Optometry is an exciting and rewarding course to study in Australia. As a result of the growing demand for eye care in Australia, professionals in this field are in high demand and have access to job opportunities. Studying optometry in Australia will equip you with the professional skills and abilities to deliver safe and accurate eye care for patients. The universities in Australia are fully equipped with the right resources and facilities to impact students with the right knowledge. You will learn through means such as theory-based, practicals and internships.

Studying Optometry in Australia will require you to have a bachelor’s degree. You must have a strong foundation in science before you can study optometry as a postgraduate course in Australia. Additionally, there are other important requirements that you must fulfil to be able to study optometry in Australia.

In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements and qualifications that are required for studying optometry in Australia.

Requirements for Studying Optometry in Australia

1. Apply for Undergraduate Entry

   You need to apply for undergraduate entry if you are applying to study optometry in Australia immediately after high school. This will give you the foundational knowledge you need to complete in pursuing this course. Additionally, you cannot proceed with your optometry career without this degree.

2. Have a Bachelor’s degree

   You must have a degree in disciplines that contain subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Therefore, you need to enroll in a science-related degree before pursuing your higher education in medical sciences. You can get a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as biomedicine or sciences..

3. Meet the Required GPA

   You need to meet the required GPA for each school to get admitted to study Optometry. The minimum GPA is 3.3 out of 5. 0. Additionally, you must also have sufficient academic scores in relevant subjects to be admitted to your preferred university. These scores may differ between Australian universities. Therefore, you can get in touch with the university officials to learn more about the qualifications needed.

4. Meet the Minimum ATAR score

   This is an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank score that is used to screen applicants. The minimum score for optometry is between 70-90%. Therefore, you need to have high grades in your subjects to be able to meet this score. However, this score can vary between universities.

5. Write the OAT

   The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is compulsory for all applicants. This test must be written within the last two years before the application period. Therefore, the minimum OAT score for Canadian applicants is 124 in all categories.

6. English Language Requirement

   You need to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

7. Take the GAMSAT Exam

   The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is used to test the knowledge of aspiring applicants. You can take this exam in March or September of each year. Additionally, the scores for this exam are valid for only four years. You need to write another examination if you do not get admitted within two years.

How to Apply

You can apply to study optometry in Australia through the school’s website. Firstly, you need to have a school of interest. Secondly, you need to go to the school’s website and apply to the school. Additionally, you need to verify the requirements for each school before you submit your application form. The application fee for studying optometry in Australia is between AU$100 to AU$150.

Duration

The duration for Studying optometry in Australia is four years. After graduation, you will obtain a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying optometry in Australia ranges from AUD 35,000 to AUD 70,000 annually. However, this can vary based on the university you are applying to. Additionally, international students pay higher tuition fees.

Universities in Australia that Offer Optometry

1. University of Melbourne, Melbourne
2. University of New South Wales, Sydney
3. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
4. University of Sydney, Sydney
5. University of Western Australia, Crawley
6. Australian National University, Canberra
7. Monash University, Clayton
8. Flinders University, Adelaide
9. University of Queensland, St Lucia
10. University of Adelaide, Adelaide
11. La Trobe University, Melbourne
12. University of Newcastle, Callaghan
13. Curtin University, Perth
14. University of Tasmania, Hobart
15. University of Technology Sydney, Sydney
16. Macquarie University, Sydney
17. University of Wollongong, Wollongong
18. Deakin University, Geelong
19. University of South Australia, Adelaide
20. University of Canberra, Canberra
21. Griffith University, Brisbane
22. Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn
23. Western Sydney University, Penrith
24. RMIT University, Melbourne

In Conclusion, you should check with each university directly before applying to see if your qualifications meet their entry standard. Furthermore, you need to ensure that you submit all the documents that are needed while making your applications. Additionally, ensure that you make your applications early enough before the deadline. You can reach out to us for further assistance and inquiries.

Good luck!

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