About Bachelor Of Vision Science in University of Canberra

See yourself in this specialist field

Study a Bachelor of Vision Science and begin your journey towards a career in optometry. Our course has been developed with academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies and will be launched in the same year UC opens the doors to our state-of-art UC Public Hospital. During your degree you will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the biomedical sciences with a specific focus on optical and vision sciences. You will also broaden your skills in business and management related areas should you choose to explore private practice. On graduating from this undergraduate degree you will be eligible for entry into a Master of Optometry.

Study a Bachelor of Vision Science at UC and you will:

• demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental sciences underpinning health, optical and vision sciences
• perform common optical and visual diagnostic assessments
• demonstrate a strong understanding of the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye
• demonstrate an awareness of the inter-disciplinary nature of health practitioners and health professions
• demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural and social diversity.

Work Integrated Learning

In your final year you will enrol in the work-integrated unit Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics. This unit incorporates a significant component of industry experience and includes clinical and non-clinical placements designed to observe the latest vision science industry projects and optometric practice in progress.

Career opportunities

• Optometrist
• Private practice & retailer
• Vision-related government and non-government organisations
• Hospitals
• Health clinics & Services
• Research institutes

Course specific information

The Bachelor of Vision Science is an accelerated 3-year program enabling completion in 2.5 years. This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023.  Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science AND the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Higher Secondary Certificate

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS   :    6.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
• TOEFL :     60 overall (min. 16 in listening and reading, 22 in writing, 18 in speaking)
• PTE      :     50 overall (min. 50 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)

University of Canberra Highlights

University of Canberra Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The University of Canberra's tuition fees vary depending on the level of study and the program you choose. Here is an approximate breakdown of the average tuition fees for 2022:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Domestic students: AUD 11,000 - AUD 29,000 per year
• International students: AUD 28,000 - AUD 34,000 per year

Postgraduate Programs:

• Domestic students: AUD 15,000 - AUD 32,000 per year
• International students: AUD 29,000 - AUD 39,000 per year

Note that tuition fees may vary depending on the program and the specific requirements of the course.

In addition to tuition fees, there are other expenses that students may need to consider when studying at the University of Canberra. These include:

1. Accommodation: The cost of living on campus at the University of Canberra ranges from AUD 240 - AUD 500 per week, depending on the type of accommodation.

2. Books and supplies: Students may need to purchase textbooks and other supplies, which can cost around AUD 1,000 per year.

3. Food and transportation: Students may need to budget for food and transportation expenses, which can vary depending on personal preferences and needs.

4. Health insurance: International students are required to have health insurance, which can cost around AUD 600 per year.

5. Personal expenses: This includes expenses such as clothing, entertainment, and other personal items.

Overall, students can expect to pay an average of AUD 20,000 - AUD 30,000 per year for tuition fees and other expenses when studying at the University of Canberra.

Tuition Fee for some graduate courses:

University of Canberra English Proficiency Test Score for International Students

For admissions at University of Canberra international applicants are required to submit proof of English language proficiency. The minimum ELP test score requirements are mentioned below: