International entry requirements
Below is a list of entry requirements by country for those applying to our undergraduate Optometry courses.
We require all international applicants to have obtained a suitable English language qualification equivalent to IELTS 7 with no less than 6 in each component.
In addition to this you will also need to have the appropriate qualification for your country. See the list below for more details about selected countries.
More country-specific information can be found on the University website. However, this is for general information only, as specific entry requirements may be different for the BSc Optometry course. Please contact us to check specific requirements for your country before you apply.
If you can't see your qualification or country listed below or on the University website, or for any other query, please contact ug.optometry@manchester.ac.uk.
Africa
Kenya
KCSE
You need to have taken an acceptable qualification such as A-levels or International Baccalaureate. Otherwise, you would be expected to complete our Foundation programme or an acceptable UK equivalent.
Asia
Brunei
Brunei/Cambridge A-level or Matriculation
You would normally need AAB in Brunei/Cambridge GCE A-levels, including two sciences from Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Maths.
Hong Kong
HKDSE
Applicants with a Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education would normally need 555-554 with two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. At least one science must be at grade 5.
Grade 5 in English can be accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
India
SSC (Grade XII) CBSE Board (may also consider some State Boards)
You are normally expected to achieve 80-85% overall in central board examinations (CBSE or CISCE) with a minimum of 80% in two science subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
For applicants completing State Boards, we require 85-90% with no less than 85% in two science subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
Malaysia
Matrikulasi, STPM, College Diploma (Taylors, Inti, etc)
Applicants who have completed the Matrikulasi with a Grade Point Average of 3.5-3.75 with no individual subject below 72% including two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths will be considered for our Optometry courses.
For applicants who have completed the STPM, we require grades AAA-ABB including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths to be considered for entry to our undergraduate course.
Singapore
SIPCAL, Diploma
Applicants taking the SIPCAL would normally need ABB-AAA including two sciences from Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Maths.
Applicants taking a Diploma will need a CGPA of 3.0 with the majority of subjects at Grade B.
UAE
Thanaweyyah, Tawjihi, General Secondary Certificate
You need to have taken an acceptable qualification such as A-levels or International Baccalaureate for entry onto our undergraduate Optometry course.
North America
Canada
Ontario - COSSD (we may consider other provinces)
You need to successfully complete the COSSD with a minimum of 80-85% in six Grade 12U subjects including two from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Advanced Functions.
For applicants holding other Canadian qualifications, please contact ug.optometry@manchester.ac.uk.
Returning to practice in Canada
If you wish to return to Canada and register as an optometrist following your studies at Manchester, you will need to follow the steps set out by the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC). They are responsible for assessing the credentials of internationally educated optometrists outside of Canada. Full details can be found on the FORAC website.
It is important that you fully investigate the requirements for returning to practice in Canada before applying to this course.
US
APs, ACT and SAT Subject Tests
Applicants normally need the following:
- a High School Diploma with a CPGA of 3.0 plus AP grades of 544 including 2 from Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics;
- an ACT composite score of 27 plus 3 SAT subjects at 650-700 including two from Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics;
- an ACT composite score of 27 plus 3 AP grades at 544 including two from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths;
- SATs at 650-700 in 3 subjects including two from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.