Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of ScienceField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main Campus, WaterlooCampus
- $72,022Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Optometrists are dedicated to helping people preserve and enhance their vision as well as their overall health. The professional Doctor of Optometry program is four years in length, not including the minimum three years of university studies needed prior to applying.
Read more
Throughout the program, you'll be exposed to all aspects of primary vision care, including comprehensive eye exams, ocular disease, contact lenses, myopia control, and low vision rehabilitation. By providing services to patients in our own optometry clinic and during clerkships at private practices across the country, you'll gain a wealth of practical experience. After three or more years of university science, you can apply to the optometry program, taught in English. Visit the School of Optometry and Vision Science for in-depth information about the Optometry program. Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
• Completion of at least three full years of university-level science with specific course requirements. || • Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Admission Information Form, online assessment of personal characteristics (Casper test), and optometrist and character references required. || • Minimum overall university average of 75%. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$72,022 CAD / year≈ $52,957 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsNot eligible for the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship - Waterloo lists this program among the exclusions (Medical Sciences and MD, Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Optometry and Doctor of Pharmacy students, transfer students admitted with transfer credits, deferred offers, and 2+2 or similar programs). SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Application deadline 12 November 2026 (Optometry). Documents deadline: refer to the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/deadlines
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Optometry (Doctor of Optometry, OD) cost?
CAD 72,022 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
• Completion of at least three full years of university-level science with specific course requirements. || • Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Admission Information Form, online assessment of personal characteristics (Casper test), and optometrist and character references required. || • Minimum overall university average of 75%. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 63; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: An English-language test score is required only if the applicant's four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system. Exemptions: four most recent years of full-time education completed in Canada; bilingual Francophone Canadians (or first-language French with four or more years of full-time Canadian high school); or four most recent years of full-time education taught in an entirely English-language school system in Canada or another country (supported by official transcripts showing language of instruction, or an official hardcopy letter sent directly by the school principal - emailed letters are not accepted). Full-time ESL programs do not qualify. Applicants below the required scores may enter through Waterloo's Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program. Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/english-language-requirements
Is there a scholarship?
Not eligible for the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship - Waterloo lists this program among the exclusions (Medical Sciences and MD, Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Optometry and Doctor of Pharmacy students, transfer students admitted with transfer credits, deferred offers, and 2+2 or similar programs). Source View scholarship page
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