Doctor of Clinical Science (Clinical Speech Pathology, Clinical Vision Sciences, Family Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Counselling and Psychotherapy) (CRICOS course code 054041M) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by La Trobe University (La Trobe) over 4 years. This advanced program is designed for health professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in rehabilitation therapies. La Trobe is a CRICOS-registered government university (CRICOS 00115M), ensuring international students receive quality education under ESOS Act protections. Australia boasts over 1,500 CRICOS providers offering 26,433 courses, and this doctoral degree stands out for its flexibility across six clinical specialisations. Whether you aim to lead in speech pathology, occupational therapy, or counselling, this course provides rigorous research training and clinical leadership skills. Explore the details below, including fees, locations, and visa pathways.
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Doctor of Clinical Science (CRICOS 054041M) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) in the field of Rehabilitation Therapies (061799). It is offered by La Trobe University, a leading Australian public university with a strong reputation in health sciences. The course is delivered over 4 years (208 weeks) in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). Students can specialise in one of six areas: Clinical Speech Pathology, Clinical Vision Sciences, Family Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, or Counselling and Psychotherapy. This structure allows clinicians to advance their practice while contributing to research and evidence-based care. La Trobe's Bundoora campus in Melbourne provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and clinical placements. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This doctoral program focuses on high-level clinical reasoning, research methodology, and leadership in rehabilitation therapies. Students undertake a combination of coursework and a substantial research thesis or project. Core areas include advanced assessment and intervention techniques, evidence-based practice, healthcare systems analysis, and professional ethics. Graduates develop skills to evaluate and improve clinical outcomes, translate research into practice, and mentor other professionals. The curriculum is tailored to each specialisation, ensuring depth in areas such as neurorehabilitation, paediatric therapy, or mental health counselling. While specific subjects vary, the degree emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian quality standards for international students.
The course is registered on CRICOS as 208 weeks (4 years) of full-time study. Instruction is delivered in English. It is a single qualification, meaning you graduate with one doctoral degree without additional awards. No foundation studies or VET components are included. Study mode is typically on-campus at La Trobe's Melbourne (Bundoora) campus, though some components may involve clinical placements or research off-site. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for Doctor of Clinical Science are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. La Trobe University sets tuition at A$180,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0. Estimated total cost is A$180,000. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Melbourne are around A$500–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees with La Trobe University at latrobe.edu.au/international before applying.
Admission to this doctoral degree typically requires a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in a health field, plus professional experience. English proficiency is required with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent). Specific prerequisites vary by specialisation – for example, Clinical Speech Pathology may require prior speech pathology qualification, while Family Therapy may need counselling background. La Trobe may offer pathway options such as a Graduate Diploma or Master's for those who do not meet direct entry. Contact La Trobe for detailed requirements. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA agent for visa-related entry criteria.
This course has no mandatory work component. It does not include a structured internship, practicum, or placement as part of the CRICOS registration. However, students may choose to undertake voluntary clinical hours or research projects outside the curriculum. Visa holders should note that Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions allow work of 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited work during scheduled breaks.
Doctor of Clinical Science is delivered at La Trobe University's Melbourne (Bundoora) campus, located in Bundoora, Victoria. Bundoora is a northern suburb of Melbourne, about 15 km from the city centre. Melbourne is home to over 30 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Public transport options include trains and trams, with the campus accessible via the 86 tram line. Typical living costs in Melbourne are higher than regional areas – budget around A$1,200–1,500 per month for shared accommodation and essentials. The city is known for its vibrant culture, healthcare hubs, and research institutes.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from La Trobe University before applying. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention, adequate health insurance (OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover), and sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited during breaks. Dependants on a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) have limited work rights. Always check Department of Home Affairs for current rules. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Victoria is a leading destination for health research and education in Australia. Melbourne hosts numerous hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and allied health providers, offering potential networking and employment opportunities after graduation. The state has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, including La Trobe University. Consider your preference for urban versus campus life – Bundoora offers a quieter setting with easy city access. Living costs in Victoria are moderate compared to Sydney but higher than regional areas. The climate is temperate, with four distinct seasons. For international students, Victoria provides strong support services, multicultural communities, and pathways to post-study work visas (e.g., Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485).
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Clinical Science at La Trobe University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Doctoral Degree), field (Rehabilitation Therapies), and city (Melbourne). Verify that La Trobe University (CRICOS 00115M) meets your interests.
2. **Apply directly to La Trobe University**: Visit La Trobe's international admissions page at latrobe.edu.au/international. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS 6.5–7.0), and evidence of prior qualifications. Check application deadlines – doctoral intakes may be limited to certain semesters. Some specialisations may require a portfolio or interview.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, La Trobe issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds (at least A$60,000+ for living costs), and a genuine student statement. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent for visa assistance.
Ready to advance your clinical career? Start your application using our 3-step guide above. Contact La Trobe University for the latest entry requirements and fees.
Doctor of Clinical Science (Clinical Speech Pathology, Clinical Vision Sciences, Family Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Counselling and Psychotherapy) 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.