Office of Admission, Registrar and Student Services
admission@ustpaul.ca
Telephone: 613-236-1393
1-800 637-6859
Quick Links

Applications for Spring/Summer 2024 are now closed.

Applications for Fall 2024 open for Canadian applicants, Permanent Residents and International applicants who already hold a valid study permit and who have an address in Canada.

Applications for Fall 2024 closed for International applicants who require a study permit.

 

Applications: A step-by-step guide

STEP 1: Choose a program of study
STEP 2: Learn about admission requirements
STEP 3: Submit your application
STEP 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application
STEP 5: Assessment of your application
STEP 6: Accept your offer of admission
STEP 7: Choose your courses

 

STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM OF STUDY
 

 

STEP 2: LEARN ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate studies

Second-entry Program

Graduate studies

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 

The minimum admission average is 70% (except for Quebec applicants from secondary school: see below). Some programs may require a higher average.

Ontario applicants

From secondary school
Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with at least six 4U, 4M or DU level courses, including one 4U level course in English or français.

From Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT)

  • After one year of studies
    You are eligible if you have completed one year of a college program and have obtained the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with one language course (English or français) at the college or 4U level.
  • After a two- or three-year program
    If you have completed a two- or three-year college program, you can obtain up to 30 units of advanced standing (transfer units).

Our transfer agreements
Saint Paul University has developed a number of transfer agreements with colleges, allowing applicants to receive up to 30 equivalency units. Find out more by consulting the tab entitled College Credit Transfer.

Quebec applicants

From secondary school
Have a Secondary School Diploma with an average of 84%, including one course in English or français at the Secondary V level.

From Cégep
Have completed 12 courses of general studies (not including physical education and refresher courses), including English (603) or français (601). Applicants who have successfully completed 12 courses of general studies may obtain up to 15 units of advanced standing, and those who have successfully completed more than 12 courses of general studies may obtain up to 30 units of advanced standing.

Applicants from the Atlantic and western provinces

Have a Secondary School Diploma, including one course in English or français at the Grade 12 level.

From International Baccalaureate

Have an International Baccalaureate with at least 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level examinations with a minimal score of 26 points without the bonus points. Advanced standing can be granted for Higher Level exams with a score of 5 or above. Each HL course equals 6 units in advanced standing.

With AP Courses

Have a Secondary School Diploma. Candidates who successfully completed Advanced Placement Examinations with a minimal score of 4 are entitled to receive advanced standing. Final official results from the College Board are required. 

Applicants from other universities

Applications from other Canadian or international universities will be assessed based on the applicant’s previous secondary and post-secondary studies. University equivalency units may be granted depending on the studies completed and the program into which the person is admitted.

International applicants

Fraud warning

Saint Paul University wishes to inform all international candidates that fraudulent activity using the name of Saint Paul University is currently prevalent in certain countries.

Recruitment officers are claiming to represent Saint Paul University and producing false documents featuring the Saint Paul University logo (form, invoice, etc.). The fraudsters demand a sum of money to pay admission and registration fees.

If in doubt, get in touch with us to check the information provided. You can contact us by email at international@ustptaul.ca or by phone, toll free, at 1-800-637-6859.

Have a diploma attesting to 12 years of education equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Persons who have completed a secondary diploma attesting to 13 years of education, such as the Baccalauréat de l’enseignement secondaire français, can receive up to 30 units of advanced standing.

You must also meet the language requirements

NEW: A letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) is required. No letter is required for laypersons.

Mature applicants

When the applicant’s academic record does not meet normal conditions for admission, it is possible to apply as a mature applicant, provided that the person has not been enrolled in full-time studies for at least two consecutive years. To be considered for admission, applicants must have experience that can be considered sufficient preparation for pursuing undergraduate studies.

SECOND-ENTRY PROGRAMS

Applicants for a Second-Entry Program
Second-entry graduate program requires a B.A. or its equivalent with an average of at least 70% (B) for admission but no prior theological training. Certain programs have specific admission criteria. Read the specific requirements in the Admissions tab in Programs of Study.

GRADUATE STUDIES

Applicants for a graduate diploma
Have an Honour’s B.A. (4 years) or equivalent with an average of at least 70% (B). Certain programs have specific admission criteria. Read the specific requirements in the Admissions tab in Programs of Study.

Applicants for master’s programs
Have an Honour’s B.A. (4 years) or equivalent with an average of at least 70% (B). Certain programs have specific admission criteria. Read the specific requirements in the Admissions tab in Programs of Study.

Applicants for doctoral programs
Have a master’s degree (with thesis or research paper) with an average of at least 75% (B+). Certain programs have specific admission criteria. Read the specific requirements in the Admissions tab in Programs of Study.

 

STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

You have two options.

OPTION 1

If you are applying for an undergraduate program at Saint Paul University only, or if you are applying for a master’s or doctoral program:

  • Complete the following form.

 Apply Now

 

OPTION 2

If you are applying for admission to an undergraduate program at more than one Ontario university, including Saint Paul University: Complete the application form available at the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because Saint Paul University is federated with the University of Ottawa, you will find programs offered by Saint Paul University listed under the University of Ottawa. Click here for more information.

