Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) (CRICOS 083322F) at Australian Catholic University

Course Overview

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) (CRICOS course code 083322F) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 4 years. This course falls under the field of education 06 - Health, specifically 0617 - Rehabilitation Therapies, and further in 061707 - Speech Pathology. As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it combines undergraduate study with an honours year, providing advanced knowledge and research skills. International students benefit from Australia's robust education framework, with CRICOS registration ensuring the course meets national standards. Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 00004G) is a government-registered provider, meaning it adheres to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, giving students legal protections including tuition fee safeguards and access to complaint mechanisms. The course does not include foundation studies or dual qualifications, and is taught entirely in English.

What You'll Study

This program is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills required for speech pathology practice. Graduates typically gain competencies in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The curriculum likely covers anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, linguistics, audiology, and clinical reasoning. At AQF Level 8, you can expect a blend of coursework and a research component, fostering critical analysis and evidence-based practice. While specific subjects are set by Australian Catholic University, common themes include professional ethics, cultural responsiveness, and interprofessional collaboration. Speech pathology is a rewarding field that addresses essential health needs, and Australia's healthcare system demands highly skilled professionals. This course prepares students for clinical roles in hospitals, schools, community health centres, and private practice.

Duration and Study Mode

According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). It is delivered in English, as with all CRICOS-registered courses for international students. The program is a single qualification—no dual awards or foundation studies are included. Students must enrol full-time to maintain their student visa conditions, although specific study mode details (on-campus, blended) should be confirmed with the provider. Australian Catholic University offers multiple campuses, so students attend classes at their chosen location. The 4-year structure includes an embedded honours component, which distinguishes it from a standard bachelor degree. For international students, understanding the duration is crucial for visa planning, as the Student visa (Subclass 500) typically covers the course length plus additional time for travel.

Fees (Indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$210,176, with non-tuition fees of A$0, resulting in an estimated total of A$210,176. Please note: these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Australian Catholic University Limited. Fees are subject to change and do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or visa application charges. OSHC is mandatory for international students; typical costs range from A$500 to A$700 per year for single cover. Living expenses vary by location—for example, weekly rent in Sydney or Melbourne can be A$300–A$500, while Brisbane and Canberra are slightly lower. The Australian Government recommends budgeting at least A$21,041 per year for living costs. Always verify current fees with the provider at www.acu.edu.au before applying.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

Entry requirements for this course typically include an overall IELTS score of 6.0–6.5, with no band below 5.5–6.0. Equivalent English language tests like TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. Applicants are expected to have completed a qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate, with prerequisites in subjects such as English, mathematics, and science (e.g., biology). As a Bachelor Honours Degree, prior tertiary study may be considered for advanced standing. Foundation or pathway programs might be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements—consult Australian Catholic University for specific options. Note that academic requirements are set by the institution, not by HeadStart Academy. International students should also meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria and demonstrate financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and OSHC. We recommend checking the provider’s website for detailed entry information.

Work Component

This course includes a compulsory work component: 27 weeks of work-integrated learning at 35 hours per week, totalling approximately 945 hours. This typically involves supervised clinical placements in healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or community health organisations. These placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional competencies, and build networks for future employment. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of many Australian health degrees, ensuring graduates are job-ready. The CRICOS register records this component, so it is a verified part of the course. International students can participate in placements as part of their study; however, any paid work outside of placements is subject to student visa work restrictions (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks).

Delivery Locations

This course is delivered at four Australian Catholic University campuses: Australian Catholic University-Brisbane Campus (Banyo, QLD), Australian Catholic University-Canberra Campus (Watson, ACT), Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus (Fitzroy, VIC), and Australian Catholic University-North Sydney Campus (North Sydney, NSW). Each campus offers unique urban and cultural contexts. Brisbane (QLD) is known for its warm climate and growing student population, with over 400 CRICOS-registered providers in the state. Canberra (ACT) is Australia’s capital, with a smaller but vibrant student community and relatively lower cost of living. Melbourne (VIC) is a multicultural hub with strong public transport and over 500 providers statewide. North Sydney (NSW) is part of greater Sydney, offering proximity to city life but higher living costs. When choosing a location, consider weekly rent (e.g., Brisbane $280–$400, Melbourne $300–$500, Sydney $350–$600), public transport access, and lifestyle preferences. All campuses are easily reachable via public transport, and each state has its own student support services.

Student Visa

International students enrolled in this course will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited during scheduled holidays. Key requirements include providing a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Australian Catholic University, meeting Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. Current financial requirements are at least A$21,041 per year for living costs, plus OSHC and tuition. The GTE assessment evaluates your intention to stay temporarily in Australia for genuine study. Note that HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and cannot provide visa advice. For detailed information, consult the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered MARA agent. All CRICOS-registered courses offer ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee refund policies and access to the Overseas Students Ombudsman.

How to Apply

Applying for Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at Australian Catholic University involves three straightforward steps:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that Australian Catholic University (CRICOS 00004G) is registered for this specific course (CRICOS 083322F).

2. **Apply directly to Australian Catholic University** – Visit www.acu.edu.au for application procedures, entry requirements (including English test scores), and deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English proficiency evidence, and any other required documents.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have sufficient funds, OSHC, and meet GTE requirements.

Is a Bachelor Honours Degree in Speech Pathology Right for You?

Choosing a Bachelor Honours Degree in Speech Pathology is a significant decision. This field offers strong job prospects, with speech pathologists in demand across Australia. The honours component adds research skills, which can be advantageous for future study or leadership roles. However, the program is rigorous, with a heavy workload including clinical placements. Consider your passion for health, communication, and helping others. If you enjoy science and human interaction, this could be a fit. Also think about location: Do you prefer a bustling city or a quieter capital? Each campus provides different lifestyles, from Sydney’s fast pace to Canberra’s leafy suburbs. Financial planning is crucial—tuition at A$210,176 is substantial, and living costs vary. Part-time work (48 hours/fortnight) can help, but shouldn't be relied upon to cover all expenses. Research the profession’s registration requirements in your home country, as qualifications may need assessment. HeadStart Academy recommends speaking with current students or professionals to gain insight.

Ready to start your journey? Explore Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at Australian Catholic University on their official website, or use HeadStart Academy to compare other CRICOS-registered speech pathology courses.

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