Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (CRICOS course code 0101261) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by La Trobe University (La Trobe) over 4 years. This program is designed for international students seeking a career in occupational therapy, a growing field that helps people overcome barriers to participate in everyday activities. As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it builds on foundational knowledge and includes a research component. La Trobe University is a CRICOS-registered provider (00115M) offering this course at its Bendigo and Melbourne (Bundoora) campuses. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses available across Australia, this program stands out for its strong clinical placement component and recognition by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that sources data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date information to plan your study in Australia.
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Occupational therapy falls under the field of Rehabilitation Therapies (061703). At the Bachelor Honours Degree level, students typically develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and occupational therapy practice. The curriculum often includes assessment and intervention techniques to support individuals with physical, mental, or developmental conditions. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings such as hospitals, community health centres, schools, and aged care facilities. The honours component involves a supervised research project, equipping students with evidence-based practice skills. While exact subjects are set by La Trobe University, the program aligns with Australian accreditation standards for occupational therapy.
The course is 4 years (208 weeks) on the CRICOS register, delivered full-time in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include a foundation studies component. The program is not a VET course (VET national code: N/A). International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. La Trobe University may offer flexible delivery modes; check with the provider for current options.
Tuition fees are indicative at A$184,800 total for the 4-year program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but this does not include other costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year. Living costs vary by location: in Melbourne, indicative weekly rent is around A$250–A$450, with groceries and transport adding A$150–A$250 per week; Bendigo is more affordable (rent ~A$180–A$300). Always confirm current fees with La Trobe University at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international.
Entry requirements typically include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, with prerequisite subjects in English, biology, chemistry, or health and human development. English language proficiency is required: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5–6.0). Alternative English tests like TOEFL or PTE may be accepted. Previous qualifications at AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree) or higher may be considered for credit. For foundation or pathway options, refer to La Trobe University's website or contact their international admissions team. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the university assesses each application holistically.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 36 weeks, 30 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,080 hours. This work-integrated learning typically involves supervised clinical placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health organisations, or schools. Placements are arranged by La Trobe University and are an integral part of the degree, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under professional supervision. Such experiences are essential for registration as an occupational therapist in Australia. International students must ensure their Student visa allows for such placements (see visa conditions).
The course is delivered at two locations in Victoria: - Bendigo Campus — Flora Hill, VIC (regional city, ~150 km north of Melbourne) - Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus — BUNDOORA, VIC (suburban campus ~16 km north of Melbourne's CBD) Bendigo offers a smaller, tight-knit community with lower living costs, while Bundoora provides access to Melbourne's vibrant city life. Both campuses are accessible via public transport. Bendigo has several CRICOS-registered providers; Melbourne has over 100 providers and a large international student population (over 200,000). Choose based on your preference for regional or metropolitan study environment.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and attendance. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. The Department of Home Affairs assesses visa applications individually. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for detailed guidance. All institutions listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you are protected under the ESOS Act.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at La Trobe University: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses by level and location. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (La Trobe is 00115M). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other documents. Check La Trobe's application deadlines and entry requirements for international students. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once offered a place, La Trobe will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Include required documents: OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more courses or contact La Trobe University directly for detailed information.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at La Trobe University (La Trobe). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.