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Planning to become a chiropractor in Australia? This guide explains where to study chiropractic in Australia, how accreditation works, entry requirements for domestic and international students, visa considerations, and how Skills Campus can support your application and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Quick answer: Accredited chiropractic programs in Australia #
In Australia, chiropractic education is delivered through accredited pathways typically comprising an undergraduate health or chiropractic science degree followed by a professional master’s or doctoral qualification. As a starting point, explore these well-known providers and always verify current accreditation status with the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA):
- Macquarie University (Sydney, NSW) — Bachelor of Chiropractic Science + Master of Chiropractic: https://www.mq.edu.au/
- RMIT University (Melbourne, VIC) — Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic): https://www.rmit.edu.au/
- Murdoch University (Perth, WA) — Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic Science) + Doctor of Chiropractic: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/
Check the current list of accredited programs on CCEA: https://www.ccea.com.au/ and registration requirements with the Chiropractic Board of Australia (AHPRA): https://www.ahpra.gov.au/.
Accredited program options and locations #
Macquarie University (Sydney, New South Wales) #
Macquarie offers a well-established pathway where students typically complete the Bachelor of Chiropractic Science before the Master of Chiropractic. Coursework integrates biosciences, diagnostics, clinical skills and supervised practice. Program details: https://www.mq.edu.au/
RMIT University (Melbourne, Victoria) #
RMIT delivers a double-degree style pathway combining health science foundations with applied chiropractic learning, preparing graduates for clinical practice through extensive pre-clinical labs and placements. Program details: https://www.rmit.edu.au/
Murdoch University (Perth, Western Australia) #
Murdoch typically pairs an undergraduate science program with a professional Doctor of Chiropractic, emphasising evidence-informed practice and hands-on clinical training in university clinics. Program details: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/
Important: Accreditation statuses can change. Always confirm the current recognition of any program with CCEA: https://www.ccea.com.au/.
Entry requirements and prerequisites #
While each university sets its own criteria, applicants generally need:
- Academic background: Completion of secondary school (ATAR or equivalent) or prior tertiary study. Prerequisites often include biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
- GPA/selection rank: Competitive thresholds vary by university and intake.
- English language proficiency (international students): Commonly demonstrated via IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. See AHPRA’s English Language Skills Standard for registration: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx
- Immunisation and clearances: Vaccinations, police checks and working-with-children checks for clinical placements.
- Inherent requirements: Capacity to perform manual therapy, patient handling, and safe clinical practice.
Universities publish detailed admission criteria; check each institution’s official page for the latest requirements.
Registration pathway and accreditation #
- Complete an accredited chiropractic qualification recognised by CCEA: https://www.ccea.com.au/
- Apply for registration with the Chiropractic Board of Australia via AHPRA: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
- Meet English language, recency of practice, and professional indemnity standards set by AHPRA.
- Engage in ongoing CPD to maintain registration.
Always verify the current requirements with AHPRA and the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
Costs, scholarships and financial planning #
Tuition varies by university and study load. Additional costs may include uniforms, clinic levies, equipment, textbooks and insurance. Explore:
- University scholarships and bursaries listed on each provider’s site.
- Government and external funding for eligible students. See Study in Australia for general guidance: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/
- Payment plans or instalment options where available.
How to choose the right chiropractic school #
- Accreditation and graduate outcomes: Confirm CCEA accreditation and AHPRA registration pathways.
- Clinical hours and facilities: Compare on-campus clinics, simulation labs and placement networks.
- Curriculum focus: Evidence-informed practice, research opportunities, and elective breadth.
- Location and lifestyle: Sydney, Melbourne and Perth each offer distinct campus cultures and living costs.
- Student support: Tutoring, wellbeing services and international student assistance.
International students: visas and compliance #
International students typically require the Student visa (subclass 500). Review eligibility, Genuine Student requirements, financial capacity and OSHC on the Department of Home Affairs site: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
Also check:
- OSHC health insurance for the full length of your visa.
- Work conditions attached to your visa and term-time limits.
- Post-study options via the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) if eligible: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit #
If you have previous study in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics or related health sciences, you may be eligible for credit or RPL for certain units. Each university assesses equivalency against its curriculum and accreditation rules. Skills Campus can help you audit transcripts, map outcomes and prepare strong RPL submissions to potentially shorten your study time without compromising eligibility for registration.
Careers and professional outlook #
Registered chiropractors in Australia work in private practice, multidisciplinary clinics, sport settings, and community health. Many pursue special interests (e.g., sports chiropractic, paediatrics, rehabilitation) and leadership, research or academic roles. Strong communication, ethical practice and ongoing CPD underpin employability.
How Skills Campus supports your journey #
- Course and university selection: Compare Macquarie, RMIT and Murdoch against your goals.
- RPL and credit advice: Independent mapping of prior qualifications and experience.
- Admissions and documentation: Statement of purpose, references and readiness checks.
- International student support: Visa strategy, timing and compliance guidance.
- Migration and career pathways: Post-study planning aligned to AHPRA registration rules.
Start your chiropractic study plan with a free consultation at Skills Campus: https://skillscampus.com.au/
Ready to take the next step? Request personalised guidance from Skills Campus today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
