Are you an international student aspiring to become a qualified speech pathologist in Australia? Master of Speech Pathology (CRICOS course code 120131B) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Deakin University (Deakin) over 2 years. This program equips you with the skills to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00113B, Government), it qualifies for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Deakin University is a public research university with its main campus in Geelong, Victoria. The course is delivered at the Geelong Waterfront Campus, offering a vibrant study environment near the city centre. With an indicative tuition fee of A$108,202, this program combines rigorous academic study with a substantial work component of 18 weeks (666 hours) of clinical placement. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is part of the Health field, specifically Rehabilitation Therapies (Speech Pathology). Whether you're drawn to Geelong's coastal lifestyle or the strong employment prospects for speech pathologists in Australia, this page provides everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Master of Speech Pathology (CRICOS 120131B) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) at AQF Level 9, offered by Deakin University (CRICOS 00113B), a government-funded public university. This course is designed for international students who want to practice as speech pathologists in Australia. The program is registered under the field of Health (06), specifically Rehabilitation Therapies (0617) and Speech Pathology (061707). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international education, and students are protected under the ESOS Act. Deakin University is one of 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, and this course is part of over 26,433 CRICOS-registered courses available to international students. The Geelong Waterfront Campus, where the course is delivered, provides modern facilities and a supportive learning environment. The university also has a strong reputation for health sciences and allied health education.
This master's program focuses on the field of Speech Pathology, which involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Students gain theoretical knowledge in areas such as anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms, linguistics, psychology, and evidence-based clinical practice. The curriculum typically covers lifespan development, disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing. Practical skills are developed through simulated learning and supervised clinical placements. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, schools, community health centres, and private practice. The program aligns with professional standards required for accreditation by Speech Pathology Australia, the national peak body. As a Level 9 Masters (Coursework), the course emphasises advanced clinical reasoning and research-informed practice.
The Master of Speech Pathology is a 2-year full-time program, comprising 104 weeks according to the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at the Geelong Waterfront Campus in Victoria. The program is intensive, combining coursework with clinical placements. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The duration is standard for Australian masters degrees in speech pathology, ensuring comprehensive training within a reasonable timeframe.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$108,202, as recorded on the CRICOS register as at April 2026. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed, making the estimated total A$108,202. Please note that this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Geelong living costs are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent of A$300–A$450, groceries around A$80–A$120, and public transport A$30–A$50. The total cost of living for a student in Geelong is estimated at A$1,500–A$2,000 per month. Always confirm current fees directly with Deakin University, as tuition is subject to change. ESOS protections ensure transparency and accountability in fee setting.
Entry to the Master of Speech Pathology typically requires a completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as health sciences, psychology, or linguistics. An overall IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 is generally expected, with no band below 6.5 or 7.0 depending on the component (listening, reading, writing, speaking). Some students may need to complete prerequisite subjects. Deakin University may offer pathway options such as a Graduate Diploma or English language courses for those who do not meet direct entry. However, foundation studies are not listed for this course. It is essential to check the exact entry requirements on Deakin's official website, as criteria can change. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. International students should also demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent for visa purposes.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 18 weeks of professional placement, totaling approximately 666 hours (based on 37 hours per week). This work-integrated learning is a key feature of the program, providing students with real-world experience in clinical settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, or community health organisations. Placements are supervised by qualified speech pathologists and allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practice. This component is essential for meeting Speech Pathology Australia's accreditation requirements and for developing clinical competence. Students should be prepared for travel to placement sites, which may be located across Victoria.
This course is delivered at Deakin University's Geelong Waterfront Campus, located in Geelong, Victoria. Geelong is a vibrant city with a growing student population, approximately 75 km south-west of Melbourne. The campus is situated near the Corio Bay waterfront, offering a scenic study environment. Geelong has around 10 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a smaller but attractive study destination compared to Melbourne. Public transport includes buses and regional trains to Melbourne (about 1 hour). The cost of living in Geelong is generally lower than in major cities, with typical weekly rent between A$300 and A$450 for a one-bedroom apartment. The city offers a range of amenities, cultural activities, and recreational opportunities along the Great Ocean Road.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in Australia for the duration of the course, including work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and hold valid OSHC for the visa period. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including tuition fee refunds if the provider fails to deliver the course. For personalized visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only; we are not a migration agency.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Speech Pathology at Deakin University:
1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by course level (Masters), field (Health), and location (Geelong). Compare this program with others to find your best fit.
2) Apply directly to Deakin University: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any required documents. Check Deakin's website for application deadlines, which typically fall several months before the course start date. Submit your application online through the Deakin International Admissions portal.
3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, Deakin will issue a CoE, which you'll need to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application. Ensure you meet all visa requirements, including OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. It is advisable to apply early to allow processing time. For visa assistance, consider consulting a MARA-registered agent.
Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to explore more options or contact Deakin University for application details.
Master of Speech Pathology is a CRICOS-registered programme at Deakin University (Deakin). 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.