Master of Optometry (CRICOS course code 081122G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 1 year 8 months (~86 weeks). This AQF Level 9 program equips graduates with advanced clinical skills in optometric practice, preparing them for registration as optometrists in Australia. The course is offered at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney, one of Australia's leading universities with a strong research focus. International students benefit from UNSW's comprehensive support services and state-of-the-art facilities. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the Australian Government's standards for overseas students, ensuring quality education and legal protections under the ESOS Act. Whether you're aiming to work in private practice, hospitals, or research, this program provides a solid foundation. Over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offer more than 26,000 courses in Australia, and this course stands out for its clinical immersion and industry connections. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026).
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Master of Optometry (CRICOS course code 081122G) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 1 year 8 months (~86 weeks). The course is classified under Field of Education 06 - Health, specifically 0609 - Optical Science (060901 - Optometry). UNSW, a public university located in Sydney, is a CRICOS-registered provider (00098G) with a reputation for excellence in health sciences. This program is designed for graduates seeking to become qualified optometrists, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical placements. The course duration is 86 weeks, delivered full-time in English, and leads to a single qualification. No work component or foundation studies are included. The indicative tuition fee is A$80,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, totalling A$81,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Additional costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application fees are not included. For current fees, always check UNSW's official website.
This Master's program in Optometry is an AQF Level 9 qualification that focuses on advanced knowledge in optical science, clinical optometry, and patient care. The curriculum typically covers areas such as ocular anatomy and physiology, vision science, contact lenses, low vision, and paediatric optometry. Students engage in supervised clinical placements to develop diagnostic and management skills. The course is designed to meet the Australian optometry registration standards set by the Optometry Board of Australia. While specific course units may vary, graduates are expected to demonstrate competence in assessing vision, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing eye diseases, and providing primary eye care. This program is ideal for those who want to combine healthcare with precision technology. International students should note that clinical placements may require additional clearances. The course is delivered at UNSW's Kensington campus, which has modern laboratories and teaching clinics. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, this course stands out due to its hands-on approach and university's strong ties to the health industry.
The Master of Optometry is a full-time course with a duration of 1 year 8 months (86 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual degree, and does not include foundation studies. The course is delivered on campus at UNSW's Kensington campus in Sydney, NSW. Students are expected to attend lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions regularly. The university may offer some online components, but the majority of learning is face-to-face to facilitate clinical skills development. International students on a Subclass 500 student visa must maintain full-time enrolment. The course structure typically involves intensive blocks of study, with some flexibility in elective choices. It's important to note that the duration may be affected by factors such as prerequisite completion or part-time enrolment (subject to visa conditions). Always confirm the exact academic calendar with UNSW. Sydney, home to over 20 CRICOS-registered universities and dozens of other providers, offers a vibrant student life. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent A$350–600, groceries A$80–150, and transport A$40–60 per week.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Optometry is A$80,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, giving an estimated total of A$81,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor living costs and the student visa application charge. UNSW may charge additional fees for materials, field trips, or professional memberships. International students should budget around A$21,000–30,000 per year for living expenses in Sydney. Always refer to the university's official website or contact their admissions office for the most up-to-date fee schedule. UNSW offers scholarships for high-achieving students, but these are competitive. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not collect referral fees. All data is from the official CRICOS register. Remember that fees are indicative only and set by the institution, so always verify directly.
Entry to the Master of Optometry typically requires an Australian Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record in relevant disciplines such as health sciences or biomedical science. Most universities expect a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 on a 7.0 scale. An English language proficiency test is mandatory for students from non-English speaking backgrounds; the indicative requirement is IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5. Some providers may accept PTE Academic or TOEFL. Prerequisite subjects may include human anatomy, physiology, and physics. International students should note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. UNSW may also consider relevant work experience or research. Foundation or pathway options are not available directly for this course; however, students who need to improve their qualifications can explore pre-master's programs or additional undergraduate study. Always check UNSW's specific entry requirements on their website. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria and financial capacity. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, the program may involve clinical placements that are part of the curriculum but are not classified as paid work. International students should be aware that any work undertaken must comply with student visa conditions. While studying, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. The University may also offer optional internships or extracurricular professional development opportunities. Always confirm with UNSW whether any placements are considered work or unpaid training to ensure visa compliance. For visa-related work rights, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
This course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 6 kilometres from the central business district. The campus is well-served by public transport, including light rail, buses, and proximity to Central Station. Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with over 5 million residents, and hosts more than 20 CRICOS-registered universities and numerous vocational providers. The student population is diverse, with international students from over 140 countries. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from A$400–700, but shared accommodation can be cheaper. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, beaches, and a thriving job market for health professionals. UNSW's Kensington campus features modern teaching facilities, research labs, and a dedicated student hub. The location provides easy access to clinical placement sites across Sydney. When choosing this course, consider that Sydney's optometry industry has strong demand due to an ageing population and growing awareness of eye health.
To study this Master of Optometry in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a key part of the application — you need to demonstrate that your primary intention is to study and return home. The Department of Home Affairs also assesses financial capacity, English proficiency, and health insurance. As an international student, you are protected by the ESOS Act 2000, which ensures you receive the education you paid for, and the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) if your provider cannot deliver. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are from CRICOS-registered providers, giving you confidence in their quality. For visa applications, it is strongly recommended to consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Master of Optometry at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Optometry), and location (NSW). HeadStart Academy lists over 26,000 CRICOS courses to help you compare. Confirm that the course CRICOS code 081122G is current on cricos.teqsa.gov.au. 2. **Apply directly to UNSW**: Check entry requirements, including English language test scores and academic transcripts. Submit your application through UNSW's online portal or via a registered education agent. Be aware of application deadlines (typically semester-based, with intakes in February and July). Pay attention to any prerequisites or supplementary documents. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once UNSW issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application. Prepare proof of financial capacity, OSHC, English proficiency, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary; apply well in advance. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you start your journey.
Sydney offers a world-class educational environment for optometry students. The city is home to leading research hospitals, private clinics, and optical retailers that provide valuable clinical placement opportunities. UNSW has a strong reputation in health sciences, and its location in Kensington gives you access to diverse patient populations. However, the cost of living is higher than in other Australian cities. As an international student, you may find part-time work in optometry-related fields to offset expenses, but ensure it does not exceed visa work limits. Sydney's multicultural atmosphere makes it welcoming to international students. There are also numerous student services, including academic support and social clubs. When considering this course, think about your career goals: Sydney has a competitive job market for optometrists, but also higher salaries. The city's public transport network connects you to campuses and clinical sites. Remember that Australia over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, and this course is one of several optometry programs in NSW. Compare with other universities to find the best fit for your learning style and budget.
Optometry is a rewarding but demanding healthcare profession. This Master's degree requires strong academic commitment and practical skills. Before enrolling, consider if you are prepared for the intensive clinical training and the need for good interpersonal communication. The course at UNSW is designed to lead to registration as an optometrist in Australia, which involves passing national exams. International students should investigate whether their overseas qualifications will be recognised if they return home. The job outlook for optometrists in Australia is positive due to an ageing population and increased awareness of eye health, with median salaries around A$100,000 per year. However, you must also factor in the total investment: tuition fees plus living costs can exceed A$150,000. Scholarships may help. Additionally, understand the ESOS Act protections: you have rights if your provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy's data from the CRICOS register ensures you have accurate information to make an informed decision. Always consult the official CRICOS website for the latest course status.
Ready to pursue your Master of Optometry in Australia? Start your research with HeadStart Academy's comprehensive database of CRICOS-registered courses. For personalised guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
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Master of Optometry is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). 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.