Lifelong Learning

Many alumni return to studies, whether to continue their professional development or to follow new interests. The University of Ottawa offers numerous services to part-time or full-time students to help them achieve their academic goals.

Continuing Education

The University of Ottawa’s Centre for Continuing Education has been offering Professional Development and Personal Enrichment courses for over 25 years. Clients range from working professionals engaged in continuing education and career development, to members of public interested in intellectually stimulating learning opportunities.

Professional Development Workshops offer results-oriented training programs, geared to your professional needs. Return to the workplace more confident and better equipped to fully contribute to your organization’s success.

Personal Enrichment Activities are non-credited courses and are open to the general public. Designed for the pure joy of learning, these courses will nurture your passion for knowledge and let you explore the fascinating worlds of culture, history, science and society. 

Special Students

Special students are those who register either for credit or as auditors (just to sit in), but are not seeking a degree, diploma or certificate. Courses are generally at the undergraduate level. A select number of graduate courses may be available to qualified students, in which case it is best to contact the academic department directly.

Auditing a Course

Auditors are students who are authorized to register without obtaining credits, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. Each faculty offers a number of courses for which auditing is accepted. To find out about auditing specific courses, please contact the faculty directly. See Faculties and Departments.