Bachelor of Speech Pathology (CRICOS course code 078174M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 4 years. This program falls under the field of Health – Rehabilitation Therapies – Speech Pathology (06-0617-061707) and is designed to equip students with the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, schools, private practice, and community health settings. Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a CRICOS-registered provider (00004G) with multiple campuses across Australia, offering a strong clinical focus and work-integrated learning opportunities. The course is available at four campuses: Brisbane (Banyo, QLD), Canberra (Watson, ACT), Melbourne (Fitzroy, VIC), and North Sydney (NSW), giving students flexibility in choosing their study location. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act. Below, we break down the key details – from fees and duration to entry requirements and visa steps – to help you make an informed decision.
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (CRICOS course code 078174M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 4 years. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. The field of education is 06 Health, subgroup 0617 Rehabilitation Therapies, specifically 061707 Speech Pathology. This program prepares graduates to work as speech pathologists, addressing communication and swallowing difficulties across the lifespan. ACU is a public university with a strong reputation in health sciences, and its speech pathology course includes extensive clinical placements to ensure graduates are job-ready. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and this course is no exception – data sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026.
As a Bachelor of Speech Pathology student at Australian Catholic University, you will explore the scientific and clinical foundations of speech pathology. The curriculum typically covers anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, linguistics, phonetics, child and adult language disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, and dysphagia. You will also study psychology, audiology, and professional practice ethics. Practical skills are developed through supervised clinical placements in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, and community health centres. While the specific syllabus may vary, graduates are equipped to work across a range of communication and swallowing disabilities, meeting the competencies required for professional accreditation. This course is ideal for those passionate about helping others communicate effectively and improving quality of life.
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University is a 4-year full-time program, corresponding to 208 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (no dual degree). This course does not include foundation studies, and there is no VET national code as it is a higher education Bachelor Degree. Students are expected to attend classes on campus and participate in clinical placements. The full-time load is approximately 35 hours per week including lectures, tutorials, and self-study. It is important to note that international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire Bachelor of Speech Pathology program at Australian Catholic University is A$210,176, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but students should budget for additional costs such as textbooks, equipment, uniforms, and travel to clinical placements. The estimated total cost is A$210,176. Note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by campus location – for example, in Sydney, weekly rent (shared accommodation) averages around A$300-400; in Brisbane, around A$250-350; in Melbourne, around A$280-380; and in Canberra, around A$300-400. Groceries and transport are additional. For the most current fees and a detailed breakdown, always check the provider's website directly at www.acu.edu.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change.
International applicants for the Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University typically need to meet both academic and English language requirements. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0 (test results valid for two years). Equivalent scores from other English tests (e.g., TOEFL, PTE, CAE) may also be accepted. Academically, you are expected to have completed a senior secondary qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 with appropriate grades in prerequisite subjects (e.g., English, maths, sciences). Foundation or pathway programs may be available through ACU or partner institutions – refer to the provider for specific options. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. Always verify with ACU's international admissions team.
This course includes a work-integrated learning component: 34 weeks of clinical placement at 35 hours per week, totalling approximately 1190 hours. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings under the supervision of qualified speech pathologists. Placements may occur in hospitals, schools, community health centres, private practices, or aged care facilities. The work component is an integral part of the curriculum, helping students develop professional competencies and build industry connections. International students must ensure their visa allows for such placements – the Student visa (Subclass 500) permits work as part of the study program, subject to conditions.
The Bachelor of Speech Pathology is delivered at four Australian Catholic University campuses: Australian Catholic University-Brisbane Campus in Banyo, Queensland; Australian Catholic University-Canberra Campus in Watson, Australian Capital Territory; Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus in Fitzroy, Victoria; and Australian Catholic University-North Sydney Campus in North Sydney, New South Wales. Each campus offers a unique study environment. Brisbane Banyo is a suburban campus with good access to public transport and affordable living costs – typical weekly rent in Brisbane is around A$250-350. Canberra Watson is located in the national capital, known for its high standard of living and cultural attractions – rent averages A$300-400 per week. Melbourne Fitzroy is in the inner-city, close to vibrant dining and arts – weekly rent around A$280-380. North Sydney is just across the harbour from the CBD, with excellent transport links – rent typically A$300-400 per week. All campuses are within reach of clinical placement facilities, and students can choose based on personal preference and lifestyle.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, having sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year), and OSHC, and satisfying health and character checks. Course fees shown are indicative – the Department of Home Affairs sets living cost benchmarks. During term, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight; unlimited work is permitted during scheduled course breaks. It's essential to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and attend classes as required. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including access to refunds and complaints processes. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for the Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University is a 3-step process:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Speech Pathology), and city. Confirm that Australian Catholic University and course code 078174M meet your needs.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit ACU's website (www.acu.edu.au) and follow their international student application procedure. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Note application deadlines, as competition can be strong.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once ACU offers you a place and you accept, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more CRICOS-registered speech pathology courses on HeadStart Academy, or visit Australian Catholic University's website to start your application.
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Bachelor of Speech Pathology is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.