Saint Paul University is a small bilingual Catholic university on Main Street in Old Ottawa East, a short walk from the Rideau Canal. It has been federated with the University of Ottawa since 1965, so students can use uOttawa's libraries and services too. Its best-known programmes are counselling and psychotherapy, conflict studies, canon law and theology. Classes are small and taught in English or French.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Official website: ustpaul.ca
Pontifical Catholic university
University of Ottawa, since 1965
English and French
CA$16,000 – CA$24,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
CA$17,000 – CA$22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ustpaul.ca before you apply.
MA Counselling and Spirituality
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
BA Conflict Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
BA Human Relations and Spirituality
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Licentiate in Canon Law
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Theology degree, IELTS: 6.5
MA Theology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Counselling and psychotherapy training with supervised practice.
One of the few canon law faculties in North America.
Access to University of Ottawa facilities.
Counselling graduates work in clinics, community agencies and private practice after meeting Ontario registration rules.
Conflict studies graduates join NGOs, mediation services and government.
Canon law and theology graduates work for churches, tribunals and faith organisations.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Most programmes
Postgrad
Selected programmes
The campus is in Old Ottawa East, between the Rideau River and the canal. In winter the canal becomes a skateway, and the main uOttawa campus is a short bus ride north.
Ottawa is a government town, calmer than Toronto and a bit cheaper to rent in. Winters are very cold, and French is heard everywhere.
Letter of acceptance from Saint Paul University
Ontario provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
For September entry, apply by early spring. Graduate counselling deadlines are earlier, usually in winter. Leave several months for the study permit.
Most programmes start in September, and many undergraduate programmes also admit in January.
Study permit, applied for through IRCC. You'll upload the acceptance letter from Saint Paul University, an attestation letter if your programme needs one, proof you can pay tuition and living costs, and then give biometrics.
Counselling and spirituality, conflict studies, human relations and theology are the most popular. Undergraduate entry needs secondary school completion. The counselling MA needs a relevant bachelor's degree. Non-native speakers need IELTS 6.5.
Saint Paul offers admission scholarships and bursaries, and some are open to international students. Check the awards page when you apply.
