Ontario Tech University (Oshawa): Tuition, Programmes & Co-op Guide for International Students

Ontario Tech University, formerly the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, is a public university in Oshawa, about 60 kilometres east of Toronto, founded in 2002. It focuses on technology, engineering, IT, health sciences, business, and social science, with strengths in automotive engineering, nuclear engineering, cybersecurity, and energy. This guide covers what international students should know: tuition, English requirements, programmes, scholarships, and Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Ontario Tech University, a public university in Oshawa, Ontario, founded in 2002
• Former name: University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
• 2025-26 international undergraduate tuition (Ontario Tech's registrar page): about C$33,153.66 for most arts and science programmes; C$36,774.24 for Commerce; C$40,915.66 for Information Technology; C$45,205.16 for Engineering and Technology (based on 30 credit hours)
• 2026-27: Ontario Tech has published a 2026-27 tuition page; check it for updated figures
• English: IELTS 6.5
• Strengths: engineering (including automotive and nuclear), IT and cybersecurity, health sciences, and energy
• Research facility: the ACE climatic wind tunnel for automotive testing

Rankings and reputation

Ontario Tech is a young university that is not highly placed in global rankings, but it has distinctive research strengths in automotive and nuclear engineering, energy, and cybersecurity. Judge it on programme accreditation, such as Engineers Canada accreditation, and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

Ontario Tech offers engineering (automotive, electrical, mechanical, nuclear, software), information technology and cybersecurity, computer science, health sciences and nursing, business and commerce, and social science. Co-op and internship options exist in several programmes. Ask whether your programme has co-op.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission is based on academic results and English. After admission, you apply for a study permit and may need a provincial attestation letter.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.5 is required
• TOEFL and other tests may be accepted
• Some programmes may set band minimums
• Check the admissions page

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, and passport details. Check the 2026-27 tuition page and ask about the deposit and attestation letter.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Ontario Tech's registrar lists 2025-26 international undergraduate tuition of about C$33,154 for most arts and science programmes, C$36,774 for Commerce, C$40,916 for IT, and C$45,205 for Engineering and Technology, based on 30 credit hours. A 2026-27 page is published; expect figures to be similar or higher. Add ancillary fees, insurance, and housing.

Estimated living costs

• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing
• Housing near campus can be limited, so arrange it early
• Public transit and student passes reduce commuting costs in most cities

Scholarships

Ontario Tech offers entrance scholarships for international students based on admission averages, and in-course awards. Ask for current amounts and criteria.

Campus life and student support

Ontario Tech's north Oshawa campus is shared with Durham College and has modern engineering and science buildings, with a downtown location for social science and humanities. Oshawa is in the Durham Region, with GO Transit trains to Toronto.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Durham Region's economy includes automotive (General Motors has a major plant in Oshawa), nuclear energy (Ontario Power Generation's Darlington and Pickering stations), health care, and education. Ask about co-op placements and PGWP eligibility.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally depends on the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask the institution whether your program qualifies.

Automotive and nuclear engineering

Ontario Tech offers specialised automotive engineering, with the ACE climatic wind tunnel on campus, and one of Canada's few nuclear engineering programmes, linked to nearby nuclear stations. Some nuclear-sector jobs require security clearance or citizenship, so ask about opportunities for international graduates.

Cybersecurity and IT

The Faculty of Business and IT offers networking and IT security programmes, and the university has cybersecurity research. Ask about labs, certifications, and co-op placements with technology employers.

Living in Oshawa

Oshawa has lower rents than Toronto, GO Transit trains to Union Station, and access to Lake Ontario's waterfront. Winters are cold and snowy. Many students live near the north campus or along bus routes.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Students who use tutoring, writing support, and co-op advising early tend to settle faster.

A realistic budget

At about C$45,000 a year for engineering plus C$15,000 in living costs, a year could cost about C$60,000. Arts and science programmes at about C$33,000 would cost less.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the 2026-27 tuition for my programme?
• Does my programme include co-op?
• Is my engineering programme accredited?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
• Which scholarships apply?
• Is my programme PGWP-eligible?

Who Ontario Tech suits best

Ontario Tech suits students who want engineering, IT, cybersecurity, or health programmes at a technology-focused university near Toronto. It may suit less well students who want a large, older university or a downtown Toronto campus.

Ontario Tech compared with Toronto universities

Toronto universities offer bigger campuses and higher rankings, often at higher living costs, while Ontario Tech offers a technology focus and links to Durham Region's energy and automotive employers. Compare programme and cost.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Health sciences and nursing

Ontario Tech's Faculty of Health Sciences offers nursing, kinesiology, medical laboratory science, and health science programmes. Nursing places can be very competitive for international students, and working as a nurse in Canada requires registration with a provincial regulator. Medical laboratory science leads to certification through a national body. Ask about places for international students and clinical placements.

Graduate studies

Ontario Tech offers master's and PhD programmes in engineering, computer science, health sciences, and other fields, with research in energy, automotive systems, and cybersecurity. Thesis-based students may receive funding through assistantships. Ask potential supervisors about funding before applying, and check whether graduate programmes need a provincial attestation letter under current rules.

Study permit and PGWP planning

Canada has capped study permits and requires most new undergraduate students to obtain a provincial attestation letter. PGWP eligibility for university degrees is broad, but rules change often. Keep your study permit valid, study full time, and check IRCC's current rules before applying for the PGWP after graduation.

Business and IT

The Faculty of Business and Information Technology offers commerce degrees with majors such as accounting, finance, marketing, and technology management, and IT degrees in networking, security, and game development. Business students can pursue professional designations such as CPA, which has its own requirements. Tuition differs between commerce and IT, so check your programme's fee.

Social science and humanities

Ontario Tech's downtown Oshawa location houses social science and humanities programmes, including criminology, legal studies, political science, and communication. These programmes cost less than engineering and IT. Ask about co-op or practicum options and graduate outcomes.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current Ontario Tech students about co-op placements, housing near the north campus, commuting to Toronto, and winter life in Oshawa. Their experience can help you judge whether the university and region suit you, and what to budget for in the first year.

Frequently asked questions