Overview

The Environmental Sustainability programme at the University of Ottawa provides students with the essential skills to develop effective regulatory and policy solutions for complex environmental problems. This interdisciplinary Master of Science integrates foundational knowledge from science, law, economics, and policy to address modern global challenges. Students learn to synthesise diverse perspectives to create sustainable outcomes in a professional context.

Candidates can choose between two distinct academic pathways depending on their career goals. The research paper option is designed for completion in 12 months, while the thesis-based stream typically spans 24 months of full-time engagement.

Why Environmental Sustainability at the University of Ottawa?

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, the university is situated near Parliament Hill, providing a unique vantage point for studying national policy. As one of the country's top 10 research institutions, it offers students access to the Smart Prosperity Institute, a renowned national research network and policy think tank. This partnership allows learners to engage with world-class researchers and public-private partners to advance a cleaner economy.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9721 per semester
National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Policy
Professional Skills for Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Science
Environmental Economics
Evidence Synthesis and Evaluation
Environmental Law
Applied Environmental Sustainability
Capstone Seminar in Environmental Sustainability

Careers with Environmental Sustainability

Graduates are equipped for professional roles that require the integration of scientific evidence with legal and economic policy frameworks. The programme prepares individuals for careers in government agencies, international organisations, and private sector firms focused on sustainability. Common career paths involve developing regulatory solutions, managing environmental protection instruments, and leading policy initiatives for a stronger, cleaner economy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Environmental Law

Applied Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Policy

Professional Skills for Environmental Sustainability

Environmental Science

Environmental Economics

Evidence Synthesis and Evaluation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

30 alternative credits

30-60

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Environmental Economics & Policy View 27 other Masters in Sustainable Development in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The basic admission requirement is an honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a relevant discipline with a minimum average of B (70%), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines.

An up-to-date resume

A letter of intent outlining your career goals

A short description that outlines your proposed area of research (no more than 1000 words)

An example of your own writing, such as an essay or extract of an essay (between 10 and 20 pages)

We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors before applying for this program.

2 Recommendation letters

Transcripts

English Proficiency

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Ottawa and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19442 CAD / year

≈ 19442 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5688 CAD / year

≈ 5688 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $2,456.70/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Environmental Sustainability.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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