Step 1: Create an account
There are two ways to apply to Carleton University as an international student. Please choose one option:
Option 1: Ontario Universities’ Application Centre
This application process is ideal in the following cases:
- if you’re applying to multiple universities in the Province of Ontario
- if you are studying at an Ontario curriculum high school
Your application fee allows you to apply to three universities/program choices in Ontario.
Fee: $166 CAD
Option 2: Direct application to Carleton University
This direct application method is recommended if you are only applying to one or two universities in Ontario. Your application fee allows you to apply to two programs at Carleton.
Please note that you must apply through OUAC (Option 1) if you are a current Ontario curriculum high school student.
Fee: $100 CAD
Step 2: Create your Carleton360 account
Whichever option you choose for your application, it’s important to create a Carleton360 account so you can easily monitor your application status and see the information relevant to your program choices.
This step-by-step video will show you how.
Step 3: Get everything ready
Check:
Application deadline
The deadline to apply is April 1 for most programs (see programs with early deadlines).
We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as some programs may fill up quickly. We review applications on a rolling basis, which means we evaluate them as they come in.
Admission requirements
Check your program’s admission requirements, such as prerequisite courses and grades.
Gather:
Documents
- You are required to provide information about your previous studies, including the dates, names of institutions, and transcripts from your highest level of education. The transcripts should detail the courses you took and the grades you received.
- An English as a Second Language (ESL) test score, if applicable (see language requirements)
Payment method
A credit card to pay your application fee. Please contact international@carleton.ca for alternate payment methods if required.
Step 4: Apply
Applying to multiple Ontario universities? Submit your application through OUAC, a central Ontario university system. See their how-to videos to help you with this process.
Applying to Carleton University directly? This step-by-step video will show you how.
Not sure how to upload your documents? Watch this step-by-step video.
Application tips and frequently asked questions
What are the 2027 tuition fees for international undergraduate applicants at Carleton University?
We’re pleased to share that our international undergraduate tuition fees for Fall 2026, ranging between CAD 39,000 and CAD 55,000, are locked in for the next two years (2027–28 and 2028–29). This commitment means you’ll benefit from consistent, predictable tuition throughout your studies. You can explore program-specific rates using our budget calculator.
How many applications can I make at the same time?
If you are applying directly to Carleton, you may apply to a single entry term with a choice of two programs. If you are applying through OUAC, you may apply to three Ontario universities/programs with the base application fee. You can add more program choices for an additional cost.
What are the prerequisites for my bachelor’s degree program?
You can find the prerequisites for your program using the admission requirements tool on our website. Simply select your educational background and program of interest, then click “Get Details.” This tool will provide personalized information about the admission requirements, including grades, documents, and any exams you may need.
Is the order of programs on my application important?
Yes, it is. Carleton offers admission to only one program at a time. If you meet the requirements for your first choice program or rank one, you will receive an offer for that program. We will inform you if you are eligible for any of your other choices as well.
Is the application fee refundable?
The application fee is non refundable.
Do I send my own documents, or does my school?
You can start by uploading copies of your school transcripts/grades. We will use these unofficial documents for your initial assessment. Final official transcripts must be received from your school when they are available. You can upload any requested English language test scores directly to Carleton360.
What if my documents are not in PDF?
You can use Adobe Acrobat to convert any documents to PDFs as well as decrease their size (maximum file size is 2 megabytes).
How do I know that my application is complete and is being assessed?
Once we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement email. You can monitor the status of your application in Carleton360. Please note that applications will be assessed only once the application fee has been paid and all required documents have been received.
When will I receive my response?
We recommend applying as early as possible and submitting your documents as soon as they are available. Most programs use rolling admissions, so the sooner we receive your documents, the sooner we can review your application. Please note that it can take 4-6 weeks from when we receive all your documents to when you receive a decision, depending on the time of year. Be sure to check your Carleton 360 account regularly to check for document requests and to view your decision.
What if I don’t get admitted into my program?
If you’re a secondary student and don’t meet the admission requirements for a program, we’ll wait to receive your updated grades to see if your average improves. Additionally, we might offer you a spot in a related program for which you do meet the admission requirements.
When should I apply for my study permit/visa?
Documentation required for a study permit application is included in our offers of admission. For guidance on study permit applications and visas, visit our Study Permit Information page.