Health and wellness have become a global trend, and in recent years, many students have developed an interest in nutrition, recognising the promising career prospects of the dietetics profession. Planning to study nutrition in Australia has become a popular choice. Australia offers a comprehensive and diverse nutrition education system, catering to those aspiring to become dietitians or nutritionists, with relevant courses available at various universities. But is it difficult to gain admission to study nutrition in Australia? Can graduates return to Hong Kong to practise? This article provides a complete overview of studying nutrition in Australia.
What Is the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
Although people often refer to those with food and nutrition knowledge as "nutritionists," in Australia, dietitians and nutritionists are two distinct professions. A dietitian not only provides general dietary advice but can also develop medical nutrition plans for patients with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. To become a dietitian, one must complete a degree accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA), join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) programme, and complete clinical placements.
A nutritionist, on the other hand, primarily focuses on health promotion and dietary planning. Their training emphasises food science and public health, without including clinical treatment. Nutritionists are not required to register with the government or related organisations and can work as consultants for health companies, fitness centres, or food service businesses.
While both professions address the impact of diet on health, the ability to prescribe therapeutic dietary plans or work in hospitals often depends on whether one holds dietitian qualifications.
Source: Freepik
Why Study Nutrition in Australia?
Australia’s higher education system is internationally renowned for its quality, making it a popular choice for Hong Kong students seeking overseas studies. Nutrition is one of the most popular fields of study in Australia, largely due to the strong demand in the country’s thriving health and wellness market. Several globally recognised health brands, such as Blackmores and Nature’s Care, are based in Australia, showcasing the robust local demand for health-related products. This provides excellent job prospects and immigration opportunities for international students pursuing nutrition-related professions.
Australian universities offer a variety of programmes in Nutrition and Dietetics or Nutrition Science, featuring comprehensive clinical or industry placements. Students studying nutrition in Australia gain exposure to areas like clinical therapy, community public health, or the health product industry.
For students interested in clinical work, such as supporting patients or athletes with medical nutrition therapy, Dietetics programmes with rigorous clinical training are the ideal choice. On the other hand, students passionate about fitness and health promotion may prefer Nutrition Science. No matter the pathway, Australian universities provide clear academic progression options and abundant resources. Graduates can choose to stay in Australia for career development or return to Hong Kong to work in healthcare institutions or private companies. With strong academic foundations and high market demand, studying nutrition in Australia is a top choice for students passionate about health and food science.
Can You Practise in Hong Kong After Studying Nutrition in Australia?
Currently, Hong Kong does not have a local dietitian registration system. To practise as a dietitian in Hong Kong, one must hold a recognised licence from the UK, Australia, Canada, or the US and complete designated clinical training.
Graduates from Australian universities who complete a Dietitians Australia (DA)-accredited programme and become an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) in Australia can apply to the Hong Kong Dietitians Association for membership. This enables them to provide clinical nutrition services in hospitals or private institutions in Hong Kong.
Given that only a few universities in Hong Kong offer nutrition science programmes and these generally lack clinical placements, pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Dietetics in Australia is a relatively direct pathway to becoming a qualified dietitian in Hong Kong.
Students with a Nutrition Science qualification but not a dietitian licence typically work as fitness consultants, health product company advisors, or health promotion specialists in Hong Kong. However, they lack the qualifications to practise medical nutrition therapy.
Australian Nutrition Universities and Admission Requirements
To help students understand the entry requirements for studying nutrition in Australia, we have summarised the general criteria for nutrition programmes at Australian universities. Students can use this as a preliminary guide and consult university websites or professional advisors for more detailed information. Below is an overview of the requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate nutrition programmes and a list of four Australian universities offering these courses:
Academic Entry Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition:
- HKDSE Best 5：22 - 25 points
- A-Level Best 3：10 - 16 points
- English Requirement: IELTS 7.0 or above; HKDSE English 5 or above
- IB: 31 - 35 points
- Some universities require students to have studied Mathematics, Biology, or Chemistry as elective subjects.
For Master’s Degree in Nutrition, a relevant bachelor's degree is required, along with an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.
Four Australian Universities Offering Nutrition Programmes
1. The University of Queensland (UQ)
Highlights: Located in Brisbane, ranked 40th in the 2025 QS World Rankings. Offers programmes such as the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences and Master of Dietetics Studies, emphasising a balance between clinical practice and research, with abundant internship opportunities.
Admission Requirements: Generally requires HKDSE Best 5 of 25 points and an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0.
Source: The Australian
2. Curtin University
Highlights: Located in Perth, Western Australia, ranked 174th in the 2025 QS World Rankings. Offers programmes such as the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) and Master of Dietetics, with a strong focus on practical and clinical experience. As it is located in a regional area, international students may benefit from additional migration points [1].
Admission Requirements: IELTS score of at least 6.5; for the Master of Dietetics, an IELTS score of 7.0 is required.
3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Highlights: One of Australia’s Group of Eight universities and a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), Global Alliance of Technological Universities, and Universitas 21 (U21). Ranked 19th in the 2025 QS World Rankings. Programmes like the Bachelor of Nutrition are highly popular among students and include internship opportunities.
Admission Requirements: HKDSE Best 5 score of at least 22, with an IELTS score typically requiring 7.0.
4. The University of Sydney
Highlights: Ranked 18th in the 2025 QS World Rankings. Offers programmes such as the Bachelor of Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is a combined undergraduate and postgraduate degree spanning five years.
Admission Requirements: Generally requires an HKDSE Best 5 score of approximately 22 and an IELTS score of 7.0.
Source: The University of Sydney
Many of the universities listed above offer both Nutrition and Dietetics programmes. Students should pay attention to whether the course includes clinical placements and ensure the institution is accredited by Dietitians Australia (DA). This is essential for registering as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), which is required to practise as a dietitian in Australia or Hong Kong.
Understand Your Interests and Plan Ahead for Studying Nutrition in Australia
Australian universities offer comprehensive nutrition education and internship mechanisms, along with a steadily growing health and wellness market. Whether you plan to stay in Australia or return to Hong Kong, these programmes provide diverse career options. If you aspire to work in hospitals or clinics and design medical dietary plans for patients, you must choose a Dietetics programme with robust clinical training. If you are more inclined towards promoting healthy eating culture or developing food products, Nutrition Science can also be a viable pathway. While the two fields differ significantly, both offer ample career opportunities.
Before heading to Australia to study nutrition, it is crucial to clarify your interests and career goals. Make sure to plan according to the admission requirements of Australian universities offering nutrition programmes. With the right direction and thorough preparation, you can pave the way for a successful career, whether in Australia or Hong Kong.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us. We can provide more detailed information and support to help you prepare for your future development.
References:
1. Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa - Main applicant
2. QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities
https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings
3. The University of Queensland：Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
https://programs-courses.uq.edu.au/requirements/program/2525/2025
4. Curtin University：Master of Dietetics
https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/offering/course-pg-master-of-dietetics--mg-diets/
5. University of New South Wales：Bachelor of Nutrition / Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation
6. The University of Sydney：Bachelor of Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
7. Dietitians Australia：University programs
https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/working-dietetics/university-programs
8. Dietitians Australia：The role of an Accredited Practising Dietitian
9. 香港營養師協會