Is it Easier to Get into Dentistry in Australia Compared to Hong Kong? An Overview of Tuition and Entry Requirements for Dentistry in Australia

Studying medical courses has always been the dream of DSE top scorers. Currently, only the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong offer medical programmes, with dentistry courses solely provided by HKU. Due to limited spots and high entry requirements in local universities, many aspiring medical students look abroad. For students interested in studying dentistry in Australia, Australian dentistry programmes not only offer internationally recognised degrees but also have lower entry requirements compared to Hong Kong. If you are considering studying dentistry in Australia, here is what you need to know about tuition fees and entry requirements, as outlined by Cyclopes.

Study dentistry course In Australia
Study dentistry course In Australia

Source: Freepik

High Ranking Australian Universities for Dentistry

https://www.cyclopeseducation.com/blog/148/the-university-of-queenslands

Overview of Tuition Fees for Studying Dentistry in Australia

Tuition fees for studying dentistry in Australia vary by institution and programme. As dentistry is a specialised subject, it commands higher fees than arts subjects. For instance, international students at The University of Queensland pay approximately AUD 83,654 per year for a Bachelor of Dental Science. At The University of Adelaide, the annual fee for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery is around AUD 94,000, and for a Bachelor of Oral Health, it is about AUD 63,000.

The fees cover teaching, lab use, and necessary clinical internships. In addition to tuition, students must consider living expenses, insurance, and other personal costs. Although more expensive than many other professions, the total cost of studying dentistry in Australia remains competitive compared to the US or the UK.

How much does it cost to study dentistry?
How much does it cost to study dentistry?

Source: Freepik

Entry Requirements and Admission Criteria for Dentistry in Australia

Australian medical programmes are broadly categorised into 'Undergraduate Entry' for school leavers, lasting 5 to 6 years, and 'Graduate Entry' for those with related undergraduate degrees, typically lasting 3 to 4 years. Applicants to undergraduate programmes must meet three main criteria:

  • Achieve the required scores in public examinations (e.g., Monash University requires at least 25 points from five HKDSE subjects, including Chemistry).
  • Meet specific English language proficiency levels (e.g., a minimum IELTS score of 7.0).
  • Score well on medical admission tests such as the ISAT or UCAT ANZ.

Successful candidates will usually be interviewed to determine their suitability.

For 'Graduate Entry', applicants need a relevant degree, sufficient English proficiency, and to pass medical entry exams like the GAMSAT or MCAT, followed by interviews.

Australian University SelectionMinimum Entry Requirements: HKDSE Score* / IELTS ScoreApplication Deadline and Additional Requirements
Dentistry22 – 29 / IELTS: 7.0May - September / Specific admission tests and interviews

When choosing to study dentistry in Australia, students should consider the university rankings and the type of programmes offered. For example, the University of Melbourne, ranking second in Australia for medical sciences, only offers a 'Graduate Entry' programme; universities like the University of Queensland and the University of Adelaide offer 'Undergraduate Entry', suitable for students with HKDSE results.

Admission Requirements to Australian Dental School
Admission Requirements to Australian Dental School

Source: Freepik

Bright Prospects for Studying Dentistry in Australia - University Details Available at Cyclopes

For Hong Kong students aiming to study dentistry, Australia presents a competitive option with relatively lower entry scores and requirements. Before deciding, consider the tuition fees, personal learning preferences, and career goals to choose the path that best suits you. Each university has different application deadlines, some starting in June. For detailed information on each subject, contact Cyclopes' professional education consultants.


Grove Education Editor

Offers parents and students comprehensive information on education, including overviews of local and overseas education systems, academic pathways, institutions, and programmes, with the aim of helping students make informed decisions and explore a wider range of opportunities.