Doctor of Dental Surgery (CRICOS course code 071303G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 4 years. This intensive program is designed for international students who aspire to become registered dentists in Australia. It combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical placements, preparing graduates for professional practice. As a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS provider code 00116K), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource helping you navigate Australia's 1,556 registered providers and 26,433 courses—no referral fees, just accurate information.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery is a master's level program (AQF Level 9) offered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb), a leading public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. The course is designed to equip students with the clinical skills, scientific knowledge, and professional attributes required for dental practice in Australia. The program is delivered full-time over 4 years (208 weeks) with a significant work-integrated learning component. The University of Melbourne is one of Australia's most prestigious institutions, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00116K), it is authorised to enrol international students under the ESOS Act 2000, ensuring protections such as tuition fee safeguards and access to the Overseas Student Ombudsman.
This course falls under the field of Dental Studies (060701 - Dentistry). Students undertake a comprehensive curriculum covering oral health sciences, clinical dentistry, diagnostic techniques, and patient management. The program emphasises evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and cultural competency—essential for treating diverse patient populations. Graduates develop skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, preventive care, and minor oral surgery. The course also includes rotations across dental specialties such as prosthodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and paediatric dentistry. While specific subjects are set by the university, typical learning outcomes include the ability to assess and manage a wide range of dental conditions and to work effectively in interprofessional healthcare teams.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Dental Surgery has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification—no combined degree or dual qualification is offered. The program is delivered on-campus at the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus, with clinical placements at associated teaching hospitals and clinics. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The course does not include foundation studies; applicants are expected to have completed prior undergraduate study in relevant disciplines. The work component is integrated into the curriculum, with 132 weeks of supervised clinical practice (15 hours per week), totalling approximately 1,980 hours.
The indicative tuition fee for the Doctor of Dental Surgery is A$519,793 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$150, bringing the estimated total to A$519,943. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by The University of Melbourne. They are subject to change—always confirm current fees directly with the university. This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). For international students in Melbourne, estimated living costs are approximately A$25,000–35,000 per year, including rent (A$250–400/week), groceries (A$80–120/week), and public transport (A$50–70/week). These are indicative only. For up-to-date fee information, visit the official university website: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/.
Entry into the Doctor of Dental Surgery is competitive. Applicants typically need a recognised undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g., biomedical science, health science) with strong academic performance. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited. English language proficiency: a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (or equivalent) is commonly required for master's level health programs at this university. Some applicants may need to sit the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or an equivalent admissions test. International students who do not meet direct entry requirements may consider pathway programs such as the Graduate Diploma in Science (Dental Studies) or a pre-master's foundation course—however, these are not offered by the university for this specific degree. Always refer to the provider's website for the most current and detailed entry criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 132 weeks of clinical placement at 15 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,980 hours. This is structured as supervised clinical practice in University of Melbourne teaching clinics and affiliated hospitals. Students gain hands-on experience treating patients under the guidance of registered dental practitioners. The work component is an integral part of the curriculum and is assessed accordingly. It provides invaluable exposure to real-world dental practice and helps students meet the clinical hours required for professional registration. International students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks—though the course schedule may limit availability for external employment.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery is delivered at The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus in Victoria. Parkville is Melbourne's premier education and health precinct, home to major hospitals, research institutes, and the university's main campus. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, with a vibrant multicultural population of over 5 million. It is known for its world-class education system, excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses), and relatively high cost of living. Melbourne has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering health-related courses, making it a top destination for international students. The campus is easily accessible via public transport, with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and other clinical partners nearby.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must meet the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, have sufficient financial capacity, and maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay. Under student visa conditions, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays—but check the specific visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. All CRICOS-registered providers are subject to the ESOS Act 2000, which protects international students' rights, including course information, refund policies, and access to the Overseas Student Ombudsman. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Dental Surgery at The University of Melbourne:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to filter courses by level (Masters by Coursework), field (Dentistry), and location (Victoria). Verify that the institution has current CRICOS registration (University of Melbourne: 00116K).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit your application through the University of Melbourne's online portal. Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 7.0 overall). Prepare all supporting documents—transcripts, test scores, CV, personal statement. Check application deadlines (usually mid-year for commencement in February).
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student Visa** – Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a Student Visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Pay the visa application fee (currently A$1,600), arrange OSHC, and provide evidence of financial capacity. Await the visa decision—processing times vary.
Remember: Always confirm current application procedures and deadlines on the university's official website: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/.
Melbourne is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a thriving international student community of approximately 250,000. The city offers a high quality of life, diverse culture, and excellent healthcare infrastructure. However, the cost of living is higher than the Australian average, especially for housing. Estimated weekly expenses: rent A$250–400 (shared house), A$400–600 (studio apartment), groceries A$80–120, public transport A$50–70. The Parkville campus is well-connected via tram and train from most suburbs. If you prefer a quieter environment or lower costs, other Australian cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, or Perth also offer dentistry programs. Use HeadStart Academy's comparison tools to explore options.
Dentistry is a highly regulated profession in Australia. Graduates must register with the Dental Board of Australia to practise. This course (Doctor of Dental Surgery) is designed to meet the accreditation standards for registration. However, international students should be aware that clinical placement availability may be limited in some regions, and English language proficiency is critical for patient interaction. Also consider the significant tuition investment—over A$500,000—and plan your finances accordingly. Scholarships may be available, but competition is fierce. Always verify the course's accreditation status with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Australian Dental Council.
Ready to start your journey to becoming a dentist in Australia? Explore the Doctor of Dental Surgery on HeadStart Academy and connect with the University of Melbourne today.
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Doctor of Dental Surgery is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.