Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) - CRICOS 086191K

What you'll study

This course belongs to the field of Health (06) within Rehabilitation Therapies (0617), specifically Occupational Therapy (061703). At AQF Level 8 (Bachelor Honours Degree), you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in assessing and enabling participation in daily activities for people with physical, mental, or developmental conditions. The curriculum typically includes human anatomy and physiology, psychology, occupational therapy theory and practice, professional ethics, and research methods. The honours component involves a supervised research project or dissertation, preparing you for further study or leadership roles. Clinical placements are integrated throughout the course, allowing you to apply theory in real healthcare settings under qualified supervision. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and pursue roles in hospitals, community health, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice. The broad-based training ensures adaptability across diverse populations and settings.

Duration and study mode

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a 4-year program, recorded as 208 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to enroll full-time on-campus at one of the five delivery locations. Part-time options may be available upon request, but international students should check visa conditions regarding study load. The duration includes both coursework and the mandatory work component. ACU may offer some subjects online, but the program is primarily face-to-face to facilitate practical learning.

Fees (indicative)

Indicative tuition fees for international students are A$210,176 for the entire program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. The estimated total course cost is A$210,176. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$600–A$800 per year depending on the provider. Living costs vary by city — for example, weekly rent in Sydney or Melbourne can range from A$250 to A$500, while Ballarat or Canberra may be lower. Always confirm current fees with Australian Catholic University Limited at www.acu.edu.au before applying. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International applicants typically need an overall IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent English language test). You must have completed a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 with strong academic achievement. Prerequisites often include English, biology, chemistry, or physics — check directly with ACU for specific subject requirements. Some applicants may enter via a foundation or pathway program if they do not meet direct entry criteria. ACU also considers previous tertiary study or professional experience. All entry requirements are set by the institution; HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only. For precise information, visit the ACU website or contact their admissions office.

Work component

This course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component: 60 weeks of supervised clinical placement at 30 hours per week, totaling approximately 1,800 hours. Placements occur in a variety of settings such as public and private hospitals, community health centers, schools, aged care facilities, and mental health services. Under the supervision of registered occupational therapists, you will develop practical skills in assessment, intervention planning, and client management. This component is essential for meeting accreditation standards set by the Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) and prepares you for the professional competencies required for registration. Placements may be arranged in multiple locations, giving you exposure to different populations and healthcare models.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at five Australian Catholic University campuses: Ballarat Campus (Ballarat, VIC), Brisbane Campus (Banyo, QLD), Canberra Campus (Watson, ACT), Melbourne Campus (Fitzroy, VIC), and North Sydney Campus (North Sydney, NSW). Each campus offers unique advantages. Ballarat is a regional city with lower living costs and a close-knit community. Brisbane provides a vibrant lifestyle with access to major hospitals. Canberra offers a purpose-built national capital environment. Fitzroy is in inner Melbourne, surrounded by cultural attractions. North Sydney is near the Sydney CBD with excellent public transport. All campuses have modern facilities including simulation labs and libraries. When choosing a location, consider climate, cost of living, and proximity to clinical placement sites.

Student visa information

International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include maintaining enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and valid OSHC. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year as of 2026), and family expenses if applicable. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition fees are safeguarded and you have access to consumer protection. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Australian Catholic University Limited: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Health), and city to compare options. Ensure the course code 086191K is listed. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit ACU's website (www.acu.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents (transcripts, English test results, personal statement). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once ACU approves your application, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend professional advice for visa submissions.

What to consider before choosing an occupational therapy honours degree

Occupational therapy is a rewarding but demanding profession. Before committing, consider your interest in health sciences, your ability to work with diverse populations, and your comfort with hands-on care. The honours component requires research skills and independent study. Practically, you'll need to manage a heavy study load alongside 1,800 hours of unpaid clinical placements — plan finances accordingly. Accreditation leads to registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, which requires annual renewal. Job prospects are strong: Australia faces a shortage of allied health professionals, especially in regional areas. However, salaries vary by sector; early career OTs earn around A$65,000–A$80,000 per year. Finally, ensure you meet the physical and emotional demands of the role, as it can be emotionally taxing. HeadStart Academy provides data only; always make personal enquiries.

Start your application today by researching CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy and then applying directly to Australian Catholic University Limited.

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