Thesis Template: Université Laval
Université Laval is one of Canada’s major French-language universities. Its Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FESP) sets precise presentation rules for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. This guide walks you through all the official requirements, the available templates and the resources you need to succeed with your submission.
Official formatting requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Paper size | North American letter (21.6 × 27.9 cm) |
| Top margin | 25 mm |
| Bottom margin | 25 mm |
| Left margin | 30 mm |
| Right margin | 30 mm |
| Font | Body text 10 to 12 pt, standard (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) |
| Line spacing | 1.5 recommended |
| Front matter numbering | Roman numerals (i, ii, iii…) |
| Body numbering | Arabic numerals starting from the introduction |
Generative AI use declaration (new, January 2026)
As of January 12, 2026, Université Laval requires a mandatory declaration in the preface if the student used generative AI tools during the writing or the research. This declaration must specify the tools used, the nature of their use and the measures taken to verify accuracy.
Check the exact format details with your FESP before submitting.
Available templates
LaTeX: the ulthese class (recommended)
Université Laval offers an official LaTeX class: ulthese, available on CTAN.
- CTAN: ctan.org/pkg/ulthese
- Compatible with Overleaf
- Includes templates for theses and dissertations (monograph and article-based formats)
- Updated regularly by the library team
Word
Laval does not provide a centralized official Word template. The library does, however, offer one-on-one consultations for students writing in Word:
- Consultation: fesp.ulaval.ca: Presentation rules
Required document structure
The order of sections for a thesis or dissertation at Université Laval:
- Title page
- Summary (French): mandatory
- Abstract (English): mandatory for dissertations
- Foreword / AI declaration (if applicable)
- Table of contents
- Lists (tables, figures, abbreviations)
- Introduction
- Chapters (main body)
- Conclusion
- Bibliography / References
- Appendices
Accepted thesis formats
- Monograph format: traditional chapter-by-chapter structure.
- Article-based format: chapters = published or submitted articles, with integrating introduction and conclusion.
Both formats follow the same physical presentation standards.
Citations and references
Laval does not impose a single style. The most common styles by field:
- APA: social sciences, education, psychology
- Vancouver: health sciences
- Chicago Author-Date: humanities
Check with your research supervisor for the preferences in your field.
Official resources
- Detailed rules (French): fesp.ulaval.ca: Detailed presentation rules
- Detailed rules (English): fesp.ulaval.ca: Presentation guidelines
- PDF summary: Summary of physical presentation rules (PDF)
- LaTeX template (CTAN): ulthese
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the AI declaration: mandatory since January 2026 for any use of generative AI.
- Incorrect margins: left and right at 30 mm, not 25 mm as at other universities.
- Missing abstract: doctoral dissertations must include an English-language summary.
- Unofficial LaTeX style: use
ultheserather than a generic Overleaf template. - Out-of-sync table of contents: always update the fields before the final PDF export.
Format your Laval thesis automatically with Uniformat
Uniformat supports the FESP standards of Université Laval. Import your content, select your university, and your document is formatted in minutes, in Word or LaTeX.
Sources: FESP Université Laval, detailed presentation rules (updated January 2026). Last verified: March 2026.