The Université de Montréal École d’optométrie is the only optometry school in Quebec and the only one in Canada that teaches in French[2]. Its five-year doctorate takes 56 students a year: 28 from CEGEP and 28 others[2]. There is no admission test and no Casper. You are chosen on your grades, a motivation questionnaire and an interview[2][4].
Montréal optometry requirements at a glance
| Program | Doctorat de 1er cycle en optométrie (O.D.): five years full-time, 197 credits, in French.[2] |
|---|---|
| Diploma | A Quebec DEC with the science prerequisites, or a bachelor’s degree.[2] |
| Prerequisites | Biology (2), chemistry (3), calculus (2) and physics (3), at CEGEP level.[2] |
| Academic record | R score for CEGEP applicants; university record for others.[2] |
| Admission test | None. No OAT, DAT or Casper.[4] |
| Questionnaire | A motivation questionnaire, required (extra fee).[2] |
| Interview | By invitation, virtual and in French.[2] |
| Who can apply | Canadian citizens and permanent residents only.[2] |
| French | Proof of French at the required level.[2] |
| Deadline | November 1, 2026 (university or out-of-Quebec) or March 1, 2027 (CEGEP only).[2] |
Diploma, R score and categories
You can apply with a Quebec DEC (or an equivalent) or with a bachelor’s degree. University studies that didn’t end in a degree don’t make you eligible[2].
- CEGEP applicants (“collégiens”) have or are finishing a DEC. They are ranked by R score[2].
- University applicants have a DEC and at least 12 university credits, or a bachelor’s degree. For them, the university record counts more as credits grow: its weight in percent is the number of university credits times two[2].
- Some places can go to applicants from remote regions of Quebec and to francophones from Ontario and New Brunswick under an agreement between provinces[2].
- If your CEGEP prerequisites are more than 8 years old, the committee checks that your science is still strong enough[2].
- A DEC in Techniques d’orthèses visuelles (opticianry) also works, as long as you add general chemistry, calculus and physics courses[2].
In 2026, CEGEP applicants called to interview had R scores up to 39.535, with an average of 36.720[2]. Montréal doesn’t publish a minimum, because the program is in a pilot project that assesses motivation[2]. Back in 2021, the last CEGEP applicant admitted had an R score of 34.750[1].
Montréal optometry: R scores of CEGEP applicants
Until 2021, the R score of the last CEGEP applicant admitted. Since 2023, the highest and average R scores of CEGEP applicants called to interview.
| Entering year | Highest R, interviewed | Average R, interviewed | Lowest R admitted | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | – | – | 32.803 | [1] |
| 2013 | – | – | 32.891 | [1] |
| 2014 | – | – | 33.050 | [1] |
| 2015 | – | – | 32.755 | [1] |
| 2016 | – | – | 32.751 | [1] |
| 2017 | – | – | 33.106 | [1] |
| 2018 | – | – | 34.441 | [1] |
| 2019 | – | – | 35.225 | [1] |
| 2020 | – | – | 34.352 | [1] |
| 2021 | – | – | 34.750 | [1] |
| 2023 | 38.738 | 35.668 | – | [1] |
| 2024 | 38.415 | 35.646 | – | [1] |
| 2025 | 38.195 | 35.984 | – | [1] |
| 2026 | 39.535 | 36.720 | – | [2] |
In 2015 the figure is the last applicant called to interview. No minimum has been published since 2023. 2022 is missing. No published figure for missing years (2022).
Prerequisite courses
| Subject | Required | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ✓ | 2 courses: cell biology or evolution and diversity of life, then multicellular organisms or human anatomy and physiology |
| Chemistry | ✓ | 3 courses: general chemistry, chemistry of solutions, organic chemistry |
| Mathematics | ✓ | 2 courses: differential and integral calculus |
| Physics | ✓ | 3 courses: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and modern physics |
A Quebec DEC in Science (Sciences de la nature, with the required biology and chemistry competencies) or in Science, Letters and Arts covers them[2].
If you don’t have one of those DECs, you must pass the same courses at a Quebec CEGEP before you start. Université de Montréal students can use its own equivalents: two biology, two chemistry, two calculus and two physics courses[2].
How Montréal selects
Selection happens in three steps[2]:
- Academic record. A first cut on the excellence of your grades.
- Interview list. A score made of the motivation questionnaire (60%) and your academic record (40%) decides who is invited.
