Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (CRICOS course code 088336D) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00121B) is designed for international students seeking a career in occupational therapy, a regulated health profession in Australia. As a student, you'll learn to help people overcome barriers to participation in everyday activities, working across healthcare, community, and rehabilitation settings. The course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component, providing real-world experience in clinical placements. Australia is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program at UniSA is among the leading occupational therapy qualifications. On this page, HeadStart Academy provides indicative fees, entry requirements, student visa guidance, and a step-by-step application process—all sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Use this information to plan your study journey, but always confirm details directly with University of South Australia before applying.
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As a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8), this course falls under the field of Health (06) and specifically Rehabilitation Therapies (0617), focusing on Occupational Therapy (061703). Graduates typically develop advanced knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and occupational science, along with practical skills in assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practice. The honours component involves a research project, preparing students for clinical leadership or further postgraduate study. While the exact syllabus is set by University of South Australia (UniSA), students can expect to cover areas such as mental health, paediatrics, aged care, ergonomics, and community rehabilitation. The program emphasises cultural competence and interprofessional collaboration, essential for working in Australia's diverse healthcare system. At HeadStart Academy, we highlight that all CRICOS-registered courses meet rigorous quality standards under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive a high-quality education.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a single qualification (no dual award) delivered full-time over 4 years and 1 month, equivalent to 211 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. There is no foundation studies component integrated into this course, but applicants who do not meet direct entry requirements may consider pathway programs offered by UniSA or other CRICOS-registered providers. The course is delivered only at the City East Campus in Adelaide, South Australia. International students should note that student visa (Subclass 500) conditions require enrolment in a full-time, CRICOS-registered course; this program meets that requirement. HeadStart Academy's data, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), confirms the duration and study mode are accurate as of that date.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$177,200, with non-tuition fees of A$325, bringing the estimated total to A$177,525. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by University of South Australia. Please note: this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. International students in Adelaide typically need to budget for weekly living expenses: rent (A$200–350 for shared accommodation), groceries (A$80–120), and public transport (A$30–50). OSHC for a single student is approximately A$600–$800 per year. Always confirm current fees directly with UniSA, as institutions update tuition annually. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees; we encourage you to compare costs across multiple CRICOS-registered providers using our course search.
While specific entry requirements are set by University of South Australia, international students typically need an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (with no band below 5.5–6.0). For a Bachelor Honours Degree, applicants are generally expected to have completed a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12, with prerequisite subjects in biology or health sciences. Some institutions may also require a personal statement or interview. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, inquire about pathway programs such as a Foundation Studies program or a Diploma in Health Sciences offered by UniSA or other CRICOS-registered providers. These pathways can lead into the bachelor's degree. At HeadStart Academy, we recommend consulting the provider's official website and contacting their international admissions team for the most accurate and up-to-date entry criteria. Additionally, a registered migration agent can advise on how your prior qualifications align with Australian standards.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 51 weeks, totalling approximately 995 hours (though exact hours per week are not specified on the CRICOS register). This typically takes the form of supervised clinical placements in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health organisations, and schools. Work-integrated learning allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, build professional networks, and gain the practical experience required for registration as an occupational therapist in Australia. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake these placements as part of their course. Placements may require additional checks (e.g., police clearance, immunisations) and may involve travel within or outside Adelaide. HeadStart Academy emphasises that this hands-on experience is a key benefit of choosing a CRICOS-registered course, as it ensures graduates are job-ready.
This course is delivered at University of South Australia's City East Campus, located in the Adelaide city centre, South Australia. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people and over 20,000 international students. The city is known for its affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne—weekly rent for a shared apartment averages A$200–350, and public transport is convenient with trams, buses, and trains. Adelaide has over 10 CRICOS-registered providers offering health-related courses, and the City East Campus is well-connected via public transport to the Adelaide Airport and suburbs. South Australia itself is home to several leading universities, including the University of Adelaide and Flinders University. At HeadStart Academy, we provide data on over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, helping you choose the right location for your studies.
International students enrolling in this course will typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion (demonstrate genuine intention to study and return home), sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC for yourself and any dependants, and English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and make satisfactory course progress. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your visa; you can arrange it through your provider or independently. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency—we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent (mara.gov.au) or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) for personalised advice. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including tuition fee protection if your provider ceases to deliver a course.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at University of South Australia (UniSA):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Health), and location (Adelaide). Shortlist providers and compare course structures, fees, and entry requirements.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit UniSA's official website (www.unisa.edu.au) to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other requested documents. Submit your application online through the provider's international admissions portal.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, UniSA will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE compliance. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.
Remember: HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge fees. All institutions listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring your qualification is recognised by the Australian Government.
Ready to start your journey? Check the latest fees and entry requirements on UniSA's official website or use HeadStart Academy's course search to explore more occupational therapy programs across Australia.
View the full University of South Australia (UniSA) profile →
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) 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.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.