Duration
4 years full time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
March
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.
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:
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.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 169LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC
-
MET
-
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 (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
- Relevance of previous study
Update to Entry Requirements – GAMSAT no longer required
From 29 July 2025, the GAMSAT, MCAT or OAT is no longer a compulsory requirement for admission to the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program. This change supports a more equitable and accessible application process and aligns with selection practices in other Australian optometry programs.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
Further information on selection, for all pathways, including those domestic applicants applying for Graduate Access Melbourne, can be found at:
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.
Prerequisite subjects
Learn more about the prerequisite subjects required for the Doctor of Optometry.
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).
Successful applicants with relevant prior study or professional practice may be granted up to 200 points of advanced standing towards the Doctor of Optometry as follows:
- 100 points of advanced standing will normally be granted to applicants with an bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent with a major in optometry or vision science.
- 200 points of advanced standing will normally be granted to applicants who 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 ten years.
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.