Welcome to spu

A spiritual, human, open
and engaged university

Saint Paul University was the first post-secondary institution in Ottawa.

More than a university specializing in the human and social sciences, SPU is a community.
Our goal: guiding transformation together to build a more humane and more just society on a global scale.

Étudiantes à l'université Saint-Paul à Ottawa

Winter/Automn 2026 - Admissions open for most programs !

Apply today

SPU is known for its great intellectual tradition, its concern for social justice and humanizing society.

Our approach is human-centred. We offer interactive teaching as well as access to professors and support staff that is second to none. The idea is to create a personalized university experience that fosters success

176

years of experience

12

students per professor on average

$1,000,000

in scholarships every year

92%

satisfaction rate among students

Read the Viewbook
study at spu

Ottawa, Among the best cities in the world for students

Choosing Ottawa means choosing a city ranked the best in North America for quality of life in 2026, according to an international ranking by Numbeo. Safety, environment, public services, and a healthy balance between studies and personal life make Ottawa a top destination for students from around the world.

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, near the Rideau Canal and urban green spaces, Saint Paul University offers high-quality education in the humanities and social sciences within a welcoming, bilingual, and close-knit learning environment.

Ottawa

Come meet us!

Our team is here to answer your questions about admissions, programs or services.

research at spu

Learn about or participate to various research projects at Saint Paul University.