Doctor of Optometry : Entry requirements - The University of Melbourne

Graduate Coursework

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Course code: MC-DOPTOM

Domestic student Change

Duration

4 years full time

Mode (Location)

On campus (Parkville)

Intake

February
Key dates

Fees

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Entry pathways

Special entry options and Access Melbourne are available
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Entry requirements

Domestic student Change

You're considered a domestic student if you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or have a permanent humanitarian visa. This applies even if you're studying abroad or have dual Australian citizenship.

Admission criteria

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?

You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
- IELTS
  
  6.5
  
  with no band less than 6.0
  TOEFL
  
  79+
  
  with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
  PEARSON
  
  64+
  
  with no communicative skill below 60
  CAMBRIDGE
  
  176+
  
  with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.
Please note: The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requires that all Optometry graduates demonstrate English language skills at IELTS 7 or equivalent before being considered for professional registration by the Optometry Board of Australia. You will need to have valid test results from IELTS (Academic) examinations prior to applying for registration.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Standard Pathway

Eligible standard pathway applicants will be selected into the course on the basis of:

their performance in their previous studies using a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor of Optometry; AND
their results in the GAMSAT or MCAT. All sections in the GAMSAT will be weighted equally to determine the GAMSAT score

Guaranteed Pathway

Eligible Guaranteed pathway applicants will be offered a place in the course as long as all requirements for Guaranteed entry have been met.

Further information on selection, for all pathways including those domestic applicants applying for Graduate Access Melbourne can be found at:

Additional information

Inherent requirements

This course has inherent requirements. Refer to the Doctor of Optometry Handbook for important information on these requirements.

Clinical placements

Clinical Placements are undertaken as part of this course. All students must undertake a Police Record Check, obtain a Working with Children Check and comply with immunisation requirements. Refer to the following pages for important information:

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

Depending on your prior study or work history, you may be eligible for advanced standing up to:

100 points for an undergraduate degree with a major in Optometry or Vision Science (or equivalent), OR
200 points if you are registered as an optometrist with the Optometry Board of Australia and have at least three years of documented clinical practice as a registered optometrist within the last 10 years.

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.

Need more information on the University’s general entry requirements?

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