Key dates
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?
English language requirements
- 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 6.0TOEFL
79+
with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13PEARSON
64+
with no communicative skill below 60CAMBRIDGE
176+
with no skill less than 169
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
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.