AU · Master's
University of Melbourne
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
University of Melbourne
Course Overview
University of Melbourne's Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is a 4-year professional-doctorate-entry programme — the entry-to-practice qualification for dentistry registration in Australia. Melbourne Dental School is ranked #14 globally for Dentistry in QS World Rankings by Subject and operates out of the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne (RDHM) — Australia's largest public dental hospital. The programme is Australian Dental Council (ADC) accredited; graduates qualify for AHPRA (Dental Board of Australia) registration on completion. Years 1-2 are pre-clinical (anatomy, physiology, oral biology, pharmacology, microbiology); Years 3-4 are full chairside clinical practice at RDHM treating real patients.
Sri Lankan applicants pick Melbourne DDS because Dentist (ANZSCO 252312) is on Australia's MLTSSL — direct PR pathway via Skilled Independent (189) or State Nominated (190) visa streams. The AHPRA registration is also recognised by the Sri Lanka Medical Council Dental Register for direct registration in Sri Lanka, making Melbourne DDS graduates immediate seniors at major dental chains and the FDS (Faculty of Dental Sciences, Peradeniya) returning-graduate pathway.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (any discipline) from a recognised Sri Lankan university — minimum H1 average (First-Class / GPA 3.7+) due to extreme competition for ~80 places per year.
- check_circle Prerequisite coursework: at least 1 university-level subject in Anatomy + 1 in Biochemistry — most Sri Lankan applicants from BSc Biological Sciences / Pharmacy / Medical Lab Science backgrounds qualify.
- check_circle Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) — required, target overall 65+ with no section below 60.
- check_circle Multi-Mini Interview (MMI) for shortlisted applicants — assesses ethical reasoning, communication, and motivation for dentistry.
- check_circle Two academic / clinical references.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 7.0 in each section).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 94 Overall (min 24 in each section).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 65 Overall (min 65 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English AND you have lived in an English-speaking country for 5+ years (most Sri Lankan applicants will need to sit IELTS for AHPRA registration regardless).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 89,000 | Rs. 18,690,000 |
| OSHC Health Cover (per year) | AUD 700 | Rs. 147,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 29,710 | Rs. 6,239,100 |
| Student Visa & Setup | AUD 1,800 | Rs. 378,000 |
| Dental Loupes, Instruments & Uniforms | AUD 5,000 | Rs. 1,050,000 |
| AHPRA Registration, Police Check & WWCC | AUD 600 | Rs. 126,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 126,810 | Rs. 26,630,100 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (3 years post-Master's-equivalent under new rules). Dentist on MLTSSL — direct PR pathway. Top hirers: Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne, Bupa Dental, Pacific Smiles, 1300SMILES, private dental practices in regional Victoria. Graduate Dentist starting salaries in Australia: AUD 110,000-130,000.
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