Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy (CRICOS course code 118269B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 3 years. As a CRICOS-registered government provider (CRICOS 00300K), CDU offers this course in the field of Dental Studies (060799) at AQF Level 7. This program prepares students for a rewarding career as an oral health therapist, focusing on preventive and clinical dental care for children, adolescents, and adults. With a strong work-integrated learning component, graduates are equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work in private practices, public health settings, and community clinics. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and reliability. HeadStart Academy is a free resource helping international students find CRICOS-registered courses across Australia.
The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy (118269B) is a comprehensive program designed to train oral health professionals. The course covers oral health promotion, disease prevention, clinical assessment, and treatment planning. Students learn to provide dental hygiene and therapy services, including scaling, cleaning, radiographs, and restorations. The curriculum integrates theoretical study with extensive clinical practice, ensuring graduates meet the competencies required by the Dental Board of Australia. CDU is a government-owned university with a strong reputation for health sciences, and this course is fully CRICOS-registered, meaning it meets the standards for enrolling international students. The course is delivered at CDU's Casuarina Campus in Darwin, Northern Territory, a region with unique oral health needs and opportunities for cross-cultural practice. With Australia's ESOS Act protections, international students can be assured of quality education and consumer rights.
This Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) in Dental Studies provides a broad foundation in oral health sciences. Coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and oral health assessment. Students develop clinical skills in preventive therapies, oral health education, and treatment of periodontal diseases. The program also covers patient management, ethics, and public health. While the exact curriculum is prescribed by CDU, graduates are expected to understand dental disease processes, apply evidence-based practice, and communicate effectively with diverse patient groups. The course prepares students for registration as an Oral Health Therapist, enabling them to work in specific scopes of practice. With Australia's aging population and growing focus on preventive care, oral health therapists are in high demand across metropolitan and regional areas.
The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy is a 3-year full-time program, equivalent to 156 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes and clinical placements on a full-time basis. The course is structured over six semesters, with a mix of theoretical lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and clinical placements. CDU also offers part-time options for domestic students, but international student visa conditions typically require full-time enrolment. The duration includes scheduled breaks, and students must complete the program within the standard timeframe to maintain visa compliance.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy are indicative at A$106,761 for the entire 3-year program. Non-tuition fees, including student services and amenities, are approximately A$1,104, bringing the estimated total to A$107,865. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Charles Darwin University. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders; living expenses (rent, food, transport); and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). International students should budget approximately A$21,000–A$30,000 per year for living costs in Darwin, depending on lifestyle. Always confirm current fees directly with CDU by visiting their website at www.cdu.edu.au. HeadStart Academy recommends using the provider's fee estimator or contacting their international admissions office for accurate quotes.
To be considered for this course, international students typically need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent with strong results in science subjects (e.g., Biology, Chemistry). The English language requirement is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (exact minimums determined by CDU and may vary by intake). CDU may consider other English tests like PTE or TOEFL. Alternative entry pathways include foundation programs or diplomas offered by CDU or partner institutions. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. Applicants should check the specific academic requirements and prerequisites on CDU's course page. For personalised advice, contact CDU's international admissions team. All entry requirements are subject to change and are set by the institution.
This course includes a significant work component: 72 weeks of placement at 16 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,152 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) involves clinical placements in oral health settings such as public dental clinics, private practices, and community health centres. Students gain hands-on experience under supervision, applying theoretical knowledge to real patient care. Placement locations may include CDU's own dental clinic and partnerships with the Northern Territory Department of Health. This WIL component is essential for developing clinical competence and meeting registration requirements. The hours are integrated into the curriculum, so students should expect to balance study and placement throughout the program.
The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy is delivered at CDU's Casuarina Campus in CASUARINA, Northern Territory (postcode 0810). Darwin, the capital of the NT, is a multicultural city with a population of around 150,000. The student population includes a significant number of international students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Casuarina Campus is the main campus of CDU, located about 12 km from Darwin city centre. Public transport includes buses from the Darwin CBD and suburbs. The cost of living in Darwin is moderate: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200–$350, groceries A$80–$150, and a transport pass A$30–$50. Darwin's tropical climate offers warm weather year-round, with a wet season (Oct–Apr) and dry season (May–Sep). The city has a small but vibrant student community, with events and cultural activities. Casuarina Campus has modern facilities including a dental clinic, library, and student support services. For more on studying in NT, see our state guide.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CDU, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled holidays (conditions apply). OSHC is mandatory: for a single student, basic cover is around A$600–$700 per year. Financial capacity: Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of at least A$29,710 per year for living costs (2026 rate) plus tuition and travel. Visa application charge is A$1,600 (may change). GTE assessment is critical — applicants must demonstrate genuine intention to study and return home. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa assistance. Note: This page is not immigration advice.
Applying for the Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a three-step process.
**1. Research CRICOS-registered providers** Use HeadStart Academy to explore CRICOS-registered courses and compare options. Filter by course level (Bachelor Degree) and field (Dental Studies). Review CDU's course profile, entry requirements, and fees.
**2. Apply directly to your chosen institution** Submit your application through CDU's online portal. Prepare academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and a statement of purpose. Check application deadlines (typically semesters start in February and July). CDU may also require a portfolio or interview for this course.
**3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** Once accepted, CDU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and evidence of financial capacity. For visa support, contact a registered migration agent.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more Bachelor Degree courses in the Northern Territory or contact Charles Darwin University directly for application details.
Bachelor of Oral Health 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.