University of Ottawa (uOttawa) Exam Deferral Guide
The University of Ottawa is Canada's largest bilingual university, serving 45,000+ students. When illness prevents you from writing an exam, uOttawa's academic regulations provide a clear path for deferrals.
uOttawa's Deferred Exam Process
When you miss an exam at uOttawa:
1. Submit a request through uoZone (the student portal) within the deadline
2. Provide medical documentation from a licensed physician
3. Your faculty reviews the request and schedules a deferred exam
Documentation Requirements
uOttawa requires:
- Physician's name and registration number (CPSO for Ontario physicians)
- Date of examination
- Confirmation of inability to attend
- Duration of illness
- Documentation can be in English or French
Self-Declaration at uOttawa
uOttawa allows academic accommodation requests for:
- Minor assessments (faculty-specific thresholds)
- Short absences (typically 3 days or less)
Medical documentation required for:
- Final exams
- Midterms and major assessments
- Extended absences
- Multiple absences in one term
Getting Medical Documentation in Ottawa
1. uOttawa Health Services: Located at 100 Marie-Curie. Free for students but very busy during exams
2. Ottawa walk-in clinics: Rideau Street, Sandy Hill, Byward Market area. Wait times 2-4 hours
3. Online sick note (MedLetter): Documentation within hours. $49 flat fee. Available in English
Bilingual Considerations
- uOttawa accepts documentation in both English and French
- MedLetter provides documentation in English, which is accepted by all uOttawa faculties
- If your faculty specifically requires French documentation, contact us for accommodation
Faculty-Specific Notes
- Telfer School of Management: Has specific policies for group projects and presentations
- Faculty of Law (Common Law & Civil Law): Strict attendance requirements
- Faculty of Medicine: Clinical placement absences have additional requirements
- Faculty of Engineering: Lab and project deadlines may have separate policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uOttawa accept an English-only sick note?
Yes. uOttawa accepts medical documentation in either English or French. An English sick note from a CPSO-licensed physician is fully valid.
How quickly do I need to submit my deferral request at uOttawa?
Typically within 5 business days of the missed exam. Check your faculty's specific regulations through uoZone.
Can I get a sick note for a uOttawa online course exam?
Yes. The same deferral process applies regardless of whether the course is in person or online.
Is the process different for Common Law vs Civil Law students?
Both sections follow the same general academic regulations, but specific deadlines may differ. Check with your section's academic office.
How to Get Your Documentation
uOttawa students: don't let clinic wait times delay your deferral request. [Get your sick note now](/get-started/sick_note?province=ontario) — $49 flat fee, delivered by email within hours. Our documentation meets uOttawa's academic regulation requirements.
Conclusion
The University of Ottawa's bilingual environment and large student population create high demand for medical documentation during exam season. Online sick notes provide a fast, reliable way to meet uOttawa's documentation requirements without the clinic wait.