Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy)

Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) at University of South Australia (UniSA)

Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) (CRICOS course code 072919A) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This course is registered on CRICOS (provider code 00121B) and is available for international students at the City East Campus in Adelaide, South Australia. The indicative total fee is A$168,000, with no additional non-tuition fees. English language requirements typically range from IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall. As a CRICOS-registered course, it qualifies for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and is protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
Free resource — no commission, no referral fees
Covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states

Course Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) (CRICOS course code 072919A) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This course is designed for international students seeking advanced research skills in occupational therapy. The program is offered at the City East Campus in Adelaide, South Australia, and is fully registered on CRICOS (provider code 00121B). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student education and is protected under the ESOS Act. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of them.

What You'll Study

This Doctoral Degree falls under the field of Rehabilitation Therapies (ANZSCO 0617), specifically Physiotherapy (061701). Students at this level typically engage in original research that contributes new knowledge to the discipline. The program focuses on advanced theoretical and practical aspects of occupational therapy, including evidence-based practice, research methodologies, and clinical applications. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, research, or clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to design and conduct independent research.

Duration and Study Mode

The total duration of Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) is 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. The course is research-intensive, requiring full-time commitment. Students are expected to complete a thesis under supervision.

Fees (Indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) is A$168,000, with no additional non-tuition fees (set by the provider). The estimated total fee is A$168,000. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students, and living costs in Adelaide average approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees directly with University of South Australia (UniSA) at www.unisa.edu.au, as fees are subject to change.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

English language proficiency is typically required at IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). For a Doctoral Degree, applicants usually need a Bachelor's degree with Honours or a Master's degree in a related field, along with demonstrated research capability. Specific prerequisites vary, so refer to University of South Australia (UniSA) for exact entry requirements. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this level; however, some students may complete a research preparation program if needed.

Work Component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.

Delivery Locations

Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) is delivered at University of South Australia, City East Campus — ADELAIDE, SA. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, with a student population of over 40,000 international students from more than 130 countries. The city offers affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with median weekly rent around A$300–A$450 for a one-bedroom apartment. Public transport, including buses and trains, provides easy access to the City East Campus. Adelaide is home to multiple CRICOS-registered providers, making it a popular study destination.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

This CRICOS-registered course qualifies international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). As a visa holder, 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, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) for visa advice. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student rights.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) at University of South Australia (UniSA):

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree), field (Health), and location (Adelaide, SA). Verify that the provider and course are CRICOS-registered.

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit University of South Australia (UniSA)'s website at www.unisa.edu.au. Check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with required documents (transcripts, research proposal, references).

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, you will receive a CoE from UniSA. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and meet financial requirements.

Is Adelaide Right for You?

Adelaide offers a unique study experience with a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne. The city has a diverse student community, excellent public transport, and proximity to beaches and national parks. For a Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy, Adelaide provides access to research facilities and clinical placements. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals when choosing a location. HeadStart Academy's free resource helps you compare courses and providers.

FAQ

Explore your study options in Australia with HeadStart Academy. Check CRICOS-registered courses today.

Other courses at University of South Australia (UniSA)

View the full University of South Australia (UniSA) profile →

Similar Doctoral Degree courses in South Australia

All Doctoral Degree courses in South Australia →

Source-backed course facts

Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of South Australia (UniSA). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy)
CRICOS course code
072919A
Provider
University of South Australia (UniSA) (00121B)
Course level
Doctoral Degree
Field of education
06 - Health
Duration
211 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$168,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$168,000
Delivery locations
ADELAIDE
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$168,000, with no additional non-tuition fees. This does not include OSHC (approximately A$600–A$1,000 per year), living costs (around A$20,000–A$25,000 per year in Adelaide), or the visa application charge. Fees are set by the provider and may change, so always confirm directly with University of South Australia (UniSA).
The course duration is 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. This is a full-time research program. Students may extend their visa if additional time is needed to complete the thesis.
Typically, you need an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall and a prior degree with research component (e.g., Honours or Master's). Specific academic requirements vary; check University of South Australia (UniSA)'s website for detailed prerequisites.
This course is delivered at University of South Australia's City East Campus in Adelaide, South Australia. The campus is easily accessible by public transport and located in the city centre.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$168,000 for Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Therapy) (tuition A$168,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with University of South Australia (UniSA) before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 072919A, offered by University of South Australia (UniSA) (provider code 00121B). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.