Master of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS course code 108290K) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This AQF Level 9 program is designed for students who want to become occupational therapists, helping people of all ages overcome barriers to participate in everyday activities. The course is delivered at CDU's Casuarina Campus in Darwin, Northern Territory, a region with unique health challenges and opportunities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00300K), international students can study this program under Australia's ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and student rights. With a strong focus on practical skills, the course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component of approximately 1000 hours across 28 weeks. CDU is a government-owned university known for its commitment to Indigenous health and rural practice. This page provides an overview of fees, entry requirements, and the application process to help you decide if this program aligns with your career goals.
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The Master of Occupational Therapy at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a postgraduate coursework degree that prepares students for professional practice as occupational therapists. The course covers theoretical frameworks and practical skills needed to assess, plan, and implement interventions for individuals and communities. It is classified under the field of Rehabilitation Therapies (061703) and is offered at Masters by Coursework level (AQF 9). CDU is one of over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. The course is designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, enabling graduates to apply for registration. CDU's location in Darwin offers a unique perspective on health in tropical and remote settings, with opportunities for clinical placements in Indigenous communities. The course code 108290K is your key identifier when applying for a student visa or checking CRICOS registration status.
While specific syllabi are set by Charles Darwin University (CDU), Master of Occupational Therapy programs in Australia typically cover core areas such as occupational therapy theory and practice, human anatomy and physiology, psychosocial dimensions of health, research methods, and occupational therapy across the lifespan. Students develop skills in assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. The course includes units on professional ethics, interprofessional collaboration, and health promotion. Given the location, CDU likely incorporates content on rural and remote practice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and tropical health issues. The course also includes substantial practical placements where students apply theory in real clinical settings. Upon completion, graduates are expected to be competent entry-level practitioners ready to work in hospitals, community health centres, schools, and private practice.
The Master of Occupational Therapy is a 2-year full-time program, equating to 104 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend on-campus classes at the Casuarina Campus in Darwin, with practical placements arranged externally. The course likely runs over multiple semesters, with intensive study periods. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course structure typically includes both theoretical coursework and supervised clinical placements. It is important to note that the course is not available online; attendance at specified locations is required.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Occupational Therapy is A$63,168 total for the full program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$736, covering items such as student services amenities and materials. The estimated total cost is A$63,904. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by CDU. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, living expenses (including accommodation, food, and transport), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). For the most current fee information, always check Charles Darwin University's official website at www.cdu.edu.au. Living costs in Darwin are higher than the national average, with weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$450-600, groceries A$80-120, and public transport A$30-60. A single student should budget at least A$21,041 per year for living costs as per the Department of Home Affairs.
Entry into the Master of Occupational Therapy typically requires a completed Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA, often in a related field such as health sciences, psychology, or human biology. Some prerequisite subjects may be required. English language proficiency is essential; for this course, an IELTS overall score of 6.5-7.0 (with no band below 6.5-7.0) or equivalent is indicative. Prior qualifications should include studies in human anatomy, physiology, and social sciences. CDU may also consider relevant work experience or a graduate diploma in occupational therapy. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, CDU may offer pathway options or foundation programs — contact the university for details. It is crucial to check the specific entry requirements on CDU's website as they can change.
Yes, the Master of Occupational Therapy includes a mandatory work component of 28 weeks, estimated at around 1000 total hours (approximately 36 hours per week). This work-integrated learning (WIL) involves supervised clinical placements in occupational therapy settings. Placements may occur in hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation clinics, schools, or Indigenous health services across the Northern Territory and possibly interstate. This practical experience is essential for developing competency and meeting accreditation standards. Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation during placements. The WIL component provides invaluable real-world skills and networking opportunities. It also satisfies the supervised practice hours required for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia upon graduation.
This course is delivered at Charles Darwin University's Casuarina Campus in Casuarina, a suburb of Darwin, Northern Territory. Darwin is a small but culturally diverse city with a population of about 150,000, including a large international student community. The city has 3 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across various fields. Public transport in Darwin includes bus services, with routes connecting the Casuarina Campus to the city centre and other suburbs. The cost of living in Darwin is relatively high due to its remote location; typical weekly rent for a shared house is A$250-400. Studying in Darwin offers unique advantages, including exposure to tropical health issues, Indigenous cultures, and tight-knit professional networks. The campus features modern facilities, including health simulation labs and library resources. The Northern Territory has a strong demand for occupational therapists, particularly in rural and remote areas, offering good graduate employment prospects.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) for this course. The visa requires you to maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, have sufficient financial capacity (tuition fees, living costs, and OSHC), and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are intended to supplement income, not cover all expenses. After completing the Master of Occupational Therapy, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to gain further work experience. All visa applications are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs; HeadStart Academy does not guarantee visa outcomes. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice.
Applying for the Master of Occupational Therapy at Charles Darwin University (CDU) involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy's resources to filter courses by level (Masters), field (Rehabilitation Therapies), and location (Northern Territory). Verify the CRICOS code 108290K and provider code 00300K.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Submit your application to CDU through their online portal (www.cdu.edu.au). Check entry requirements, English test scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0), and deadlines. You'll need academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and other supporting documents.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once CDU offers you a place and you accept, you'll receive a CoE. Then apply for your student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have adequate OSHC cover and financial evidence.
Ready to start your journey? Visit Charles Darwin University's official website for application forms and deadlines.
Master of Occupational Therapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Darwin University (CDU). 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.