Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy (CRICOS course code 118219A) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 4 years. This dual qualification combines a foundational bachelor’s degree in health sciences with advanced occupational therapy training, preparing graduates for professional practice in community health settings. Charles Darwin University, a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00300K), is based in Darwin, Northern Territory — a vibrant, multicultural city with a growing student population. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, CDU stands out for its focus on tropical health and Indigenous communities. Whether you’re aiming to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or private practice, this course provides the skills and practical experience required to become a competent occupational therapist. HeadStart Academy is a free resource — no referral fees — helping you navigate CRICOS data and visa requirements. All information here is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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This 4-year integrated program (Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy) is designed for students who want a seamless pathway from undergraduate health studies to a master’s-level occupational therapy qualification. The course is classified under field of education 06 - Health → 0613 - Public Health → 061309 - Community Health at AQF Level 9 (Masters Degree - Coursework). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Language of instruction is English, and the course includes a substantial work-integrated learning component (25 weeks, approximately 1000 hours) to ensure readiness for clinical practice. Charles Darwin University (CDU) delivers the program at its Casuarina Campus in the Northern Territory, a region with unique health challenges that enrich the learning experience. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00300K), CDU meets the ESOS Act requirements for international student protection.
The curriculum covers core public health topics such as health promotion, epidemiology, and community health practice, combined with specialist occupational therapy subjects including human development, occupational science, assessment and intervention strategies, and ethical practice. Students gain an understanding of how social, environmental, and cultural factors affect occupational performance. The dual qualification structure means you first complete the Bachelor of Health Science, then progress to the Master of Occupational Therapy — earning two awards upon completion. Graduates are prepared to work with individuals and communities to improve health outcomes through meaningful activities. This field is growing in Australia, with demand for occupational therapists expected to rise due to an ageing population and increased focus on mental health and disability services. Please note: syllabus details are indicative; check CDU’s official course page for unit outlines.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 4 years (208 weeks). This includes both the bachelor’s and master’s stages. Study mode is full-time on-campus at the Casuarina Campus. Language of instruction is English. This is a dual qualification — meaning you receive two separate awards: a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy. This integrated approach saves time and ensures a coherent learning progression. Part-time study may be available but could affect visa conditions; international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must generally maintain full-time enrolment. If you require a tailored study plan, consult CDU’s international student support team. Note that the duration includes all required placements and clinical components.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The total tuition cost is A$142,348. Additional non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are estimated at A$1,472, bringing the estimated total to A$143,820. These fees do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for OSHC (around A$500–$700 per year for single cover), living costs (Australian Government indicative: A$21,041 per year), and visa application fees (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). Actual fees are set by Charles Darwin University (CDU) and may change annually. Always confirm current fees on CDU’s official website at www.cdu.edu.au before applying. No referral fees are charged by HeadStart Academy.
Typical entry requirements for this combined program include an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (with no band less than 6.5–7.0, subject to provider requirements). You are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (or equivalent) for entry into the master’s component. For school leavers, direct entry into the bachelor’s component requires completion of Australian Year 12 with prerequisites in English, mathematics, and science (or equivalent). Foundation studies or pathway programs may be available through CDU for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Contact CDU’s admissions team for specific prerequisite details. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility; we recommend reviewing CDU’s official entry criteria. All CRICOS-registered providers have transparent admission policies in line with ESOS Act protections.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 25 weeks (40 hours per week, totalling approximately 1000 hours). This typically involves supervised clinical placements in settings such as hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation clinics, and schools. The placements allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world practice under the guidance of experienced occupational therapists. Work-integrated learning is a critical part of the program and may require you to undertake placements in rural or remote locations within the Northern Territory. You will be responsible for travel and accommodation costs during placements. Successfully completing these hours is a requirement for graduation and eligibility for professional registration. CDU’s placement team will support you in securing suitable opportunities.
The course is delivered at the Casuarina Campus in CASUARINA, Northern Territory (NT). Darwin, the capital of the NT, is home to a diverse student community and several CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Darwin are moderate; indicative weekly expenses include A$300–$500 for shared rental accommodation, A$80–$120 for groceries, and A$30–$50 for public transport. The campus is accessible by bus from Darwin city centre (about 20 minutes). Darwin’s tropical climate and proximity to national parks offer a unique lifestyle. The Northern Territory has a growing demand for healthcare professionals, making this location ideal for occupational therapy studies. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers nationally, studying in Darwin provides exposure to Indigenous health and remote area practice.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course (code 118219A) will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia and provides work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current visa conditions). You must maintain genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of sufficient funds—currently at least A$21,041 per year for living costs plus tuition and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised guidance. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Applying for Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy at Charles Darwin University (CDU) involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS website to confirm that CDU (CRICOS 00300K) is registered to deliver this course. You can filter by course level (Masters Degree - Coursework), field (Health), and location (NT).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit CDU’s website (www.cdu.edu.au) and locate the course page for CRICOS 118219A. Review entry requirements (including English language test scores like IELTS 6.5–7.0), gather academic transcripts, and apply through the online portal. Note application deadlines—typically several months before semester start.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once CDU issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged, evidence of financial capacity, and a genuine temporary entrant statement. Check current visa processing times and fees.
HeadStart Academy is here to guide you through the research phase—no commission or referral fees charged.
Choosing to study in Darwin offers unique advantages for occupational therapy students. The Northern Territory has a high proportion of Indigenous Australians and rural/remote communities, providing exposure to diverse health needs and culturally responsive practice. Darwin itself has a small but vibrant international student community, with CDU being the main university. Living costs are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, but the tropical climate and outdoor lifestyle are appealing. However, the selection of other CRICOS-registered providers in NT is limited compared to eastern states—only about 20 providers (as of April 2026). If you value a close-knit campus environment and hands-on experience in remote health, Darwin may be ideal. Consider also that professional networks and job opportunities may be more concentrated in larger cities. HeadStart Academy’s data shows that occupational therapy jobs are in demand nationally, with strong growth projected.
Ready to start your journey? Explore Charles Darwin University's course offerings at www.cdu.edu.au.
Bachelor of Health Science/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.