Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (CRICOS course code 112936J) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by Charles Sturt University (CSU) over 4 years. This AQF Level 8 program equips students with the skills to become professional occupational therapists, focusing on helping people overcome barriers to participation in daily life. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00005F), it meets Australian Government standards for international education, ensuring ESOS Act protections apply. The course includes substantial work-integrated learning with 945 hours of clinical placements, preparing graduates for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Offered at CSU’s Albury-Thurgoona and Port Macquarie campuses, this program is ideal for international students seeking a hands-on, accredited pathway into a rewarding healthcare career. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
This program falls under the field of Health (06) and specifically Rehabilitation Therapies (0617) with a focus on Occupational Therapy (061703). Students explore human anatomy, psychology, and therapeutic interventions to support individuals across the lifespan. The curriculum integrates theory with practical application, covering topics such as activity analysis, environmental modifications, and evidence-based practice. Graduates develop competencies to assess clients' needs, design intervention plans, and evaluate outcomes in diverse settings including hospitals, schools, and community health centres. While this description provides a general overview of the discipline, specific subject offerings and course structure are determined by Charles Sturt University (CSU) and may be subject to change.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a 4-year program, listed as 208 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and the course is a single qualification (not a dual degree or foundation program). Full-time study is typical for international students, with a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and supervised clinical placements. The course is structured to meet the requirements for professional accreditation in Australia.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) are indicative at A$145,920 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (e.g., materials, library access) are estimated at A$1,472, bringing the estimated total to A$147,392. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. Always confirm current fees directly with Charles Sturt University (CSU) at www.csu.edu.au before applying.
Entry into this Bachelor Honours Degree typically requires completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) with a strong academic record. For international students, English language proficiency is usually demonstrated through an IELTS overall score of 6.0-6.5, with no band below 5.5-6.0 (depending on the provider's specific requirements). Prior study in health sciences or related fields may be beneficial, and some applicants may be eligible for pathway or foundation programs. As entry requirements can vary, always refer to Charles Sturt University (CSU) for the most current and detailed admission criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 27 weeks (approximately 945 total hours) at 35 hours per week. This work-integrated learning involves supervised clinical placements in occupational therapy settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, and community health organisations. These placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional competencies, and build networks for future employment. The hours contribute to the accreditation requirements for practice as an occupational therapist in Australia.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is delivered at two campuses: Albury – Thurgoona, NSW, and Port Macquarie (7 Major Innes Road) – Port Macquarie, NSW. Albury is a regional city on the Murray River, home to a vibrant student community and affordable living costs (indicative weekly rent A$150-200, plus groceries and transport). Port Macquarie is a coastal city known for its lifestyle, with a growing healthcare sector and a cost of living slightly higher than Albury but still below major capitals. Both campuses are well-served by public transport and offer modern facilities.
International students studying this course on campus must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa permits full-time study and allows work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants if applicable. For specific visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Both Albury-Thurgoona and Port Macquarie offer unique advantages for international students. Albury has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers across the region, a diverse student population, and excellent transport links to Melbourne and Sydney. Port Macquarie is experiencing rapid growth, with a new hospital and increasing demand for occupational therapists. Typical weekly living expenses in regional NSW range from A$300 to A$450 for rent, food, and transport – significantly less than in Sydney or Melbourne. ESOS Act protections apply to both campuses, ensuring you receive quality education and consumer rights as an international student.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and locations. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (like Charles Sturt University, 00005F). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (including English test scores) and submit your application via CSU’s international admissions portal. Be mindful of application deadlines and document requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you receive your CoE from CSU, prepare your visa application including GTE statement, financial evidence, and OSHC. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – seek professional advice if needed.
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Sturt University (CSU). 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.