choose Telfer.

A globally-recognized business school

Telfer is triple-accredited—by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS—an achievement that fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide can claim. This ensures the highest international standards in business education.

Diverse, customizable programs

With 10 program options, including Marketing, Finance, Accounting, International Management, Human Resource Management, Business Technology Management, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and more, you can tailor your degree to your career goals.

 You can also study in English, in French — or in both through the French Immersion Stream.

Real-world experience

Telfer offers co-op placements, internships and consulting projects with leading organizations in Ottawa and beyond. You’ll graduate with valuable work experience and a stronger resumé.

International opportunities

Through student exchange programs and global case competitions, Telfer prepares you to succeed in a global business environment. Travel, learn and network internationally.

Close-knit community and networking

With smaller class sizes and strong support from professors, advisers and peers, Telfer students enjoy a tight-knit, collaborative learning environment. You’ll also benefit from an active alumni network and connections to government, business and non-profits in Ottawa.

Career-ready education

Telfer’s BCom program combines theory with hands-on learning to prepare you for leadership roles. Plus, the Career Centre helps you explore career paths, build your resumé and connect with employers.