Carleton University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

Carleton University has a 21% acceptance rate, indicating that admissions are highly selective. While most undergraduate courses demand a minimum aggregate score of 70, some competitive courses may require an average of 85% or higher. Admission to graduate courses, on the other hand, requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (85%). Candidates seeking for admission to Carleton University must always aim for an aggregate score that is higher than the minimum requirements in order to be considered equally.

If a candidate wishes to secure an admission in Carleton University graduate courses, then a four-year's bachelor's degree equivalent is required and the minimum overall Carleton University GPA requirement is 6.50 - 7.99. Moreover, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Academic transcripts (English translation);
• English proficiency exam scores;
• Statement of intent (SOP);
• CV/Resume;
• Aptitude test scores;
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR); and
• Additional documents (as applicable).

Carleton University as well as the University of Windsor are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rates of the universities. Overall, this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the universities:

(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MBA course for PG)

Prospective international students can apply for Carleton University admissions either through the Official Application Portal or through OUAC. Overseas applicants can follow the steps given below to apply as an international student at Carleton University:

• For Undergraduate Courses: Students interested to take admission to Carleton University can apply through OUAC. International students can also apply directly to Carleton University by completing the international student application, available through Carleton 360 account. After applying, upload the relevant documents and then monitor the application

• For Graduate Courses: Once a student has decided which course has to be chosen for studies, apply through Carleton 360 account. Enter all the necessary details, know the documents that have to be uploaded, and submit the online application by paying the application fee. After the submission of the application form, track the application status online.

 Situated in Ottawa, Carleton University offers opportunities to students that they will not find anywhere else. Carleton constantly ranks among the Top 5 comprehensive universities in Canada. More than 4,500 international students from over 150 countries are studying at Carleton University. Read: Top 10 Universities in Canada 

Given below is the application process to take admission to undergraduate and graduate courses of Carleton University.

Undergraduate Courses

• First of all, check the application deadlines

• Next, apply online and submit the application

• Then, track the application. After the submission of the application, the applicants receive an email acknowledgment that the university has received the application

• Next, upload the documents that are required for the application assessment

• Check the admission decision and lastly, accept the offer of admission (if applicable)

Graduate Courses

• Firstly, explore the graduate programs and check which programme is suitable to pursue

• Then, prepare the documents that are required for the preferred program

• Next, apply online by entering all the necessary details, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee

• Then, check the application status online

Over 4,500 international students from over 150 countries are studying at Carleton University. Furthermore, Carleton is home to many international students who chose to study in Ottawa. Around 22% of Carleton University’s graduate student population is made up of international students.

 According to unofficial sources, Carleton University acceptance rate is around 21%. This means that the university is highly selective when it comes to admissions. So, if students have a good percentage or grade then, there is a chance that Carleton might accept them. A few departments like Computer Science, Engineering, Journalism, and Political Science are a bit difficult to get into as they are competitive.

Carleton University Computer Science course provides students an opportunity to increase their knowledge and expertise by combining coursework and through research in various areas like Computer Security, Algorithms, Computer Gaming, Computer Graphics, Distributed and Parallel Computing, Robotics and GIS. Also, a large number of high technology companies like IBM, Mitel, Thales, etc., and research labs like National Research Council, Communication Research Centre and Government of Canada departments are situated in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Graduating students of Carleton University have a large number of employment opportunities from research to development in areas like the creation of computer games, software security products, designing animation software, and more.

According to QS, the Carleton University is ranked among top universities globally for MS program. As per the QS Physics and Astronomy Rankings, the Carleton University was ranked #501-550 in 2023 and #401-450 in 2022. Many of the Carleton University MS courses are ranked in top courses in the world. According to QS, the Carleton University ranks #401-450 in Engineering and Technology, and #351-400 in Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering Rankings. Therefore, Carleton University is a good choice to study MS abroad.

