← University guidesUniversity of Ottawa · Ottawa, Ontario

Telfer
BCom

A customizable honours commerce degree in Canada’s capital with English, French, bilingual, co-op, internship, exchange, and interdisciplinary possibilities.

LAST VERIFIEDJuly 26, 2026
SOURCE STANDARDOfficial university sources only
RESEARCH APPROACHOfficial sources linked below
01 · OVERVIEW

What makes this program different?

Telfer combines a 21-course business core with options, electives, minors, microprograms, or an accounting specialization. The structure can support one or two business options or a business option combined with study outside the faculty.

Ottawa adds access to government, technology, healthcare, nonprofit, and private-sector environments. Co-op is an official degree option, but students must understand its separate entry and progression rules.

THE SHORT VERSION

Telfer is a strong fit for students who value customization, bilingual possibilities, work-integrated learning, and the policy-and-technology environment of Ottawa.

02 · ADMISSION

Understand the academic threshold.

Admission varies by curriculum and program option. Applicants should use uOttawa’s official requirements tool for exact prerequisites and current minimums.

  • Secondary credentialComplete the required high-school diploma or curriculum equivalent.
  • PrerequisitesMeet the current English/French and mathematics requirements for the selected BCom option.
  • Competitive standingSome options, including co-op or French immersion, may require stronger academic performance.
  • Language requirementsMeet the language-of-instruction rules for your chosen study path.
Admission note

Telfer’s FAQ warns that some BCom options can require higher averages. Always verify your exact option rather than treating the general BCom minimum as universal.

03 · APPLICATION

Apply to the program structure you actually want.

Applicants apply to uOttawa and should review the implications of co-op, French immersion, bilingual study, and specialized combinations before choosing.

WHAT IS CONFIRMED
  • University application
  • Curriculum-specific prerequisites
  • Language documentation if required
  • Co-op or immersion selection where applicable
HOW TO PREPARE
  • Compare one option versus two
  • Map a possible minor or microprogram
  • Confirm co-op sequencing
  • Review Ottawa living and language choices
EverythingBusiness perspective

Customization is valuable only when it is intentional. Start with a broad career question, then use options, minors, language study, and work experience to build a coherent story.

04 · PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Foundation first. Direction next.

The BCom combines a large common core with several ways to specialize or broaden.

FOUNDATION

Common business core

Build knowledge in marketing, finance, analytics, HR, accounting, and other management fields.

CUSTOMIZE

Choose a structure

Complete one or two options, an option and minor, an accounting specialization, or an option with a microprogram.

APPLY

Experience and capstone

Use co-op, internships, competitions, exchange, and applied coursework to test a direction.

Official options include accounting, analytics, technology management, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare analytics, HR, international management, management, and marketing.

Program combinations and availability can change; use the current academic calendar when planning.

05 · EXPERIENCE

Ottawa expands the classroom.

CO-OP

Paid work experience integrated into the degree for eligible participants.

BILINGUAL STUDY

Students can study in English, French, or both, subject to program and language rules.

CAPITAL-CITY ACCESS

Government, technology, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations broaden possible experiences.

EXCHANGE & COMPETITIONS

International exchanges and case competitions add applied and global exposure.

Planning point

Co-op is competitive and not a guarantee of a particular employer. Language study is most valuable when backed by real proficiency and repeated use.

06 · CAREERS

Turn the degree into a direction.

Telfer’s structure can support private-sector, government, consulting, accounting, finance, technology, analytics, marketing, HR, healthcare, and entrepreneurial paths.

21common-core courses
120 unitsstandard BCom structure
Multipleco-op and interdisciplinary routes

Ottawa can be especially useful for students curious about the intersection of business and public institutions.

Students pursuing accounting or another credential must follow the current prescribed course pathway.

07 · COST & FINANCIAL AID

Budget the complete experience.

Use uOttawa’s official fee estimator and housing information. Include co-op fees, transportation, books, food, and the cost of any exchange plans.

IMPORTANT

Tuition varies by residency and course load. Scholarships, bursaries, and French-study opportunities may have separate eligibility rules.

08 · EVERYTHINGBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Who might thrive here?

A STRONG FIT IF YOU…
  • Want extensive customization
  • Value co-op or internships
  • Are interested in bilingual study
  • Like business and public-sector intersections
  • Want the Ottawa environment
THINK CAREFULLY IF YOU…
  • Prefer one rigid curriculum
  • Assume every option fits together
  • Want co-op without a job search
  • Have not checked language rules
  • Do not want to plan electives carefully
THE BOTTOM LINE

Telfer’s advantage is choice: business options, interdisciplinary study, language pathways, and work experience. Students benefit most when they turn that flexibility into a focused academic and professional plan.

09 · OFFICIAL SOURCES

Verify before you apply.

Every factual claim was checked against official university material. Requirements, dates, fees, curricula, and outcomes can change.

KEEP EXPLORING

Compare this program with other options.

Use the university comparison tool to review structure, work experience, academic choices, and distinctive features.

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