Study Dentistry in Australia For International Students

If you’ve ever considered a career in dentistry, Australia offers some of the best programs in the world. But what does it really take to study dentistry in Australia? From admission requirements to tuition fees, career prospects, and even the lifestyle perks of studying Down Under, we’ve got all the details you need.

Why study Dentistry in Australia?

  • Degrees from Australian dental schools are accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and recognized in countries like Canada, the UK, and New Zealand through mutual recognition agreements.
  • Australia faces a growing demand for dentists, especially in rural areas. According to Job Outlook Australia, employment for dentists is expected to grow by 21.4% by 2026.
  • The average annual salary for dentists in Australia is AUD 140,000, with specialists earning even more (Endodontists: AUD 250,000+).
  • Dentistry is listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it easier for graduates to apply for Permanent Residency (PR).

Best Dentistry Colleges in Australia 2025

We have curated a list of the top 10 universities in Australia that offer undergraduate dentistry courses in Australia. All of the courses mentioned below are accredited by the Australian Dental Council, the organization responsible for assessing the qualifications and skills of overseas-trained dental practitioners who want to work in Australia. Some of these universities have also ranked in the QS world rankings as well as Times Higher Education rankings for 2025.

  • Picture
    University Name
    Courses
    University Details
     
  • The University of Melbourne
    The University of Melbourne
    Bachelor of Oral Health
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 3 years
    Fees: $13,241 annually
    Intakes: Mar
    Placement: 97%
  • The University of Queensland
    Bachelor of Dental Science (Honors)
    Full- time
    On- campus/ Online
    Duration: 5 years
    Fees: $87,824 annually
    Intakes: Feb
    Placement: 84%
  • Griffith University
    Bachelor of Dental Health Science
    Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
    Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics
    Master of Dentistry
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 2 years (M)/ 3- 5 years (B)
    Fees: $ 43,000- $68,000 (B)/ $92,500 (M) annually
    Intakes: Mar
    Placement: 74%
  • The University of Adelaide
    The University of Adelaide
    Bachelor of Dental Surgery
    Bachelor of Oral Health
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 3 years (OH)/ 5 years (DS)
    Fees: $66,500 (OH)/ $99,100 (DS)
    Intakes: Feb
    Placement: 64%
  • The University of Sydney
    The University of Sydney
    Bachelor of Oral Health
    Master of Dental Public Health
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 1year (M)- 3 years (B)
    Fees: $57,700- $58,500
    Intakes: Feb, Aug
    Placement: 90%
  • Charles Sturt University
    Charles Sturt University
    Bachelor of Dental Science
    Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy & Hygiene)
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 3- 5 years
    Fees: $43,040 (DS)- $69,760 (OH)
    Intakes: Mar
    Placement: 87%
  • Curtin University
    Curtin University
    Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy)
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 3 years
    Fees: $42,005
    Intakes:Feb
    Placement:80%
  • University of Newcastle
    University of Newcastle
    Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 3 years
    Fees: $45,790
    Intakes: Feb
    Placement: 94%
  • James Cook University
    James Cook University
    Bachelor of Dental Surgery
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 5 years
    Fees: $11,200
    Intakes: Feb
    Placement: 78%
  • La Trobe University
    La Trobe University
    Bachelor of Dental Science (Honors)
    Bachelor of Oral Health Science
    Full- time
    On- campus
    Duration: 2.5- 5 years
    Fees: $46,400- $80,400
    Intakes: Mar
    Placement:90%

Get Accepted By Top Universities in Australia

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Dentistry in Australia Requirements

For international students looking to study Dentistry in Australia, the eligibility requirements are as follows:

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Completion of high school (Year 12 or equivalent) with strong grades.
  • Required subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics.

Postgraduate Programs:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Biomedical Science, Health Science).
  • Minimum GPA: Typically 5.0-5.5 on a 7.0 scale (varies by university).
  • Some universities require prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.

Admission Tests:

  • Undergraduate: UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test – Australia and New Zealand).
  • Postgraduate: GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) or MCAT (for some universities).