A GMAT score is required to take admission to Carleton University. The Sprott School of Business at Carleton University requires the applicants to submit a minimum 550 GMAT score or an equivalent GRE score. Apart from this, the other requirements to pursue an MBA course at Carleton University are:

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree with an overall CGPA of “B” which is the equivalent of 8.0 / 12 on Carleton’s scale

• Two academic recommendations

• Two or more years of professional work experience

• Statement of Intent

• Professional Resume

• English Proficiency

No, Carleton University does not require a GRE score. However, if students have appeared for it, then they can indicate their scores.

To take admission to MEng Data Science and Analytics programme of Carleton University, Indian applicants are required to have a four-year’s bachelor’s degree equivalent and the minimum overall requirement in this is First class division. Specifically, for admission to MEng Data Science and Analytics, the applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, or a related discipline with an average of at least B+. Also, the applicants are required to submit English language proficiency score.

Yes, the Carleton University scholarships provide scholarships for students who have an admission average of 80 per cent or above and meet the language requirements. Students are automatically considered in their Renewable Entrance Scholarships. However, coming to the Carleton University Master’s scholarships, the university provides various awards that the applicant can apply for and could help minimize the student's Carleton University cost of living and fees.

At Carleton University, the duration of an MEng in Data Science and Analytics is two years. The first-year tuition fee is around INR 16 Lakh. Apart from the tuition fees, students are required to pay the amount for other expenses like hostel & meals, books and supplies, insurance, etc. and the total amount of these other expenses will account to around INR 9 Lakh.

 After the completion of the studies, at the workplace, the graduates will be expected to analyze and synthesize complex data and communicate their findings to decision-makers in such a manner that is understandable. This skill set will be learned in MEng Data Science and Analytics programme at Carleton University. Furthermore, the Data Scientists and Data Analytics professionals focus on the collection, pre-processing, exploration, use and visualization of data from sensors, transactional data, and other sources. So, while studying MEng Data Science and Analytics programme students shall be exposed to various methodologies in these areas, and more.

Carleton University MBA program estimated fee for international students is CAD 60,000. As per Carleton University, the MBA course is just not a world-class program but is a smart investment as it claims to offer one of the most affordable MBA degrees in Canada. 

Carleton University has an excellent MBA program that is certified by AACSB and NIBS. Hence, students will get a good education there at the Sprott School of Business. In order to secure an admission, students must submit an excellent application. Undergraduate CGPA, GMAT/GRE scores, IELTS/TOEFL scores, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), extracurriculars, and so on are all important components of a master's application. 

Carleton University is popular for its courses in Journalism, Public Affairs, International Affairs, Architecture, and Technology. Apart from this, the university consistently ranks in the Top 5 among comprehensive universities in Canada. Furthermore, as per Maclean, Carleton was the first university in Canada to establish a graduate degree in Public Administration, and it is also home to the country's oldest 4-year journalism programs. Carleton University also boasts one of the largest Engineering faculty members in the country.

Carleton University offers more than 100 degree programs and specializations in leading fields such as Commerce (Business), Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Communication and Media Studies, Information Technology, and more. Annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at Carleton University is around 25-30L on an average, which can be considered expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:

Carleton University is one of the best universities in Canada and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first semester in the university:

• Join clubs and participate actively in co-curricular activities;
• Build a schedule and stay organized;
• Engage in part-time jobs on and off campus;
• Enjoy the beautiful city of Ottawa;
• Do not procastinate studying; and
• Find out a way to de-stress and engage in fun activities/events.

Carleton University boasts an excellent reputation for its meal program, cafe, and two bars. The campus is located in a quiet neighborhood for studying, between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal in a beautiful setting. The city is well-served by Ottawa's comprehensive bus and OTrain network.

Reputable programs at Carleton include the Sprott School of Business, the Institute for Advanced Research and Innovation Smart Environments (ARISE), which focuses on applied research in the areas of clean technology, health technology, and communications technology, and the schools of journalism, architecture, industrial design, and public administration. There is a strong buzz at the university from the political atmosphere of the nation's capital combined with the activity of the journalism and public administration schools.