What Are the Best Dental Schools in Australia for Canadian Students in 2025?

• No DAT Required for Undergraduate Entry 

  Most of the undergraduate entry dental school programs in Australia do not require the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) for admissions. You may still have to complete either the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or International Student Admissions Test (ISAT).  

• Earlier Clinical Exposure 

  Australian dental schools give students clinical exposure as early as in the first year, while Canadian students typically begin in the second year.  

• Transferable Degree  

  Canadian students can begin a dental practice in Canada or another country with their Australian degree as long as it comes from an accredited school and you’ve completed the domestic licensure requirements and exams.

• High-Quality Dental Facilities  

  Many of these programs are known for their advanced facilities. Students can enjoy state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, and clinics to help with training.

• Lifestyle and Travel 

  International students from around the world choose to study abroad in Australia to enjoy its many sights and natural beauty.

Dental school is highly competitive and requires strong grades. Australia has also increased its cap on international students for 2026. This stresses the importance of getting the right expertise to create a competitive application. If you have questions, speak to expert counsellors at IDP Canada.

Yes, for a full list of Australian dental schools accredited in Canada, please  refer to the Australian Dental Council’s Program Accreditation page.  Attending an accredited program does not mean you are exempt from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) licensing process to practice in Canada.

Yes, you can practice in Canada if you undergo the correct licensing process as designated by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) recognizes a reciprocal agreement between the Australian Dental Council and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. This allows graduates of accredited dental schools of either body to practice general dentistry in either country. 

The NDEB requires internationally trained dentists to complete three exams: The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ), and the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDECC), which then leads to the NDEB Certification Process. 

This typically involves the Virtual OSCE, which is necessary for licensure in Canada. For more information see the National Dental Examining Board of Canada’s website.

• Academic Prerequisites (GPA or High School Marks) 

Minimum average of 83-85% with strong marks in English, Biology and Chemistry (or other equivalent Science subjects) 

• DAT or UCAT Requirement 

Graduate entry: Requires Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) for admissions. 

Undergraduate entry: Requires University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or International Student Admissions Test (ISAT). 

• English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) 

IELTS score: 7.0 minimum overall, 6.5 minimum in writing and 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking.  TOEFL score: 80 to 100+ 

• Personal Statement and References 

Use your personal statement to explain why you want to study dentistry, mention your aptitude and experience, discuss team and leadership skills, and general interests. You will also need to include references from science/health teachers or professors. 

• Dentistry in Australia International Student Fees 

Tuition will vary depending on your school. For dentistry, you can expect to pay between CAD $50,000 and $86,000 a year in international student fees. It is always advisable to consult your institution’s program page for the most accurate information.  

• Living Costs in Major Australian Cities 

Most Australian cities have a yearly cost of living as follows: 

Rent: CAD $6,000 - $21,600 

Groceries and Restaurants: CAD $8,300 

Gas, Electricity, Water, and Internet: CAD $1,600 - $2,600 

Books and School Supplies: CAD $5,400 - $10,700 

• Health Insurance  

International students require the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their studies in Australia. Costs depend on your provider and your individual circumstances. For more information see the Study Australia OSHC page.

Here are some of the best dental schools in Australia for international students, according to 2025 QS University Global Rankings.

1. The University of Melbourne 

QS University Global Ranking: 

34 

Location:

Melbourne 

Dentistry Programs Offered: 

Bachelor, Doctorate, Graduate Certificate 

Best Known For:    

Industry Impact. Reputation for its impact in health policy, patient treatment, and the commercial sector.  

State-of-the-art facilities. Known for some of the best dental teaching environments in the southern hemisphere using advanced technologies. 

Admission Process:  

Learn more about the admission process for each degree type here. 

Scholarships and Awards:   

Please see the University of Melbourne dentistry scholarships page for more information.   

2. University of Queensland 

QS University Global Ranking: 

36 

Location: 

Brisbane City 

Dentistry Programs Offered:

Bachelor, Doctorate 

Best Known For:    

Award-winning Oral Health Centre. Biggest and most advanced dental centre in Australasia bringing world-wide experts and students together.  

