Duration
Full-time: 5 years
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2028 Semester One – 28 February
Available locations
Grafton
Points
600
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

Our Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) programme covers both Clinical Optometry and Vision Science. It includes the study of basic physical and life sciences as they relate to the visual system. You will also gain extensive knowledge of optics, the anatomy and physiology of vision, ocular pharmacology, pathology, therapeutics, and immunology.

Programme highlights

  • New Zealand’s only BOptom degree and one of only eight Australasian degrees accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand
  • Accreditation as a registered optometrist, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia
  • Clinical and business skill development, to help you manage your own practice or to work in the public health sector
  • The opportunity to complete your degree with honours
  • Opportunities to develop communication, empathy and problem-solving skills, particularly with children, the elderly and the partially sighted

There are two application categories for entry into the BOptom, please click on the entry requirements tab below for full details. There is no direct entry from secondary school, school leavers are encouraged to apply via the Undergraduate entry category (for 2027 entry) or the First Year entry category (for 2028 entry).

Please note:

Check out the BOptom FAQs.

Programme structure

  • In the second and third years (Parts II–III), you will take a combination of core courses in applicable life sciences, vision and optometric sciences, anatomy and physiology of vision, mechanisms of disease, optics and visual science.
  • You will study general optometric practice and aspects of clinical optometry.
  • In your fourth and fifth years (Parts IV–V), you will study contact lenses, paediatric optometry and binocular vision. You'll continue to learn about eye diseases and treatments.
  • You will be required to take courses in advanced clinical optometry and undertake a research project.
  • You will gain practical experience in examining and treating patients in one of our public clinics and during external placements.
  • You must also include a General Education course in your programme, which you will need to complete in Part Two of the BOptom. Your options are listed in the General Education Schedules that are approved for the BOptom programme. 

See a list of your courses available

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    OPTOM 216
    Name:
    Introduction to Optometry
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 263
    Name:
    Essential Optics
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 272
    Name:
    Visual Science 1: Structure and Function of the Visual System
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    MEDSCI 203
    Name:
    Mechanisms of Disease
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Code:
    OPTOM 316
    Name:
    Optometry
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 345
    Name:
    Principles of Ocular Pharmacology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 353
    Name:
    Ocular Pathology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 375
    Name:
    Visual Science 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    MEDSCI 202
    Name:
    Microbiology and Immunology
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year 4 120 points

  • Code:
    OPTOM 416
    Name:
    Clinical Optometry
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 430
    Name:
    Contact Lens Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 442
    Name:
    Optometry for Special Populations
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 450
    Name:
    Diseases of the Eye and Visual System: Diagnosis and Management
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 783
    Name:
    Research Project in Vision Science
    Type:
    Research project
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 5 120 points

  • Code:
    OPTOM 510
    Name:
    Advanced Clinical Optometry 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 520
    Name:
    Advanced Clinical Optometry 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    OPTOM 561
    Name:
    Optometry in Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

2026 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Undergraduate entry

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only:

To apply for BOptom as an undergraduate student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland, or the Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago. This must be completed on a full time basis and must include the following courses:

Option A: Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across the 7 first year courses listed in bold above, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). All University of Auckland applicants must also pass WTRSCI 100.

Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the courses in bold above. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking will be based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for the 7 courses in bold above: 50% 
  • Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only:

First Year entry
First Year applicants must complete eight courses (see below) in the first year of one of the following University of Auckland programmes:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Community Health major
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Health Systems and Data Analytics major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Cell and Molecular Bioscience major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Exercise Sciences major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Medicinal Chemistry major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Nutrition major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Pharmacology major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Physiology major

Applicants who are completing the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at the University of Otago will also be considered under this category.

First Year required courses (BHSc or BBiomedSc):

First Year required courses (BSc):

This study must be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for the Bachelor of Optometry. Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for admission in the First Year category.

First Year entry applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.5 across the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142)
  • have no grade lower than a B in any of their eight first year courses

Interview eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for an interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews), applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.5 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two, and
  • have no grade lower than a B in any of their Semester One courses

Interview ranking
If eligible, applicants will be ranked for selection to attend the MMI. This ranking will be based on the GPA of the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142) including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two.

