Saint Paul University

Located in Ottawa, in the heart of Canada’s capital, Saint Paul University is a Catholic, bilingual, ecumenically oriented institution that provides a milieu conducive to the mutual understanding and enrichment of various communities. In addition, students at Saint Paul University enjoy many attractions that are unique to Ottawa: extensive libraries, national museums, research centres, and international festivals. Surrounded by majestic grounds and green spaces, the campus is situated in a peaceful setting which is ideal for studying. Founded in 1848 as Bytown College, it became the University of Ottawa in 1866 and Saint Paul University in 1965. Saint Paul University is federated with the present University of Ottawa and grants degrees jointly with that institution.

The university has four faculties: Canon Law, Philosophy, Human Sciences, and Theology and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Niche specializations are in following fields: canon law, conflict studies, counselling and spirituality, public ethics, philosophy, social communications and group intervention and leadership, human relations and spirituality, and theology.

Since 2012, a group of courses common to all the BA programs is being offered to reinforce the basic formation of first-year students. This innovative approach allows students to explore a range of subjects from the fields of human sciences, philosophy and theology. This allows students to root their learning more firmly in an open setting and one of globalization.

The student population and class sizes foster a climate that is open to the exchange of ideas along with a friendly atmosphere. The university encourages lively debate, critical thinking and in-depth examination of ideas. Students come from Canada and around the world. This diversity creates a distinctive environment that allows for growth in a multicultural, multidisciplinary and multifaith context with students of all ages.

The library, which is the largest religious studies research library in Canada, specializes in religious history, theology, ethics, canon law, conflict studies, medieval studies, and philosophy.

Research has an important place for students and professors alike. A range of research is carried out in a number of ways, including through research centres (such as the Centre for Public Ethics and Governance, the research Centre for Vatican II and 21st Century Catholicism and the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis, to name only the most recently created), research chairs (such as the Chair in Christian Family Studies), and academic journals. These include Studia Canonica, Theoforum and Counselling and Spirituality. Research activities are also fostered through the prestigious Glasmacher Lectures.

Student fees

Canadian student fees  2012-13 *

Undergraduate tuition fees: $4,421

Graduate tuition fees: $4,713

International student fees  2012-13 *

Undergraduate tuition fees: $9,836

Graduate tuition fees: $10,198

* Source: Statistics Canada. Fees for general programs in arts and humanities.

Note: In addition to tuition fees, universities generally charge fees for goods and services supplied to students. This includes areas such as student associations, sports and health. These additional fees vary widely per university and per student and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Check with the university for details.

Student enrolment

2012 preliminary fall enrolment *

Full-time (undergraduates): 230

Full-time (graduates): 210

Part-time (undergraduates): 100

Part-time (graduates): 110

* Source: Saint Paul University