Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (CRICOS course code 115739A) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by Adelaide University over 4 years. This course is designed for international students who want to become qualified occupational therapists in Australia. As an honour's level program, it combines advanced study with research components, preparing graduates for professional practice and leadership in the health sector. Adelaide University is a government-funded institution (CRICOS 04249J) offering this program across two South Australian campuses. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. Whether you're drawn to supporting people with disabilities, mental health, or rehabilitation, this degree provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to make a real difference. Read on for detailed information on fees, entry requirements, work-integrated learning, and how to apply.
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (CRICOS course code 115739A) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by Adelaide University over 4 years. This course is classified under the field of education 06 - Health, specifically 0617 - Rehabilitation Therapies (061703 - Occupational Therapy). As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it sits above a bachelor's degree and includes a research component, preparing graduates for professional registration and higher-level practice. The program is taught in English and does not lead to a dual qualification or include foundation studies. It is not a VET course, so no national VET code applies. Adelaide University, a government-owned provider, has been registered on CRICOS since its establishment, ensuring the course meets the rigorous standards expected by the Australian Government for international students. All listed institutions and courses are CRICOS-registered, providing a trusted signal of quality for prospective students.
Occupational therapy focuses on enabling people to participate in everyday activities (occupations) that are meaningful to them. At the honours level, you'll delve into advanced theories of human development, neuroscience, psychology, and social sciences as they apply to occupational performance. The curriculum typically covers assessment and intervention strategies for clients across the lifespan, including those with physical, mental, or social challenges. You'll also study research methods and complete a research project, which is a key component of an honours degree. While the specific syllabus is determined by Adelaide University, graduates commonly develop skills in client-centred practice, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making. This field is growing in Australia due to an aging population and increased focus on disability services, creating strong demand for qualified occupational therapists. The course prepares you for roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, community health, and private practice.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). It is offered as a full-time program with instruction in English. This is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. The standard study load for international students on a Student visa is 40 weeks per year, but the total duration reflects the actual calendar length including holidays. Adelaide University may offer different study modes (on-campus, blended), but the CRICOS registration confirms the full-time commitment required. International students should plan for a four-year study period, though some may complete earlier if credit is granted for prior learning. Always confirm the exact course structure directly with the provider.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$208,800, with non-tuition fees of A$652, resulting in an estimated total of A$209,452. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please note that course fees are set by institutions and subject to change – always confirm with Adelaide University before applying. The tuition fee covers the cost of teaching, access to facilities, and academic support. Non-tuition fees may include charges for materials, field trips, or student services. Additional costs not included in this estimate are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge. For indicative living costs, the Department of Home Affairs recommends around A$21,041 per year for a single student (as of 2024). In Adelaide, weekly rent for a shared apartment averages A$200–A$350, groceries around A$80–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. These are guides only and may vary.
For international applicants, Adelaide University typically requires an IELTS overall score of 6.0 to 6.5, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (the exact requirement should be confirmed directly). Other English language tests such as TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. In terms of academic background, you will likely need to have completed a recognised secondary school qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 with strong grades in relevant subjects (e.g., biology, chemistry, or health). Some providers also require prerequisite studies in science or mathematics. This is a bachelor honours degree, so prior tertiary study is not mandatory, but advanced standing may be granted for relevant diplomas or degrees. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements – check Adelaide University's website for options. Always consult the provider for exact entry criteria, as requirements can change.
This course includes a compulsory work component of 23 weeks (approximately 840 total hours, based on typical full-time placement hours of 35–40 hours per week). This work-integrated learning (WIL) is designed to provide real-world experience in occupational therapy settings. Placements may occur in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, aged care facilities, schools, or community health organisations. During these placements, you will apply classroom knowledge to practice, develop professional skills, and build networks in the health sector. The exact hours per week are not specified on the CRICOS register, but a standard placement often requires 6–8 hours per day over multiple days. The work component is a mandatory part of the course and must be completed to graduate. It also helps satisfy professional accreditation requirements for occupational therapy in Australia.
This course is delivered at two campuses of Adelaide University: Adelaide City Campus in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia, and Whyalla Campus in Whyalla Norrie, a regional city on the Eyre Peninsula. Adelaide is the state capital with a population of about 1.3 million, known for its affordable cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. It has a vibrant international student community, with over 30,000 international students enrolled across multiple universities. Public transport includes buses, trams, and trains; the City Campus is well-served by the Adelaide Metro. Whyalla is a smaller city (population ~22,000) with a strong industrial base and lower living costs. Studying in a regional area may offer additional benefits such as post-study work rights extensions. Both campuses provide access to Adelaide University's facilities, libraries, and student support services.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time course in Australia. To be eligible, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Adelaide University, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. Student work rights allow you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the duration of your stay in Australia. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (as of 2024, subject to change). It is important to note that HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For visa-specific guidance, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. The ESOS Act protects international students' rights, including access to tuition assurance and refund mechanisms.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Adelaide University:
Use the CRICOS register to verify that Adelaide University (CRICOS 04249J) and course code 115739A are registered. HeadStart Academy makes this easy – we source all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). You can also compare courses and providers by study level, field, and location.
Submit your application to Adelaide University via their online portal. Ensure you meet entry requirements (English language tests, academic transcripts). Check application deadlines – intakes typically occur in Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July). You may need to provide certified documents and evidence of English proficiency.
If accepted, Adelaide University will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to provide proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary – apply early.
Visit Adelaide University's website for the most current information on application deadlines, fees, and course structure.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Adelaide University. 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.