By QUT Health Marketing, 25 June, 2026
To become an optometrist in Australia you need to study a Bachelor of Vision Science and a Master of Optometry. Read frequently asked questions about getting in to study optometry at QUT.
Jump to:
- Study pathway
- Part-time study and mid-year entry options
- How to apply
- Help to get in
- Assumed knowledge and prerequisites
- Advice for non-school leavers
- Advice for international students
- Advice for overseas-trained optometrists.
1. How long do I need to study to become a registered optometrist?
Five years of full-time study .
You’ll start with the three-year Bachelor of Vision Science. If you successfully complete the degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 4.0 out of 7 you’ll automatically progress to the two-year Master of Optometry.
The program incorporates training in the use of therapeutic drugs. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia.
2. Can you practise optometry after completing the three-year Bachelor of Vision Science?
No. This degree alone doesn’t qualify you to practise as an optometrist.
Vision science graduates may:
- Work in the ophthalmic industry or broader science industries
- Become an optometrist’s assistant
- Continue further study for a research career.
To practise as an optometrist, you must complete the Master of Optometry.
3. Can I study QUT’s optometry program part time or externally?
No. You can only study the course full time and on campus.
4. Is there a July intake into the program?
No. There’s one intake each year, commencing in February.
Optometry applications are due in December for entry the following year.
➡️ Check with QTAC for application key dates.
5. How do I apply for the optometry program?
If you’re a domestic applicant (Australian citizens or permanent resident), apply through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC).
If you’re an international applicant, follow the international application process.
➡️ See our step-by-step application guide for international students.
6. Do I need to pass the UCAT or GAMSAT tests before I can enter QUT’s optometry program?
No. You don’t need to pass the UCAT or GAMSAT tests to enter the program.
7. What ATAR do I need to study optometry at QUT?
The required ATAR or selection rank changes each year. In recent years, the lowest selection rank has been around 97.
➡️ View the latest entry requirements
8. My ATAR isn’t high enough. Is there another way to get into optometry?
Yes. One option is to start another QUT degree (or other university course) with a lower entry requirement and then reapply.
After one year of full-time study (96 credit points), you’ll receive a university rank based on your Grade Point Average (GPA). When you apply for optometry through QTAC, your highest selection rank will be considered – either your original ATAR or your university rank.
To be competitive, you’ll need a high GPA in your first year.
➡️ View the GPA to rank conversion table
If you are worried you won't get in you can read about help to get in to your course. You can also explore upgrading pathways in patient care courses.
9. What are the prerequisites for entry into QUT’s optometry program?
You don’t need to complete specific school subjects to apply. However, some subjects are assumed knowledge and are important for success in the course.
For optometry, assumed knowledge includes:
- English (one of: English, Literature, English & Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language)
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
➡️ View detailed assumed knowledge and prerequisites
10. I didn’t study the assumed knowledge subjects. Can I still apply, and are there bridging courses ?
Yes. If you meet the required ATAR or rank you can still apply. However, these subjects are important for success in first-year study, so we strongly recommend completing them.
QUT offers bridging courses in several subject areas to help you build the required knowledge.
➡️ View bridging courses and assumed knowledge equivalents
11. How do non-school leavers apply for the optometry program?
Apply through QTAC.
QTAC will assess your background and assign a selection rank based on:
- Your previous secondary school results
- Any further study e.g. certificates or courses
- Your work experience.
If you’re unsure how your qualifications will be assessed, contact QTAC for advice.
For more information about selection ranks and entry requirements download our Admission Pathways brochure (PDF).
12. I’m currently studying a different degree and would like to transfer to QUT’s optometry program. What GPA do I need to achieve to enter optometry?
You’ll need a GPA equivalent to a selection rank of around 98 to 99, based on recent entry levels.
Keep in mind, this can change each year depending on demand.
You can check how your GPA converts to a selection rank using QUT’s GPA to rank conversion table.
13. If I already have an undergraduate degree in a different discipline. Will I receive advanced standing (credit) for previous study?
You may be eligible for advanced standing, depending on the content and relevance of your previous studies.
An official assessment is only completed after you’ve accepted an offer into the optometry course.
The assessment is a comparison of the content of each QUT optometry unit against the subjects you’ve previously completed.
14. Can you tell me which subjects from my previous degree I’ll receive advanced standing for?
We can’t give you an answer until we do an official assessment, after you’ve accepted an offer into the optometry course. Each unit is assessed individually by comparing QUT optometry content with subjects you’ve already completed.
To get an indication of what might be credited, you can:
- Download the unit descriptions for the Bachelor of Vision Science (PDF)
- Check QUT’s advanced standing application guidelines
15. I have a degree and work experience in a different field. Am I able to complete the Master of Optometry only?
No. You’ll need to complete QUT’s five-year optometry program to qualify as an optometrist.
You can apply for advanced standing (credit) based on your previous degree, depending on the content and relevance of those subjects.
16. If I have professional training or a related qualification in the optometric or ophthalmic field, is there a graduate entry pathway with advanced standing (credit)?
No. There isn’t a graduate entry pathway, and QUT doesn’t offer block advanced standing into the optometry program.
You may be eligible for advanced standing for individual units, depending on the content and relevance of your previous studies. While you may receive credit for some early units, most students still take four to five years to complete the program.
Advanced standing is assessed after you’ve accepted an offer, with each unit reviewed individually against QUT’s course content.
17. I completed my secondary schooling overseas. Am I eligible to enter QUT’s optometry program?
Your eligibility will depend on your secondary school results, which QUT will assess to determine if they meet the entry requirements for the optometry program.
18. I completed my secondary schooling overseas. Are there any prerequisites?
Yes. If you’re applying as an international student, you’ll need to meet the following prerequisites:
- Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics at secondary school level
- English language requirements for the course.
➡️Explore course information
➡️Find out about studying at QUT
➡️View academic and English pathway programs
19. I’m currently studying optometry at an overseas university. What are the entry requirements to transfer to QUT?
Entry is competitive and depends on achieving a high GPA in your current studies. Your GPA will be converted to a selection rank, which is used to assess your application.
You’ll also need to have completed Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics at secondary school level (or equivalent).
You can check how your GPA converts to a selection rank using QUT’s GPA to rank conversion table.
20. I’m currently studying optometry at an overseas university. Will I receive advanced standing (credit) for subjects I’ve already completed?
You may be eligible for advanced standing for some of the optometry subjects you’ve completed, depending on their content and relevance.
An official assessment is carried out after you’ve accepted an offer, with each unit assessed individually against QUT’s course content.
21. I’m an overseas‑trained optometrist. What are the entry requirements for QUT’s optometry program?
Entry is competitive and based on the results from your previous optometry degree. You’ll need a GPA that converts to a high selection rank, typically around 97 in recent years.
You’ll also need to meet:
- Assumed knowledge requirements (Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics at secondary level or equivalent)
- English language requirements for the course
You can check how your GPA converts to a selection rank using QUT’s GPA to rank conversion table .
22. I’m an overseas‑trained optometrist. Do I need to study at QUT to practise in Australia?
Not necessarily. You may be eligible to register as an optometrist in Australia by completing the assessment process set by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).
Visit OCANZ for details about the examination process.