Admission Application Deadlines

Please click here to consult admission application deadlines specific for each level of study.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The application fees are non-refundable.

 

STEP 4: GATHER THE DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION

The Office of Admission, Registrar and Student Services reserves the right to request the authenticity of official documents from World Education Services (WES) Canada. If you receive this request, you must choose the Document-by-Document International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) service. Please note that there is a fee payable to WES for this service. 

 

Warning

ATTENTION – APPLICANTS BORN OUTSIDE OF CANADA

If you are born outside of Canada and currently reside in Canada, official proof of your legal status in Canada will be required to determine your tuition fees before your first enrollment.

Don't hesitate to contact the Admission office (admission@ustpaul.ca) for more details.

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 

With your application, you must submit transcripts from each institution you attended. If the transcript is written in a language other than French and English, you must also submit a certified translation (signed and sealed). During the admission process, it is not necessary to provide official transcripts. However, if you are submitting the transcripts electronically, please be sure to scan them in colour in PDF format. Photos taken with a cell phone are not accepted. These transcripts must be sent directly from your academic institution to the following address:

Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions 
223 Main Street, room 154
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA

If you are admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts showing your final grades.

To be official, transcripts must be printed, marked with an official seal, and sent by the educational institution. Certified true copies from a notary public, lawyer or commissioner of oaths are also accepted.

Students or alumni of Saint Paul University, it is not necessary to submit a transcript request to the registrar for your studies at USP. Our admissions team can produce the necessary transcripts.

Programs  Additional documents required
B.A. in Social Innovation
  • Applicants must submit a letter of intent. An interview (in person or otherwise) may be required. Élisabeth-Bruyère School of Social Innovation scholarships are available. The School will communicate with the applicants directly with more information.

 

SECOND-ENTRY PROGRAMS


Second-entry graduate program in Theology requires a B.A. or its equivalent for admission, but no prior theological training.

With your application, you must send us official transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended. Transcripts are considered official only if they come in a sealed envelope.

Students or alumni of Saint Paul University, it is not necessary to submit a transcript request to the registrar for your studies at USP. Our admissions team can produce the necessary transcripts.

NEW: If you are an international applicant, a letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) is required. No letter is required for laypersons.

Programs  Additional documents required
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
  • Evidence of suitability for pastoral leadership attested through a letter of recommendation and pre-admission interview;
  • Evidence of ability to succeed in a post-baccalaureate program of study, attested in a letter of reference from a professor familiar with the applicant’s previous academic work.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
  • Evidence of ability to succeed in a post-baccalaureate program of study attested through two academic letters of reference from professors familiar with the applicant’s previous academic work.

 

GRADUATE STUDIES

With your application, you must submit transcripts from each post-secondary institution you attended. If the transcript is written in a language other than French or English, you must also submit a certified translation. During the admission process, it is not necessary to provide official transcripts. However, if you are submitting the transcripts electronically, please be sure to scan them in colour in PDF format. Photos taken with a cell phone will not be accepted. It is important to mention any post-secondary education, both on your admission form and on your resume.

If you are admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts showing your final grades.

To be official, transcripts must be printed, marked with an official seal, and sent by the educational institution. Certified true copies from a notary public, lawyer or commissioner of oaths are also accepted.

Students or alumni of Saint Paul University: it is not necessary to submit a transcript request to the registrar for your studies at USP. Our admissions team can produce the necessary transcripts.

Depending on your program selection, you may be required to submit supplementary documentation. To learn about the specific admission requirements for your program, please consult the tables below.

If you apply to one of the Canon Law programs, a letter of permission from your bishop (for members of the secular clergy) or superior (for members of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) is required. No letter is required for laypersons.

N.B. Enrolment is limited at the graduate level. To increase your chances of being admitted, we strongly recommend that you submit your application and all supporting documents before the admission deadlines.

 

Graduate Diplomas 

Programs  Additional documents required
Canon Law
  • One (1) letter of recommendation;
  • A letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) – no letter required for laypersons;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé).
  • Program option sheet.
Canonical Practice
  • One (1) letter of recommendation;
  • A letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) – no letter required for laypersons;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Program option sheet.
Catholic Bioethics
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (from professors, employers, professional mentors, religious leaders, etc.) – for candidates who have graduated within the previous seven years, at least one letter must be from a university professor;
  • An interview;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Letter of intent (500 words) reporting on the applicant’s career objectives.
Couple Counselling and Spirituality
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Proof of 120 supervised client contact hours.
Ecclesiastical Administration
  • One (1) letter of recommendation;
  • A letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) – no letter required for laypersons;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé).
  • Program option sheet.
Public Ethics
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé).
Social Organization Development
  • Cover letter (maximum 500 words);
  • A curriculum vitae.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • One (1) letter of recommendation (from professors, employers, professional mentors, religious leaders, etc.); for candidates who have graduated within the previous seven years, at least one letter must be from a university professor;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Statement of purpose;
  • An interview.

