Applying online

Application process  

Applications for September 2024 will open July 17, 2023 and close October 2, 2023.

The earliest you can apply is the summer between second and third year.  The first step of a formal application to the Optometry program is to apply online using the University of Waterloo/Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) application.  You will apply on-line in the year before you wish to enter the Optometry program.

For entry to the program in September of a given year, the on-line application and payment must be submitted before the application deadline in the preceding year, however, apply early. Dates for the current year are posted on the important dates page.

In the academic background section, you need to enter the date of your undergraduate degree or last term.  In the section for transcripts, only universities in Ontario can be ordered here.  If you attend(ed) university outside Ontario, you must order the transcript from your school. Please see our section on transcripts for more information.

The online system will collect

  • Program Choice: Entry into Optometry for your chosen year
  • Personal Information: Basic identification, citizenship, OAT status etc.
  • Postal and E-mail Addresses
  • Post-secondary Academic Background
  • Transcripts: If you are attending an Ontario university:
    • You must use the on-line system to request your current university transcripts. There is an extra fee.
    • See the transcripts requirements page for more details.

Application fee

The non-refundable, non-tranferable application fee is paid to OUAC when completing the on-line application. If applicable, there is an extra fee for requesting Ontario university transcripts.

After you submit online

Once you have submitted the on-line application and the fee, within a week you will receive an email from the OUAC. This email will confirm your on-line application.

Then within two weeks you will receive an email from Waterloo regarding the second step with your Waterloo ID# and information on how to access and complete the Admission Information Form (AIF).  The AIF form is where you will indicate the names and emails of your references.