What are the Optometry ATAR Requirements?
For students looking for a healthcare related career that is relatively low stress, is highly patient focused, and has excellent work/ life balance, Optometry may be the right choice. However, Optometry is one of the most competitive university programs to get into in Australia. In fact, there are only a few universities in all of Australia offering optometry programs, and competition is fierce to get in.
What ATAR is Needed for Optometry?
With only a handful of schools offering these programs across the whole country, the ATAR for Optometry is often in the high 90s – and some over 99! In addition to an extremely high ATAR, some of the universities may also require applicants to go through an interview process before being offered a place in the program.
Is your child concerned that they won’t have the minimum ATAR for Optometry required to get into this highly competitive career field? We’re here to help!
What is the Required ATAR for Optometry Across Australia?
Queensland University of Technology’s School of Optometry and Vision Science
QUT offers the only optometry training in Queensland and their program is made up of a three-year Bachelor of Vision Science followed by a two-year Master of Optometry.
- The ATAR for Optometry threshold at QUT was recently as high as 98, making it one of the most competitive schools to get into.
- Students may choose to complete their clinical training in rural and remote Australia, or overseas.
- Assumed knowledge for this undergrad program includes:
- Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C)
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Physics (Units 3 & 4, C)
School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales’ Vision Science program studies vision related sensory processes and technologies related to sight. Career outcomes include jobs in ophthalmic industries and involve patient care, new technologies and diagnostics.
- 3-year, full time program.
- The lowest accepted ATAR for Optometry at the University of New South Wales recently was 87.05, however, guaranteed entry requires an ATAR of 96.
- A combined Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Clinical Optometry degree is also offered at this university and the most recent lowest ATAR accepted was 92.65. There is no guaranteed entry into this program.
Deakin University’s Bachelor of Vision Science/ Master of Optometry program
Deakin’s Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry program allows students to complete a professional qualification in just 3.5 years.
- Graduates will be able to apply to register to practice as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
- This program has a focus on vision issues impacting rural and regional Australia.
- The minimum ATAR for Optometry at Deakin is 96.2.
Flinders University’s Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science)/ Master of Optometry Degree
- This is a 5-year, full time program and does not offer guaranteed entry.
- The lowest ATAR accepted recently was 84.85 and the median ATAR accepted was 96.9.
- Knowledge of SACE stage two chemistry, mathematics and physics or equivalent is assumed.
University of Canberra’s Bachelor of Vision Science
The University of Canberra offers admission to the Bachelor of Vision Science program based on an entrance rank which can be achieved through the following means:
- meeting the minimum ATAR for Optometry
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
The selection rank required in recent years for this program was 85.
Calculating your ATAR Score for a degree in Optometry/ Vision Science
An ATAR ranges from 99.95 to zero, and ranks you relative to all other students who are completing year 12 in your same year. Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre has clearly outlined just how this rank is calculated in their guide to calculating ATAR to help both students and parents gain a better understanding of this new system. For quick overview of how this complex rank is calculated, this simplified guide to understanding how ATAR works is an excellent starting point.
How to get into Optometry without an ATAR
If you don’t have the required ATAR for Optometry, all hope is not lost as there are other pathways available to get into the school of your choice. Depending on the school and your vocational and post-secondary history, your previous professional experience, related undergrad degrees and pre-requisite subjects completed may be taken into consideration to help you obtain entry. For more information on alternative pathways, contact each individual school to learn about their specific requirements.
Is your child concerned that they won’t have the ATAR they need to become an Optometrist?
To get accepted into Optometry school, students need to be prepared to put in the hard work and do whatever it takes to get the highest ATAR possible. If your child is feeling overwhelmed and needs a little extra help in math, English, or any of the required science programs, help is available. To boost your child’s confidence and motivation, A Team Tuition’s roster of highly skilled educators can create a customised program just for your child so they will have the best chance possible for getting into the school of their dreams.
What ATAR do you need to be an Optometrist?
Like Dentistry and Medicine, Optometry is a highly competitive field and requires the very best grades as there is no room for error. With only a handful of universities offering vision care courses across Australia, it’s not surprising that the ATAR for Optometry is extremely high. Students will need to start preparing early in order to aim for an ATAR of 99 that some programs require. In such a highly competitive field, it’s important that your child feel prepared and confident – and of course ask for help should they need it. If your child has their sights set on a career in Optometry, A Team Tuition has a highly skilled team that can assist high school students in achieving any goal they aspire to.