English Language Requirements:

  • IELTS: Overall 6.0-6.5, with no band below 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 100+, with minimum section scores (typically 24-25).
  • PTE Academic: Overall 65-73, with no section below 65.

Documents Required

When applying for a Dentistry program in Australia, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

  • Academic Documents (Transcripts & certificates)
  • Admission Test Scores
  • English Language Test Scores
  • Passport copy
  • Updated CV/ Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation (typically 2)
  • Health Insurance
  • Other documents (if required)

Get Sample SOP for Australia.

Which University in Australia is best for dentistry

According to the QS Ranking of Universities for Dentistry for 2025, The University of Melbourne ranks the lis in Australia. The QS ranks universities on varoius grounds like academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/ student ratio and such others.

How to get into Dentistry in Australia

  • Choose Your Program & University – Select between undergraduate (BDS) or postgraduate (DMD/DDS) and check university rankings.
  • Check Admission Requirements – Ensure you meet academic, English proficiency, and entrance test (UCAT ANZ/GAMSAT/MCAT) requirements.
  • Submit Your Application – Apply via the university portal or QTAC/UAC before the deadline. 
  • Accept Your Offer – Receive your offer letter, pay tuition fees, and obtain your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
  • Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Submit your CoE, financial proof, English test scores, and OSHC.
  • Prepare for Travel & Study – Arrange accommodation, book flights, and attend university orientation.

How much does it cost to study dentistry in Australia

Here’s an estimated overview of the costs incurred in studying dentistry in Australia:

Tuition Fees:

  • Undergraduate: AUD 50,000 – 80,000 per year
  • Postgraduate: AUD 60,000 – 100,000 per year

Additional Costs:

  • Student Visa (Subclass 500)- AUD 710
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):AUD 600– 800 per year
  • Living Expenses:AUD 20,000– 27,000 per year
  • Books & Materials:AUD 1,000– 2,500 per year

However to help with the costs, many universities offer scholarships to International students. We’ll talk about it next.

Scholarships to study Dentistry in australia

David Dunlop Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship

David Dunlop Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship is offered to all the newly enrolled undergraduate students of Health and Medicine. It is a need based scholarship

  • Offered by: The University of Queensland
  • Amount: $5,500
  • Application Procedure: You can apply by filling out the application form and submitting the proof of financial need and a personal statement. 
  • Application Timeline: The applications will close on 23rd March, 2025.

Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship

The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship is a merit-based award for high-achieving international students, offering AUD 10,000 to full tuition fee remission based on academic excellence.

  • Offered by: The University of Melbourne
  • Amount: 25% off the tuition fees
  • Application Process: No separate application; automatically considered upon applying to the university.
  • Application Timeline: Varies (based on university admission rounds).

Get info on more Scholarships in Australia for Internaional Students.

Jobs After Dentistry in Australia

After completing a dentistry degree in Australia, graduates have several career options, including clinical practice, research, and public health roles. Here are some of the top job opportunities:

Job RoleAverage Salary
Oral & Maxillofacial SurgeonA$ 200,000 – 400,000
OrthodontistA$ 150,000 – 300,000
ProsthodontistA$ 140,000 – 250,000
EndodontistA$ 130,000 – 230,000
PeriodontistA$ 120,000 – 200,000

Read more: Post study Work Visa in Australia.

Conclusion

Dentistry in Australia is a promising career with high earning potential, strong job stability, and plenty of specialization options. Whether you see yourself running a private practice, working in public health, or advancing research, there’s a clear path to success. If you’re considering this field, understanding the right qualifications, licensing process, and career opportunities is key. Now’s the time to explore your options, find the right program, and take the first step toward a rewarding future in dentistry!

FAQS

The undergraduate/ bachelor’s degree in dentistry in Australia can be anywhere between 3- 5 years. Whereas, the postgraduate/ master’s degree takes around 1- 2 years to complete.

Yes, most universities in Australia require entrance tests for undergraduate dentistry admissions. The two main entrance exams are: UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) and ISAT (International Student Adissions Test).

Yes, dentists are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making them eligible for Permanent Residency (PR) under visas like the Subclass 189, 190, and 491.