Final selection eligibility 
Following the release of Semester Two grades, eligibility of applicants is reconfirmed by assessing applicants have:

  • achieved a minimum GPA of 5.5 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, and
  • no grade lower than a B in any of their eight courses

Final selection ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA of the four core courses: 50% (a minimum GPA of 5.5 is required)
  • MMI fair score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or submit an online enquiry.

Graduate entry

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only:

To apply for the BOptom under the Graduate entry category, applicants must have completed a relevant degree/degrees on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BOptom admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.

Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across their last 2 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). 

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study in completed qualification/s. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 is required)
  • Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only:

Two or more years of tertiary study 
To apply for BOptom under the two or more years of tertiary study entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of relevant study on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic year is required to be considered as full time study for BOptom admission.

Relevant study is defined as having completed the four core courses (or equivalent): BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142.

Interview Eligibility
Applicants need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across their last two years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). 

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA of 5.5 is required)
  • MMI fair score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Undergraduate entry

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only:

To apply for BOptom as an undergraduate student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland, or the Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago. This must be completed on a full time basis and must include the following courses:

Option A: Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across the 7 first year courses listed in bold above, with no fails, to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). All applicants must also pass WTRSCI 100.

Interview Ranking
If eligible, you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for 7 courses in Bold: 50%
  • Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only:

First Year entry
First Year applicants must complete eight courses (see below) in the first year of one of the following University of Auckland programmes:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Community Health major
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Health Systems and Data Analytics major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Cell and Molecular Bioscience major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Exercise Sciences major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Medicinal Chemistry major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Nutrition major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Pharmacology major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Physiology major

Applicants who are completing the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at the University of Otago will also be considered under this category.

 First Year required courses (BHSc or BBiomedSc):

 First Year required courses (BSc):

This study must be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for the Bachelor of Optometry. Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for admission in the First Year category. 

First Year entry applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.5 across the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142)
  • have no grade lower than a B in any of their eight first year courses

Interview eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for an interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews), applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.5 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two, and
  • have no grade lower than a B in any of their Semester One courses

Interview ranking
If eligible, applicants will be ranked for selection to attend the MMI. This ranking will be based on the GPA of the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142) including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two.

Final selection eligibility
Following the release of Semester Two grades, eligibility of applicants is reconfirmed by assessing applicants have:

  • achieved a minimum GPA of 5.5 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, and
  • no grade lower than a B in any of their eight courses

Final selection ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA of the four core courses: 50% (a minimum GPA of 5.5 is required)
  • MMI fair score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or submit an online enquiry.

Graduate entry

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only:

To apply for the BOptom under the Graduate entry category, international applicants must have completed a relevant degree/degrees on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BOptom admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.

Interview Eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 across their last 2 years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview. Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Kira Talent. International graduate applicants will receive an individual interview link from Kira Talent via email if invited to interview. Interviews will take place between June-July.

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study in completed qualification/s. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for the the last two years of study: 50% (a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 is required).
  • Interview score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only:

Two or more years of tertiary study
To apply for BOptom under the two or more years of tertiary study entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of relevant study on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic year is required to be considered as full time study for BOptom admission.

Relevant study is defined as having completed the four core courses (or equivalent): BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142.

Interview Eligibility
Applicants need to achieve a minimum GPA/GPE of 5.5 across their last two years of full time study in a relevant degree to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview. Shortlisted international applicants in this category will be interviewed via Kira Talent. International applicants will receive an individual interview link from Kira Talent via email if invited to interview. Interviews will take place between June-July.

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA/GPE from their last two academic years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA/GPE for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA/GPE of 5.5 is required)
  • Interview score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Optometry cost per year?

2026 fees

Please note: Additional costs for the BOptom include purchasing prescribed texts and essential equipment, and potential costs associated with travelling to off-site practicum locations. You should allow approximately $13,000 over the four years of study.

Domestic students
NZ$11,114.40*
International students
NZ$68,723*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,416.00 for full-time study (150 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: Late/incomplete applications are not accepted. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2026
1 July 2025
Semester One 2027
1 July 2026

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

On graduation you can be accredited as a registered optometrist, able to diagnose and treat eye diseases in New Zealand and Australia. The majority of optometrists enter private practice, which offers regular hours and the freedom to choose where to live and work. Optometrists can also practise in hospitals and clinics or work in the industry or research. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Registered optometrist

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

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Outside Auckland:
0800 61 62 63
International:
+64 9 373 7513