Thesis Template: Polytechnique Montreal
At Polytechnique Montreal, using the official template is mandatory for all master’s theses and all doctoral dissertations. This is not a recommendation, it is a requirement. Templates are available in French and English, in Word and LaTeX. This guide explains everything you need to know to prepare your document in a compliant way.
Important reminder: mandatory template
Unlike other universities that simply recommend using a template, Polytechnique Montreal requires it. A document submitted without the official template will be rejected. Make sure you download the right template before you start formatting.
Official formatting requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Paper size | North American letter (8.5” × 11”) |
| Font | Defined in the template (Arial 10pt recommended) |
| Line spacing | Defined in the template |
| Citation style | IEEE recommended (especially in engineering) |
| Template | Mandatory (Word or LaTeX) |
| Submission format | PDF through PolyPublie |
The margins, heading styles and spacing are all preconfigured in the template. Do not modify them.
Official templates to download
Word (French)
- File:
Feuille_de_style_fr.dotx(September 2025) - Download: guides.biblio.polymtl.ca
- Direct link:
share.polymtl.ca/alfresco/...Feuille_de_style_fr.dotx
Word (English)
- File:
Style_Sheet_En.dotx(February 2023) - Download: available from the library guides page
- Direct link:
share.polymtl.ca/alfresco/...Style_Sheet_En.dotx
LaTeX (bilingual)
- File:
Gabarit bilingue Polytechnique Montreal.zip(April 2025) - Download: available from the library guides page
- Overleaf: Bilingual Polytechnique Montreal template
- The bilingual template covers both languages in a single document
Always use the most recent version of the template. Earlier versions may no longer be accepted.
Required document structure
Front matter:
- Title page (format imposed by the template)
- Jury identification
- Abstract (French)
- Abstract (English)
- Table of contents
- List of tables
- List of figures
- List of acronyms and abbreviations
- Dedication (optional)
- Acknowledgements (optional)
Body text: 11. Introduction 12. Chapters (numbered) 13. Conclusion 14. References (IEEE style) 15. Appendices (if applicable)
IEEE citation style
Polytechnique Montreal recommends the IEEE style for citations, especially in electrical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering.
Basic IEEE format:
- Numbers in square brackets in the text:
[1],[2, 3] - Numbered reference list at the end
- Format for an article:
[N] A. Author, "Title," *Journal*, vol. X, no. Y, pp. ZZ-ZZ, month year.
IEEE-compatible Zotero and BibTeX templates are available online.
Official resources
- Guides page (French): guides.biblio.polymtl.ca/these/guides
- Guides page (English): libguides.biblio.polymtl.ca/thesis/guides
- Complete guide PDF: Available from the guides page (Alfresco)
- Institutional repository: PolyPublie
- Overleaf (bilingual LaTeX): Polytechnique Montreal template
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not using the official template: this is the leading cause of rejection.
- Modifying the template styles: the styles are preconfigured, do not change them manually.
- Using an old version of the template: always check the file date.
- Incorrect citation style: IEEE is the standard in engineering at Poly.
- Missing or too short an abstract: both the French AND English abstracts are mandatory.
- English template for a French thesis: use the right template based on the language of writing.
Automate your Polytechnique formatting with Uniformat
Uniformat knows the template requirements of Polytechnique Montreal. Generate a Word or LaTeX document pre-formatted to the official standards, including the IEEE style, in minutes.
Sources: Polytechnique Montreal library, presentation guides (September 2025). Last verified: March 2026.