Clinical focus. Known for preparing students for clinical practice from day 1.  

Admission Process: 

Learn more about the admission process for each degree type here. 

Scholarships and Awards:  

Explore University of Queensland scholarships here.   

3. Griffith University 

QS University Global Ranking: 

51-120 

Location:  

Nathan 

Dentistry Programs Offered: 

Bachelor, Masters, Doctorate, Graduate diploma 

Best Known For:    

Rigorous hands-on training. Students get exposure in their first year in a variety of settings including partner clinics across regions of Australia.  

Modern facilities. Students have access to the 117-chair dental clinic and laboratories in the Griffith Health Centre.  

Admission Process: 

Explore the admission process here. 

Scholarships and Awards: 

Explore available scholarships and awards here.  

4. University of Adelaide 

QS University Global Ranking: 

51-120 

Location: 

Adelaide 

Dentistry Programs Offered: 

Bachelor, Doctorate 

Best Known For: 

Research intensive dental school. Recognized for its track record for notable publications, research grants, articles, and books.  

Innovative and flexible learning. Focused on small-group collaborative learning, clinical placement, case studies, and more.  

Admission Process: 

Learn more about the admission process here.  

Scholarships and Awards: 

The University of Adelaide offers the Oliver Rutherford Turner Research Supplementary Scholarship in Dentistry and other scholarships. Explore more here. 

5. University of Sydney 

QS University Global Ranking: 

51-120 

Location: 

Sydney 

Dentistry Programs Offered: 

Bachelor, Doctorate, Graduate Diploma 

Best Known For: 

Industry connections. Programs supported by connections with Sydney Dental Hospital, Nepean Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, and additional oral centres in NSW.  

Hands-on experience. Integrative learning that includes simulation clinics, dental hospitals, and real-word issues with guidance from leading professionals.  

Admission Process: 

Learn more about the admission process for each degree type here.  

Scholarships and Awards: 

Explore the University of Sydney scholarships here.  

6. University of Western Australia 

QS University Global Ranking: 

51-120 

Location: 

Perth 

Dentistry Programs Offered: 

Doctorate 

Best Known For: 

Tertiary dental training centre. Home to Western Australia’s only tertiary dental training centre delivering teaching and learning with advanced technology and facilities. 

Clinical focus. Early clinical exposure and research, with specialized training in Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, and Oral Medicine.  

Admission Process: 

Learn more about the admission requirements here.  

Scholarships and Awards: 

Explore scholarship opportunities at University of Western Australia here.

Choosing the right school should always start with research, because this can tell you whether a program is renowned for cutting edge science that can have an impact on your future career. Curriculum and technology can also play a huge role in helping students figure out whether a program trains them to work with modern equipment. For some international students, factors like the presence of clubs or communities will matter, because this helps with mental health and adjusting to life in a new country. Also important is the option of outreach opportunities, if offered by an institution. Here are several factors that can help you narrow down the best dental school for you.  

• Compare Program Format and Entry Requirements 

Consider the program structure and admission requirements based on your goals, grades, and experience. 

• Consider Tuition vs. Scholarships 

Some programs will have higher international student fees than others. Depending on available scholarships, this may impact your choice. 

• Check Clinical Training and Technology Access 

Consider how early clinical exposure or access to certain facilities and resources can impact your studies based on your learning style and interests.  

• Look at Canadian Recognition 

If you’d like to return to Canada to practice dentistry, be sure to apply only to programs accredited in Canada.  

• Think About Location, Lifestyle, and Support Services 

Some cities and universities may suit your lifestyle and preferences more. Consider the quality of services that are important to you, like athletic centres and mental health support. 

A study abroad agency like IDP Education can give you a competitive advantage when you apply to dental school from Canada. Here’s why thousands of international students have chosen IDP Education as their number one choice: 

• We’re partially owned by Australian universities  

• We are co-owners of the IELTS 

• We operate in over 35 countries 

• We offer support for everything from applications to settling in  

• Our counsellors understand you on a deep level, some with personal experience of studying abroad in Australia  

Our services are completely free. Want to stand out from the crowd? IDP Education is here to help. Book a call now.