Doctor of Optometry
Health and welfare
The Doctor of Optometry (OD) at the University of Melbourne is a masters-level professional entry degree. The OD program is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, creating a new benchmark in optometric education. The course has full accreditation from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). The OD degree is a four-year full-time program consisting of a combination of on-campus teaching and clinical placements. Clinical studies commence in first year and gradually i
Official- Duration
- 4 years
- Qualification
- Masters Degree (Coursework)
- AQF 9
- Campus
- Parkville
- VIC · +1 more campus
- Course code
- CRICOS 072811B
Campus images supplied directly by the institution.
Course overview
The Doctor of Optometry (OD) at the University of Melbourne is a masters-level professional entry degree. The OD program is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, creating a new benchmark in optometric education. The course has full accreditation from the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). The OD degree is a four-year full-time program consisting of a combination of on-campus teaching and clinical placements. Clinical studies commence in first year and gradually increase to full-time in the final year. The course covers the basic and applied optical, visual, and biomedical sciences that underpin optometry. A research project, with clinical relevance, is conducted as a required component of the degree. Students will also be given the opportunity to undertake clinical training at metropolitan, rural and overseas sites as part of their final year of study.
Entry requirements
Requirements are recorded per intake year and per audience. Meeting them does not guarantee an offer.
1. To be considered for entry into this course, you must have: - an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing this degree OR - An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline completed more than 10 years ago, AND a graduate diploma, master’s degree or PhD (or equivalent) completed within 10 years of commencing this degree. You must also have completed: - Three subjects at level two or level three (or equivalent) from one or more relevant biological science disciplines, with subjects to have been completed within 10 years of commencing this degree - Learn more about prerequisite subjects for the Doctor of Optometry. Weighted average mark (WAM) While there is no minimum WAM for this course, applicants with a WAM of 65+ are encouraged to apply. The performance of applicants in their previous studies will be assessed using a WAM computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor of Optometry. When assessing your prior academic performance, your most recent bachelor's degree results (including honours) will be used for the purposes of calculating your WAM regardless of any subsequent graduate studies completed. Your WAM will be measured by considering the last two years of your undergraduate coursework studies (including honours). Weightings will be applied by weighting the second year (penultimate year) by 1 and the final year by 2. Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards. 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. 2. cing this degree - Learn more about prerequisite subjects for the Doctor of Optometry. Weighted average mark (WAM) While there is no minimum WAM for this course, applicants with a WAM of 65+ are encouraged to apply. The performance of applicants in their previous studies will be assessed using a WAM computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor o Planning reference: missing 2027 requirements use the latest published requirements from 2026; newer explicit 2027 requirements take precedence.
Academic qualifications
Values are shown exactly as the institution publishes them.
Prior tertiary weighted average mark
65%
65%
English language
Band minimums apply in addition to the overall score.
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5
Additional requirements
Academic entry requirement
1. To be considered for entry into this course, you must have: - an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with studies to have been completed within 10 years of commencing this degree OR - An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline completed more than 10 years ago, AND a graduate diploma, master’s degree or PhD (or equivalent) completed within 10 years of commencing this degree. You must also have completed: - Three subjects at level two or level three (or equivalent) from one or more relevant biological science disciplines, with subjects to have been completed within 10 years of commencing this degree - Learn more about prerequisite subjects for the Doctor of Optometry. Weighted average mark (WAM) While there is no minimum WAM for this course, applicants with a WAM of 65+ are encouraged to apply. The performance of applicants in their previous studies will be assessed using a WAM computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor of Optometry. When assessing your prior academic performance, your most recent bachelor's degree results (including honours) will be used for the purposes of calculating your WAM regardless of any subsequent graduate studies completed. Your WAM will be measured by considering the last two years of your undergraduate coursework studies (including honours). Weightings will be applied by weighting the second year (penultimate year) by 1 and the final year by 2. Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards. 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. 2. cing this degree - Learn more about prerequisite subjects for the Doctor of Optometry. Weighted average mark (WAM) While there is no minimum WAM for this course, applicants with a WAM of 65+ are encouraged to apply. The performance of applicants in their previous studies will be assessed using a WAM computed in a manner approved by the Academic Board for the Doctor o
Intakes and tuition
Tuition is recorded per intake with the institution's own basis. Superseded rows are kept so fee changes stay visible.
| Intake | Campus | Starts | Applications close | Tuition | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 · Semester 1 | Parkville | — | — | $73,068per year | International students |
Where it is taught
References
Official course page, institution website and the sources behind this profile.
- Doctor of Optometrystudy.unimelb.edu.au
- The University of Melbourneunimelb.edu.au
- CRICOS provider recordOfficial source
- Information for international students from ChinaOfficial source
- English language requirementsOfficial source
- Graduate coursework entry requirements for international applicantsOfficial source
- Graduate research entry requirements for international applicantsOfficial source
- Undergraduate entry requirements for international applicantsOfficial source
- Australian Year 12 international entry score guideOfficial source
- GCE A Levels entry score guideOfficial source
- International Baccalaureate entry score guideOfficial source
- Trinity College Foundation Studies entry score guideOfficial source
- Official course catalogue and course-specific entry requirementsOfficial source
- QS World University Rankings 2027Official source