Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS course code 055178G) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 4 years. This course is designed to equip students with the skills to help people participate in meaningful activities of daily life, addressing physical, mental, and social challenges. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international student enrollment. Deakin University, a government institution (CRICOS 00113B), offers this program at its Geelong Waterfront Campus, providing access to world-class facilities and clinical placements. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community health settings. With a strong focus on work-integrated learning, students gain over 1,000 hours of professional practice experience. This page provides key information on fees, entry requirements, and the student visa process to help you plan your study journey in Australia.
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The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS code 055178G) is a four-year full-time undergraduate program at Deakin University. This course falls under the field of Health (06) and specifically Rehabilitation Therapies (0617) focusing on Occupational Therapy (061703). It is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies. The language of instruction is English. The course includes a mandatory work component of 60 weeks (18 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,080 hours), providing students with practical experience in real healthcare settings. This work-integrated learning is essential for developing clinical competencies and meeting professional accreditation requirements. All providers and courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government, ensuring quality and compliance with national standards.
As an Occupational Therapy student, you will explore how occupation (the activities people do every day) can be used therapeutically to improve health and wellbeing. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, psychology, and social sciences, along with specialist subjects such as human occupation, assessment and intervention techniques, mental health, and community rehabilitation. You will learn to work collaboratively with clients to identify goals and develop personalised strategies. The course emphasises evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and ethical reasoning. By graduation, you will be able to analyse occupational performance, plan and implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes. This general guidance reflects typical learning outcomes at AQF Level 7 in this field; for specific course structure, refer to Deakin University's official handbook.
The CRICOS register records the duration as 4 years (208 weeks) for this course. Study is full-time on campus at Deakin University's Geelong Waterfront Campus. The language of instruction is English. There is no part-time or online option for international students on a student visa; full-time study is a visa condition. This course is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include a foundation studies program. Students should be prepared for intensive academic work combined with clinical placements. The duration includes both theoretical classes and supervised practice hours. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration and mode are approved by the Australian Government to ensure quality education for international students.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are indicative at A$195,488 for the full program, as sourced from the CRICOS register. There are no non-tuition fees listed in the register, so the estimated total is A$195,488. However, this amount excludes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge. Living costs in Geelong are estimated at around A$400–600 per week for rent, food, and transport, depending on lifestyle. OSHC for a single student is approximately A$600–800 per year. Always check the latest fees directly with Deakin University at http://www.deakin.edu.au/ as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy provides indicative figures only; we recommend confirming all costs with the provider before accepting an offer.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency typically with an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall and no band below 5.5–6.0. Equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. Prior qualifications should include completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12, with prerequisite subjects in English, Mathematics, and a science subject (often Biology) recommended. Some applicants may need to complete a foundation or pathway program if they do not meet direct entry requirements. Deakin University offers pathway options through Deakin College. Since entry requirements vary by country, check the specific criteria for your region on Deakin's website. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; selection is competitive. For visa purposes, you must provide evidence of meeting these requirements when applying for a Student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 60 weeks, 18 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,080 hours. This work-integrated learning takes the form of supervised clinical placements in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, and community health organisations. Placements are typically arranged by the university and occur throughout the program, allowing students to apply theory to practice under the guidance of experienced occupational therapists. These placements are essential for developing professional competencies and meeting accreditation standards. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for placement hours; the Student visa (Subclass 500) permits unlimited work hours related to course requirements. The placement experience also enhances employability and professional networking.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is delivered at Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus in Geelong, Victoria. Geelong is a vibrant coastal city about an hour's drive from Melbourne, with a growing student population. Geelong has over 10 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across various fields. The Waterfront Campus is located near the central business district, with access to public transport (train and bus) and amenities. Living costs in Geelong are generally lower than in Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $350–$450. The campus features modern facilities including simulation labs and libraries. For students seeking a quieter study environment with proximity to Melbourne, Geelong is an attractive option. HeadStart Academy lists all delivery locations for this course as per the CRICOS register.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. To apply, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions, meet financial capacity requirements (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel), and hold valid OSHC. The Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) processes visa applications. All students are protected under the ESOS Act, which safeguards tuition fees and ensures quality education. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only and does not offer immigration advice.
Applying for this course involves three straightforward steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers like Deakin University to confirm they are listed on the CRICOS register. You can use HeadStart Academy's search tools to filter by course level, field, and city. Second, apply directly to Deakin University by meeting entry requirements, providing proof of English proficiency, and submitting required documents before the application deadline. You can apply online via Deakin's website. Third, upon receiving a Letter of Offer and accepting it, the university will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. HeadStart Academy's free resources can guide you through each step.
Geelong offers a unique study experience with a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. The city has a population of around 250,000, with a strong sense of community and easy access to beaches and natural attractions. Public transport connects Geelong to Melbourne via V/Line trains, making day trips feasible. For Occupational Therapy students, Geelong has a range of healthcare facilities for placements, including University Hospital Geelong and community health centres. The student population is diverse, with Deakin University attracting many international students. Consider your preference for city size, lifestyle, and career opportunities when choosing Geelong. HeadStart Academy can help you explore other study locations as well.
Ready to begin your Occupational Therapy journey? Start your research today or apply directly to Deakin University.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). 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.