Bridging program

Advanced Standing Optometry Preparatory Program (ASOPP)

University of Waterloo — School of Optometry and Vision Science

Preparatory study for selected internationally educated optometrists, followed by years 3 and 4 of Waterloo's Doctor of Optometry if all preparatory requirements are passed.

Good for: I qualified as an optometrist abroad. Is there a route that builds on that training?

Where do I start? ↓

Checked October 20, 2026 How we check information

At a glance

Delivery: In person
Cost: From $31,000
Who can access it: Canadian citizen, permanent resident or Convention Refugee; proof is requested when an admission offer is made.
Intake: Upcoming — confirm application dates

The preparatory term is explicitly not OSAP eligible and does not produce a T2202 certificate.

01 / Start here

Your first steps

Start with FORAC's credential-assessment instructions; do not apply as a general OD undergraduate applicant by default.
Once eligible for IGOEE/bridging, confirm Waterloo's selection cycle, Casper instructions and status evidence.
Obtain the full preparatory-plus-OD budget and review the separate Ontario registration requirements.

A 2027 cohort is announced, with offers expected in late Fall 2026. This does not confirm that new candidates can still enter that selection pool; verify the next eligible cycle after assessment.

Visit provider ↗

02 / Check the fit

Requirements and limits

FORAC favourable credential assessment before the Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluating Exam (IGOEE); candidates are then notified of ASOPP eligibility.
FORAC requests WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation, official course descriptions and relevant training evidence.
For FORAC English assessment, institution-confirmed English instruction may exempt testing; otherwise IELTS-General 7.5 overall/no skill below 7, or another listed accepted test.
ASOPP selection uses IGOEE and Casper results; eligible candidates receive the Casper link. Maximum six places in the published 2027 cohort.

Canadian citizen, permanent resident or Convention Refugee; proof is requested when an admission offer is made.

Important limits and details to confirm

The preparatory term is explicitly not OSAP eligible and does not produce a T2202 certificate.
ASOPP replaced IOBP; old Bridging Two wording remains on one program-information page and should not define the current offering.
The OD degree is not itself an Ontario licence: College examination, jurisprudence and registration requirements still apply.

Location

Waterloo, Ontario; subsequent OD clinical placements follow the degree's requirements.

03 / Understand the commitment

Costs and possible funding

Preparatory fee $31,000; later OD tuition, equipment and living costs are additional. FORAC currently lists $2,655.50 including HST for credential assessment; WES/testing add costs. The OD comparison page uses Fall 2024 estimates, so a current year-3/4 quote is still needed.

Windmill Microlending career loan (loan, conditional external lead): Potential financing for approved assessment or bridging costs only. Confirm the proposed multi-stage plan with the lender; no promise that this lengthy route or its full cost is covered.

Waterloo OD scholarships, bursaries and awards (mixed aid, provider published): The OD program lists financial-aid options. Ask about eligibility after progression into OD years 3–4; no ASOPP preparatory-term award is established.

04 / Check with the provider

Sources and where to get help

Use the provider’s official starting page to ask about your situation. Published information was checked on October 20, 2026; the provider must confirm current availability and personal eligibility.