Audiology is the clinical science involving the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of hearing loss, balance disorders, and associated communication difficulties. In Australia, audiology is delivered primarily as a two-year postgraduate Master's degree — either a Master of Audiology or Master of Clinical Audiology — which provides students with both the theoretical foundations and the supervised clinical experience required to enter the profession as a fully qualified allied health professional. The course covers a broad range of topics including anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems, diagnostic audiometry, paediatric and adult assessment, hearing aid prescription, cochlear implant management, aural rehabilitation, and balance testing across the entire lifespan. Graduates are eligible for full membership with Audiology Australia, the peak professional body, which is required for clinical practice in Australia.

Audiology programs are designed for graduates from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines including health sciences, medical science, psychology, speech pathology, biomedical science, and nursing. No single undergraduate degree is typically required for entry, making audiology a flexible and accessible postgraduate pathway for motivated science and health graduates. Upon graduating, audiologists work across an impressive range of settings including public hospitals, ENT clinics, private hearing care providers, community health centres, neonatal hearing screening programs, schools, government agencies such as Hearing Australia, and the medical devices and hearing technology industry. The course is delivered on-campus with mandatory in-person clinical placements and cannot be completed fully online, reflecting the hands-on nature of clinical audiology practice.

Audiology programs in Australia are postgraduate qualifications, and applicants must hold a completed bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution. No single specific undergraduate degree is required for admission — degrees in health sciences, biomedical science, psychology, speech pathology, nursing, or related disciplines are considered strong preparation. Most programs require a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of around 65 per cent (Credit average), though competitive applicants typically achieve higher. Some programs assess applicants on a selection weighted average mark (sWAM), personal statements, and in some cases rurality rankings, prioritising applicants from rural and regional backgrounds to address workforce shortages in underserved communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are actively encouraged through dedicated Indigenous pathway schemes at many institutions, and scholarships are available to support participation.

Because audiology involves direct clinical interaction with patients of all ages, applicants must also demonstrate intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional readiness for clinical practice. Students are required to attend all learning activities on campus and at clinical placements in person — the course cannot be completed online. As part of enrolment, students must complete pre-placement requirements including health checks, up-to-date immunisations, a National Police Check, and a current Working with Children Check where applicable. International and domestic applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements, typically an IELTS score of 7.0 or above in all subtests (or equivalent). Some programs also accept applicants who have completed Honours or postgraduate study in a relevant field as part of a competitive admission process.