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.
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PictureUniversity NameCoursesUniversity Details
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The University of MelbourneBachelor of Oral HealthFull- time
On- campus
Duration: 3 years
Fees: $13,241 annually
Intakes: Mar
Placement: 97% -
The University of QueenslandBachelor of Dental Science (Honors)Full- time
On- campus/ Online
Duration: 5 years
Fees: $87,824 annually
Intakes: Feb
Placement: 84% -
Griffith UniversityBachelor of Dental Health Science
Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics
Master of DentistryFull- 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 AdelaideBachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Oral HealthFull- time
On- campus
Duration: 3 years (OH)/ 5 years (DS)
Fees: $66,500 (OH)/ $99,100 (DS)
Intakes: Feb
Placement: 64% -
The University of SydneyBachelor of Oral Health
Master of Dental Public HealthFull- time
On- campus
Duration: 1year (M)- 3 years (B)
Fees: $57,700- $58,500
Intakes: Feb, Aug
Placement: 90% -
Charles Sturt UniversityBachelor 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 UniversityBachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy)Full- time
On- campus
Duration: 3 years
Fees: $42,005
Intakes:Feb
Placement:80% -
University of NewcastleBachelor of Oral Health TherapyFull- time
On- campus
Duration: 3 years
Fees: $45,790
Intakes: Feb
Placement: 94% -
James Cook UniversityBachelor of Dental SurgeryFull- time
On- campus
Duration: 5 years
Fees: $11,200
Intakes: Feb
Placement: 78% -
La Trobe UniversityBachelor of Dental Science (Honors)
Bachelor of Oral Health ScienceFull- time
On- campus
Duration: 2.5- 5 years
Fees: $46,400- $80,400
Intakes: Mar
Placement:90%
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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: $5,500
- Application Procedure: You can apply by filling out the application form and submitting the proof of financial need and a personal statement.
- Application Timeline: The applications will close on 23rd March, 2025.
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship is a merit-based award for high-achieving international students, offering AUD 10,000 to full tuition fee remission based on academic excellence.
- Offered by: The University of Melbourne
- Amount: 25% off the tuition fees
- Application Process: No separate application; automatically considered upon applying to the university.
- Application Timeline: Varies (based on university admission rounds).
Get info on more Scholarships in Australia for Internaional Students.
Jobs After Dentistry in Australia
After completing a dentistry degree in Australia, graduates have several career options, including clinical practice, research, and public health roles. Here are some of the top job opportunities:
| Job Role | Average Salary |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | A$ 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Orthodontist | A$ 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Prosthodontist | A$ 140,000 – 250,000 |
| Endodontist | A$ 130,000 – 230,000 |
| Periodontist | A$ 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.