Carleton University, Canada

Ranked among the top 500 universities of the world, Carleton University, Canada offers over 200 academic programmes provided by 47 departments across five faculties

Sited in Canada’s scenic capital Ottawa (pop. 1.2 million), Carleton University, Canada (estb.1942) has over the past six decades acquired an international reputation for its eclectic range of study programmes, notably aerospace engineering, geomatics, interactive multimedia and design, network technology, international affairs, industrial design, public policy and computer games development. With a menu of over 200 academic programmes provided by 47 departments across five faculties, Carleton University, Canada offers one of North America’s most innovative, relevant, and flexible mix of higher studies education. More than 2,000 faculty members instruct some 23,000 students drawn from 147 countries, reading for bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral degrees on its sprawling 62 hectare campus. Ranked among the top 500 universities in the world by the Shanghai Jia Tong University, Carleton University, Canada also offers co-operative education to students, allowing them to alternate study terms with paid on-the-job training. Paid work placements are available in over 80 undergraduate programmes.

Founded as Carleton College in 1942 during the Second World War by the Ottawa Association for the Advancement of Learning, Carleton University, Canada is ranked seventh out of 60 universities in Canada by The Gourman Report, compiled by Dr. Jack Gourman of the Princeton Review. Moreover Carleton is ranked No.1 in Canada in international research collaboration and third in quality of scientific research output, according to a study released by Montreal’s Observatoire des Sciences et des Technologies.

Comments Dr. Samy Mahmoud, vice-chancellor of the university: “Among the best comprehensive universities in Canada, Carleton is a dynamic, research-intensive university, committed to ensuring outstanding learning experie-nces for its students. We recognise, however, that there is no room to be self-satisfied. Carleton is a great university, and one that is only getting better, as it positions itself for an exciting future.”

Ottawa. The administrative capital of Canada, Ottawa hosts Canada’s most influential government and private organisations, over 1,800 hi-tech companies, numerous museums, close to 130 high commissions and embassies, and one of the country’s largest concentrations of clinical, medical and life sciences research facilities. Situated on the Ottawa and Rideau rivers and the Rideau Canal, the city boasts a park-like ambience with interconnecting waterways and extensive walking and biking trails. From this national capital, it’s just a five-hour drive to Toronto while Montreal is only two hours away.

The climate in Ottawa as in the rest of Canada, is cold and windy. Spring comes in April and May with moderate temperatures and heavy rainfall. Summer months are from June to August with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 38°C. Winter begins in late November and lasts until the end of March with temperatures dropping between -10°C and -6°C, and sometimes as low as -34°C. The Canadian winter will probably be the biggest shock for Indian students and warm clothing is sine qua non.

Campus facilities. Bordered by the Rideau River and Rideau Canal, the 62 hectare Carleton University, Canada campus is sited a mere 15 minutes from the Ottawa International Airport and 20 minutes from the central business district. The university’s fully-equipped campus houses lecture halls, research centres, residences, sports and recreation facilities. An extensive tunnel network links all 31 buildings on campus, making Carleton one of the most accessible universities in the country, particularly during the harsh and snow-filled winter months of November-March. The MacOdrum Library, named in honour of Carleton’s second president Murdoch Maxwell MacOdrum, contains a collection of more than 2 million items — books, microfilms, tapes, CDs, government documents, maps, periodicals and archival materials — as well as study space, reading rooms and a café.

Sports facilities on campus are extensive. The Physical Recreation Centre is the hub for both athletics and recreation, offering a 50 m L-shaped pool, six international squash courts, weight training rooms, saunas and gymnasia. Inaugurated in 2005, the $12.8 million Alumni Hall and Sports Centre is home to the Ravens’ Nest, a triple gymnasium which when not serving as home court for Ottawa’s avid basketball fans, is open to students for basketball, badminton, volleyball, among other indoor sports. Outdoor facilities include five tennis courts, the 1,500-seat Keith Harris Stadium, which hosts soccer, rugby, field lacrosse matches and two additional multi-purpose fields.

Moreover students can participate in a vibrant social and cultural life with membership to over 100 clubs and societies on offer.

Admission. The minimum eligibility requirement for admission into Carleton University’s undergraduate programmes is successful completion of Plus Two/ class XII. In addition overseas students need to show proficiency in the English language by submitting TOEFL or IELTS test scores. International students can apply online at www.admisisons.carleton.ca/ia or request a paper application form by e-mailing [email protected]. The completed application form must be mailed together with official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary studies and an admission fee of C$100 (Rs.4,200) before May 1 for September admission, and November 15 for January admission.

For further information contact the Admissions Office, Carleton University, 315 Robertson Hall, 1125 Colonel by Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6; Tel: +1 613-520-2400; Fax: +1 613-520-3847; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.carleton.ca.

Accommodation. All first-year foreign students are guaranteed on-campus housing. The nine residence buildings are conveniently located in a central area of the campus and offer two living styles — traditional and suites. The majority of Carleton’s residences are traditional double rooms, with a shared washroom. A limited number of single rooms are available.

Moreover for students who wish to live off-campus, there is a variety of accommodation available.

Degree programmes. Carleton University, Canada offers a wide range of undergrad, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in areas as diverse as public affairs, journalism, film studies, engineering, high technology, and international studies (see box).

Summiya Yasmeen