 

Master’s programs

Programs  Additional documents required
Canon Law (Licentiate)
  • One (1) letter of recommendation;
  • A letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) – no letter required for laypersons;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Program option sheet.
Conflict Studies
Social Innovation
Counselling and Spirituality
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation, including at least one from a university professor;
  • An autobiographical questionnaire;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé).
  • OPTIONAL: The following document is a tool that can help candidates self-assess whether they have completed the prerequisites for the Master's in Counselling and Spirituality. Candidates are encouraged to careful review this document before submitting an application. It is not necessary to submit this document with your application. Admissions Workbook
Public Ethics
Theology
Leadership, Ecology and Equity
  • One (1) letter of recommendation (from professors, employers, professional mentors, religious leaders, etc.); for candidates who have graduated within the previous seven years, at least one letter must be from a university professor;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Statement of purpose;
  • An interview.

Doctoral programs 

Programs  Additional documents required
Canon Law
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who know you in the context of your previous university studies and of your Master’s of Canon Law, as dean, chair, professor or supervisor;
  • A letter of permission from your bishop (if member of the secular clergy) or superior (if member of Institute of Consecrated Life or apostolic society) – no letter required for laypersons;
  • A curriculum vitae highlighting, if applicable, your previous experience in the area of canon law;
  • A statement of purpose indicating the interests, career goals, research focus and other factors relevant to the proposed research area;
  • An electronic copy of your Master's/Licentiate thesis.
  • Program option sheet.
Conflict Studies
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation. A minimum of two letters must be from academics. This can include adjunct, part-time or retired professors. Other referees who may be called upon should be managers or professionals who can assess whether the candidate has the intellectual capacity, knowledge base and work habits necessary to complete a PhD;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • Cover letter that explains the following:
    • Interest in doing a Ph.D.
    • Why are you interested in this multi-disciplinary program?
    • Academic studies and relevant experience
  • Identification of at least one professor in the program whose research interests correspond to yours;
  • A two-page draft of the research topic, and the relationship with one or more of the seven themes of the program: 
  1. Ethnic ⁄ cultural ⁄ religious dimension
  2. Social justice ⁄ social inequality dimension
  3. Ecological and territorial dimension
  4. Moral ⁄ ethical dimension
  5. Theories of conflict
  6. International ⁄ geopolitical conflicts
  7. Conflict resolution ⁄ peacebuilding ⁄ reconciliation
  • Official proof of passive competence in the second official language (French or English). 
Counselling and Spirituality
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation: one clinical recommendation required. The other letters need to be provided by university professors capable of evaluating your work;
  • Proof of at least 120 hours of supervised direct, face-to-face contact with clients;
  • A statement of purpose indicating the interests, career goals, research focus and other factors relevant to the proposed research area;
  • A written description of the proposed research project. This is a short essay between 750 and 1000 words (3–4 pages), presenting the relevance of your proposed research (include a short research question, methodology, and a brief bibliography).
  • Identification of two possible supervisors, in order of preference, who are professors in the program and members of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies of the University of Ottawa;
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé).
Interdisciplinary Doctorate in Contemporary Social Issues
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation, including one from a professional familiar with the candidate's social commitment and able to confirm their suitability for advanced research (candidates returning to university after many years in the workforce may provide two letters from immediate supervisors confirming their social commitment and suitability for advanced research);
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé);
  • A letter of intention (maximum 500 words) setting out the candidate's career goals;
  • A draft of the thesis project (maximum 1,000 words);
  • A letter of support from a Saint Paul University professor (whose research interests correspond to the proposed thesis topic) who is able to supervise the candidate’s proposed research topic. 
Ministry
Social Innovation
  • A curriculum vitae which includes including relevant publications. If candidates do not have any suitable publications, they are invited to provide a chapter of their MA thesis, or a final paper from a previous graduate course;
  • letter of intent (maximum 1000 words);
  • Two (2) letters of reference 
Theology

Documents should be sent to the following address: 

Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions and Student Services
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA

 

STEP 5: ASSESSMENT OF YOUR APPLICATION

Once the Office of Admissions receives all the required documents, it will begin to assess your application. One of the following decisions will be sent to you at the email address you gave us, as well as to your postal address.

Possible decisions

  • Offer of admission
    The Office of Admissions will send you an offer of admission (unconditional).  
  • Conditional offer of admission
    The Office of Admissions will make you a conditional offer of admission, with specific conditions that you must meet by a certain deadline. You can still proceed to registration (course selection).
  • Deferred decision
    The Office of Admissions can inform you that some information is missing and therefore the University is unable to make a decision regarding your eligibility. If applicable, the Office will tell you which documents to send and by what date.
  • Refusal
    The Office of Admissions will inform you of the reasons for the refusal.

 

STEP 6: ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF ADMISSION

To accept an offer of admission, you must sign the form entitled Admission Acceptance Form that accompanies your offer of admission and send it to Saint Paul University by email, before the deadline, to admission@ustpaul.ca, or mail it to:

Saint Paul University
Office of Admissions and Student Services
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4
CANADA

 

STEP 7: CHOOSE YOUR COURSES

With your offer of admission, you will receive all the information you will need to choose your courses. You will also receive the contact information for our academic advisors; you can meet with them one on one or during information sessions for guidance and to help you finalize your course selection.