- Final ranking. The interview (50%) and the step-2 score (50%).
The bars show each part’s share of the final score, worked out from the published weights[2].
The motivation questionnaire
- It measures your motivation and interest in the program and the profession. Theory isn’t tested, and you don’t need to prepare[2].
- You get a link by email and fill it in once per admission period. Your result counts for every program that uses it[2].
- It can’t be carried over to a later year, and it can be eliminatory[2].
- There is a fee for the motivation assessment[2].
The interview
The school invites selected applicants by email. The interview checks your motivation and whether you have the qualities to succeed in the program and the profession. It is held in French, virtually and live, and it can be eliminatory[2]. As with the questionnaire, theory isn’t tested[2]. Practise with our interview questions.
Who can apply and French
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident by the application deadline[2].
- The program isn’t open to international students with a study permit[2].
- You must prove your French. Quebec students usually meet it through the Épreuve uniforme de français; others can use an accepted French test[2].
Key dates for Fall 2027 entry
- November 1, 2026Application deadline if you have university studies or studied outside Quebec[2]
- November 15, 2026French requirement, same group[2]
- March 1, 2027Application deadline if you only have Quebec CEGEP studies[2]
- March 15, 2027French requirement, CEGEP-only applicants[2]
- August 2027Classes start[2]
What the program looks like
- Five years full-time, 197 credits, leading to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.). The program is accredited by the ACOE[2][3].
- You start seeing patients in clinic from year 2[2].
- Year 5 includes a mandatory three-month externship, mostly in the United States and Canada[2].
- You act as a patient for your classmates while you learn exam techniques[2].
- Before placements, you need the required immunizations, a level-C CPR course and a police check[2].
Tuition and costs
| Status | Tuition | Other fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec resident | $1,558.80 | $695.62 | $2,254.42 |
| Canadian from outside Quebec | $4,865.25 | $695.62 | $5,560.87 |
University estimates for one full-time term. The program has 34.5 to 41.5 credits a year[2][3].
Plan for about $9,000 for required instruments from year 2, and up to $9,000 in year 5 for externships that may be outside Montreal, Quebec or Canada[2]. You also need a laptop that meets the school’s requirements for some exams[2].
Montréal optometry admission statistics
| Pool | Applications | Places | Highest R (interviewed) | Average R (interviewed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEGEP | 594 | 28 | 39.535 | 36.720 |
| Other applicants | 580 | 28 | – | – |
Applications from CEGEP students more than doubled from 260 in 2023 to 594 in 2026[1][2]. Total places went from 46 (2014–2021) to 56[1][2].
Montréal optometry: applications and places
CEGEP and other (mostly university) applicants, as published each year.
| Entering year | CEGEP applications | Other applications | Total places | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 294 | 512 | 46 | [1] |
| 2015 | 258 | 665 | 46 | [1] |
| 2017 | 366 | 682 | 46 | [1] |
| 2019 | 377 | 594 | 46 | [1] |
| 2020 | 263 | 554 | 46 | [1] |
| 2021 | 464 | 508 | 46 | [1] |
| 2023 | 260 | – | – | [1] |
| 2024 | 368 | – | – | [1] |
| 2025 | 500 | – | – | [1] |
| 2026 | 594 | 580 | 56 | [2] |
Other applications and total places were not published for 2023–2025. No published figure for missing years (2016, 2018, 2022).
Frequently asked questions
What R score do you need for optometry at Université de Montréal?
No minimum is published. In 2026, CEGEP applicants called to interview averaged an R score of 36.720.[2]
Does Université de Montréal require the OAT for optometry?
How many students does Montréal optometry admit?
56 a year: 28 CEGEP applicants and 28 others.[2]
How long is optometry school at Université de Montréal?
Five years full-time (197 credits).[2]
Can international students apply to optometry at Université de Montréal?
No. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.[2]
Is the Montréal optometry interview in French?
Yes. It is a live virtual interview in French, by invitation.[2]
Sources
- Université de Montréal: admission statistics (PDF)
- Université de Montréal: Doctorat de 1er cycle en optométrie (O.D.)
- Université de Montréal: optometry program regulations
- Université de Montréal: health doctorates admission table (PDF)
Figures were checked against these sources on November 4, 2026. Optometry schools change their rules every cycle, so confirm on the official site before you apply.