Course at a Glance
- Certificate programmeDegree level
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- English; WritingField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- Certificate in Professional WritingAwards
- $42,059Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Professional Writing Certificate is an interdisciplinary program in writing and editing for business, science and the arts. Housed within the Department of English, the Professional Writing Certificate provides students with knowledge and skills much in demand by employers in government, business, social service, and community organizations.
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Take courses in Technical Writing and Editing, Policy Writing, Advanced Grammar, and Organizational Communication, among others. A 15-unit "microprogram" is also available in Professional Editing. This program is offered in English only. The table below includes only the discipline-specific courses. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for information on the possible combinations available within the Faculty Arts. Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2023-2024 calendars for the previous requirements. Course List CodeTitleUnits Compulsory Courses ENG 1320English Grammar for Professional Writers and Editors3 Units Optional Courses 9 course units from:9 Units CMN 2130 Interpersonal Communication CMN 2148 Organizational Communication ENG 2370 Writing for Digital Media I: Fundamentals of Digital Literacy ENG 2380 Introduction to Technical Writing ENG 2381 Writing about the Arts ENG 2382 Techniques of Composition JOU 3100 Digital Journalism I PHI 2170 Logic I 15 course units from:15 Units CMN 3130 Communication Planning ENG 3170 Writing for Digital Media II ENG 3171 Communication in the Information Age ENG 3180 Editing Documents for Business, Science, and Technology ENG 3181 Editing in Arts and Humanities Publishing ENG 3182 Policy Writing and Writing for Government ENG 3183 Stylistics ENG 4396 Professional Re-Writing JOU 4100 Digital Journalism II 3 course units in English (ENG) or in Communication (CMN) at the 2000 or 3000 level3 Units Total: 30 Units Back to top
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Certificate offered in English only Applications to the certificate must be submitted directly to the University of Ottawa through the Application for undergraduate admissions form. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: No English test required if the last three years of study were completed in English in an eligible country; uOttawa reserves the right to request a test at any time. · Application fee: CAD 104.00 · Deposit: CAD 2000.00
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$42,059 CAD / year≈ $30,926 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsNo award specific to this certificate is published; only university-wide awards exist, and uOttawa does not publish which programs count as 'approved' for them. University-wide awards for international undergraduates: International English Admission Scholarship (automatic, CAD 7,500 per term, up to CAD 60,000 over a four-year degree; min 80% admission average; newly admitted full-time to an approved English-language undergraduate program in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences or Telfer; not French immersion); International English Academic Excellence Scholarship (100 awards, CAD 10,000, min 95%); Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for programs given in French or the French Immersion Stream. Sources: uOttawa International English Scholarships; Scholarships and awards overview (18-Sep-2026).
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Winter: October 17, 2026 (international applicants; documents by November 1, 2026).
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Certificate Professional Writing cost?
CAD 42,059 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
Certificate offered in English only Applications to the certificate must be submitted directly to the University of Ottawa through the Application for undergraduate admissions form. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: No English test required if the last three years of study were completed in English in an eligible country; uOttawa reserves the right to request a test at any time. · Application fee: CAD 104.00 · Deposit: CAD 2000.00
Is there a scholarship?
No award specific to this certificate is published; only university-wide awards exist, and uOttawa does not publish which programs count as 'approved' for them. University-wide awards for international undergraduates: International English Admission Scholarship (automatic, CAD 7,500 per term, up to CAD 60,000 over a four-year degree; min 80% admission average; newly admitted full-time to an approved English-language undergraduate program in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences or Telfer; not French immersion); International English Academic Excellence Scholarship (100 awards, CAD 10,000, min 95%); Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for programs given in French or the French Immersion Stream. Sources: uOttawa International English Scholarships; Scholarships and awards overview (18-Sep-2026).
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