The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS course code 016828B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU) over 4 years. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00005F), CSU offers this program to international students seeking a career in occupational therapy. The course is classified under Field of Education 061703 - Occupational Therapy, focusing on rehabilitation therapies. Graduates learn to help people of all ages participate in meaningful activities despite physical, mental, or developmental challenges. This course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component, preparing students for professional practice in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community settings. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy for your study planning. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource—no referral fees or commissions.
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS course code 016828B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU) over 4 years. This AQF Level 7 program is designed for international students aiming to become accredited occupational therapists. Charles Sturt University is a government-owned university with strong regional ties, delivering this course at its Albury—Thurgoona and Port Macquarie campuses in New South Wales. The course fee is A$145,920 (indicative), with additional non-tuition costs of A$1,472, totalling an estimated A$147,392. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application fees are not included. Always check the latest fees on the CSU website. CSU is one of 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering over 26,000 courses to international students. This course is fully accredited under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student are protected.
This occupational therapy degree covers the core principles of rehabilitation theories, human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and client-centred practice. Students develop skills in assessment, intervention planning, and outcome evaluation for diverse populations. The curriculum includes units on mental health, physical rehabilitation, paediatrics, and gerontology. While HeadStart Academy does not publish specific module lists, the field of education (0617 - Rehabilitation Therapies) indicates a strong focus on evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural competence. Graduates are prepared to work in settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centres, and private practice. The course also emphasises Australian healthcare systems and ethical practice, aligning with the standards required for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University is a 4-year full-time program, listed as 208 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course—no dual degree or foundation studies component. Students must attend classes on campus, as no online-only option is available for international students. The course is delivered in standard semesters, with breaks allowing for work and travel. You are expected to commit to around 40 hours per week including classes, study, and clinical placements. The work component (80 weeks, 12.5 hours per week) is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring you gain practical experience alongside theoretical learning.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are A$145,920 for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) amount to A$1,472, bringing the estimated total to A$147,392. These figures are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Important: OSHC, living costs, visa application charges, and travel expenses are not included. International students should budget an additional A$21,000–A$27,000 per year for living costs (rent, groceries, transport) depending on location. For current fee schedules, always visit the Charles Sturt University fee page. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy does not collect commissions or referral fees from any provider.
To be considered for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, international students typically need to demonstrate completion of Year 12 or equivalent with strong academic results. English language proficiency is required—an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 overall (with no band below 5.5-6.0) is commonly accepted, though scores vary by country. Other accepted tests include TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Prerequisites may include subjects like biology or health sciences. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, Charles Sturt University offers pathway programs or foundation studies—check with the university for options. Always confirm exact entry requirements on the provider's website, as they can change. Note that meeting academic and English requirements does not guarantee a student visa; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and financial capacity requirements.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 80 weeks of placement, averaging 12.5 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,000 hours. This practical experience is integral to the curriculum, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real healthcare settings under supervision. Placements may occur in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, schools, or community organisations. Charles Sturt University arranges placements, but you may need to meet pre-placement requirements such as vaccinations, police checks, and working with children checks. This hands-on experience is critical for developing professional competence and meeting accreditation standards. It also helps you build a network for future employment. Ensure you factor placement hours into your study schedule.
This course is delivered at two campuses in New South Wales: Albury—Thurgoona (in the Riverina region) and Port Macquarie (on the Mid North Coast). Albury has a population of about 50,000 and is close to the Victorian border, with affordable living costs (weekly rent ~A$200–A$300). The Thurgoona campus is about 10 km from Albury city centre, accessible by bus. Port Macquarie is a coastal city with around 50,000 residents, known for its beaches and lifestyle. Weekly rent is slightly higher (A$250–A$350). Public transport to the Port Macquarie campus (7 Major Innes Road) is available, but a car may be convenient. Both campuses offer student support services, libraries, and study spaces. New South Wales is home to over 250,000 international students and has more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers, giving you a vibrant student community.
International students enrolling in this course need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs—you must demonstrate genuine intention to study and return home after completion. Financial capacity evidence (tuition, living costs, dependents' costs) is also required. The student visa application fee is currently A$710 (subject to change). For detailed visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
To apply for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University (CSU), follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree), field (Occupational Therapy), and location (New South Wales). Confirm that CSU (CRICOS 00005F) is right for you. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the CSU international admissions page, check entry requirements and English language test scores, prepare your academic transcripts, and submit your application before the deadline. You may also need to provide a personal statement or attend an interview. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once CSU offers you a place and you accept, you will receive a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Wait for visa grant before travelling.
New South Wales is Australia's most populous state, with multiple universities offering occupational therapy programs. Choosing to study in Albury or Port Macquarie gives you a regional experience with lower living costs compared to Sydney. The cost of living in Albury is about A$1,200–A$1,500 per month (including rent, food, transport). In Port Macquarie, it's slightly higher. Both cities have growing health sectors, offering placement opportunities in local hospitals and clinics. Public transport in Albury is limited to buses, while Port Macquarie has a bus network and airport. As an international student, you'll have access to support services, including English language help, career advice, and counselling. Remember that all CRICOS-registered providers, including CSU, must comply with the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition fees are protected and you receive quality education. Before choosing this course, consider whether you prefer a quieter regional lifestyle or a larger city. Also, think about the 1000-hour placement requirement and whether you can manage the physical and emotional demands of occupational therapy.
Ready to start your occupational therapy journey? Use HeadStart Academy to explore CRICOS-registered providers, compare courses, and plan your study in Australia. All data is free and updated from the official CRICOS register.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Sturt University (CSU). 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.