Requirement To Study Optometry In South Africa

What Is Optometry

Optometry is a specialized health care profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects or abnormalities. This often involves prescribing corrective lenses and providing medical eye care.

Entry Requirements To Study Optometry In South Africa

Admission Requirements

Minimum APS: 29

Language of teaching and learning- English: 5 (60%+)

Mathematics: 5 (60%+)

Mathematical Literacy: Not accepted

Physical Sciences: 5 (60%+)

Life Sciences: 5 (60%+)

Additional Subject 1: 5 (60%+)

Additional Subject 2: 4 (50%+)

Admission for international applicants is subject to meeting the compliance requirements as stipulated by the Immigration Act No 13 , the regulations made there under the University’s policy.


Meeting the Faculty’s minimum requirements for a particular programme does not necessarily guarantee admission to that programme due to space constraints. All applicants have to complete the NBT (National Benchmark Test) prior to admission. The result of the NBT will inform decisions taken on the placement of the applicant. Life Orientation is not included when calculating APS.

Registration and Start Dates

Registration starts in January and lectures in February for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work programmes.

All research programmes for Masters and PhD can register throughout the year.

End Date: Academic starts in January and ends in December. The programme deadline is determined by the duration of the programme.

Schools Offering Optometry In South Africa

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

National Diploma: Optical Dispensing.

University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Bachelor of Optometry.

University of Johannesburg.

Bachelor of Optometry.

University of Limpopo.

Bachelor of Optometry. www.ul.ac.za.

University of the Free State.

Bachelor of Optometry.

How many years does it take to study optometry in South Africa?

I went to the University of Johannesburg and studied for four years to obtain my degree in optometry. What type of personality is suited to this job? Someone who is passionate about people.

What qualifications are needed to be an optometrist in South Africa ?

You’ll need to get a degree in optometry, approved by the General Optical Council (GOC). You’ll also complete a one-year pre-registration paid and supervised work placement, with a registered optometrist, and pass the GOC final assessment to qualify.

Do optometrists get paid well in South Africa?

The average optometrist salary in South Africa is R 330 000 per year or R 169 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 252 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 486 000 per year.

Are Optometrists in demand in South Africa?

Given all the points mentioned above, it is unlikely that SA has a shortage of optometrists, although it could be argued that more optometrists are required in public service. The Quarterly Employment Statistics for Q4 2019 by SA Stats, shows what workers are getting paid across the various sectors in the country.

How much do eye doctors earn in South Africa?

An optometrist usually earn an average salary of R 350,000 per annum.

How long does it take to become an optometrist in South Africa ?

The path to becoming an optometrist is not as long as an ophthalmologist’s, but it still takes a minimum of seven to eight years to complete. Usually, a student must have completed their bachelor’s degree (although some schools accept three years of college) before applying to a four-year optometry program.