Master of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS course code 089748J) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 2 years. This CRICOS-registered course is designed for international students seeking to become occupational therapists in Australia. As part of the Health field (0617 - Rehabilitation Therapies), it equips graduates with advanced skills to help people overcome physical, mental, or social challenges. Swinburne University (CRICOS 00111D) is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation for industry-connected learning. The course includes a significant work component of 26 weeks (1040 hours) of professional placement, ensuring you graduate ready for practice. With Melbourne as your study destination, you'll join a vibrant international student community and benefit from ESOS Act protections. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026, and HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge to help you make informed decisions.
Master of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS 089748J) is a two-year full-time masters program at Swinburne University of Technology, located at the Hawthorn Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. This course is classified under AQF Level 9 (Masters Degree - Coursework) and falls within the field of 061703 - Occupational Therapy. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australia's rigorous quality standards for international education. The program combines theoretical learning with extensive practical experience, including a mandatory 26-week work placement. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, subject to meeting all requirements. Swinburne University is one of over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. This page provides an independent overview of the course based on official CRICOS data; always confirm details directly with the provider.
This master's program is designed to produce competent, reflective occupational therapists. The curriculum typically covers human anatomy and physiology, occupational therapy theory and practice, mental health, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and research methods. Students learn to assess client needs, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes across diverse settings such as hospitals, community health centers, schools, and aged care facilities. At AQF Level 9, the course emphasises high-level problem-solving, evidence-based practice, and professional ethics. While specific modules are set by Swinburne, the field of Rehabilitation Therapies focuses on enabling people to participate in meaningful activities. International students can expect a blend of lectures, tutorials, simulated learning, and supervised clinical placements. The course is delivered in English, so strong English proficiency is essential.
According to the CRICOS register, the Master of Occupational Therapy runs for 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English, and no foundation studies or dual qualifications are attached. This is a single qualification course – you graduate with only the Master of Occupational Therapy. International students should note that the student visa (Subclass 500) typically allows a duration matching the course length. Swinburne University may offer multiple intakes (e.g., February or July), so check with the provider for exact start dates. The course structure includes both academic semesters and the integrated work component, which is spread across the program.
The indicative tuition fee for Master of Occupational Therapy (089748J) is A$95,920 total for the 2-year program. This is sourced from the CRICOS register and is subject to change by Swinburne University of Technology. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, meaning no mandatory additional fees like application or admin charges are built in. However, you must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is required for the entire visa duration – typically around A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$25,000–A$30,000 annually, covering rent (shared: A$200–A$350/week), groceries (A$80–A$150/week), and transport (A$40–A$60/week using myki). The visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500) is also separate. For the most current fees, visit the Swinburne international website: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/international.
Entry into this Master of Occupational Therapy generally requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., health sciences, psychology, or human biology) with a strong academic record. The English language requirement is typically IELTS overall 6.5 to 7.0 (no band below 6.5–7.0), or equivalent. Some providers also require prerequisite knowledge in anatomy or physiology, and an interview may be part of the selection process. Swinburne University sets specific criteria, so you should review their website for precise details. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this course; if you don't meet the standard, you may need to complete a qualifying program elsewhere. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the student visa.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 26 weeks (approximately 1040 total hours) at 40 hours per week. This is a substantial professional placement that allows you to apply theory in real healthcare settings. Placements typically occur in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, or community organisations across Melbourne and regional Victoria. The experience is supervised by qualified occupational therapists and is integral to meeting accreditation standards. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but your placement hours count as part of your study requirements, not as paid employment. Always confirm placement arrangements with Swinburne.
The Master of Occupational Therapy is delivered at Swinburne University's Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122. Hawthorn is a vibrant suburb just 6 km east of Melbourne's CBD, well-served by trains (Hawthorn station) and trams. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and hosts around 60 CRICOS-registered providers offering health-related courses. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is A$400–A$550/week, while shared rooms are A$200–A$350. The city offers excellent public transport, cultural diversity, and a thriving healthcare sector. Consider whether Melbourne's climate (temperate with cool winters) and urban lifestyle suit your preferences.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks – subject to visa conditions. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa duration. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means you need to demonstrate your intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence (tuition, living costs, travel) is also required. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, ensuring tuition assurance and refund rights. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for guidance on your specific situation.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a hub for health and education. With over 30 universities and many vocational providers, the city offers unparalleled networking and placement opportunities. The cost of living is lower than Sydney but higher than Brisbane or Adelaide. For an OT student, Melbourne boasts world-class hospitals like The Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospital, plus numerous community health organisations. Public transport connects Hawthorn to the CBD in 20 minutes. State-wide, Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers. If you prefer a milder climate with distinct seasons, Melbourne delivers. However, consider that rent is competitive near universities. Overall, Melbourne provides a rich environment for OT studies.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne University of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses like this one, filtering by level (Masters by coursework), field (Occupational Therapy), and city (Melbourne). Ensure the provider meets your criteria.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit Swinburne's international admissions page (https://www.swinburne.edu.au/international) to review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit transcripts, personal statement, and any required documents. Some courses may have an interview process.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, Swinburne issues a CoE, which you'll use to apply for the visa. Prepare GTE statement, OSHC evidence, and financial documents. Lodge your application online via Department of Home Affairs. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to apply? Start by reviewing entry requirements on Swinburne's website or explore other Occupational Therapy courses on HeadStart Academy.
Master of Occupational Therapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Swinburne University of Technology. 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.