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The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
Complete or partially complete a recognised higher education program at Bachelor or higher level at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete a Diploma level program at a recognised higher education institution
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above
OR Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [7.0]
IELTS reading [7.0]
IELTS writing [7.0]
IELTS speaking [7.0]
IELTS listening [7.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Develop the skills to succeed as an occupational therapist and help people of all ages maintain and improve their day-to-day activities.
Study South Australia’s first fully accredited degree in occupational therapy from a university with more than 50 years of experience in allied health education.
Graduate with an accredited, internationally recognised qualification and ready to register as an occupational therapist through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.1
Engage in more than 1,000 hours of real-world practice placements while you study.
Benefit from our strong partnerships and alliances with not-for-profit organisations, aged care facilities and community restorative programs, health and disability, and children’s service providers.
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics, practicing health professionals and researchers in the field.
Study a contemporary and culturally diverse curriculum informed by above world-class research in occupational therapy.2
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1Accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC); approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia for the purpose of professional registration as an occupational therapist in Australia; and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. 2Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Unleash your unstoppable career in occupational therapy, and be at the forefront of helping people of all ages to actively participate in society, irrespective of limitations. This four-year honours degree will teach you how to help people overcome constraints caused by injury or illness, and help them navigate and manage emotional, developmental, environmental, societal, age-related and psychological limitations.
As a registered occupational therapist, you’ll be an integral part of the allied health workforce. You’ll be able to work across a variety of areas, ranging from hospitals and private practice to aged care and schools, with strong applicability into international workforces.
As an honours degree, you will graduate with a respected qualification, and can tailor your studies to either a professional or research stream, depending on your career goals.
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.
Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The student registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program. On successful completion of the program, full AHPRA registration is undertaken.
What you'll learn
Your first year will focus on core health subjects including anatomy, physiology, and an introduction to occupational therapy practice and evidence.
From second and third year, you’ll focus on the application of your skills in mental health, occupation rehabilitation, chronic conditions, community focus, primary health care and participatory community practice.
In addition to field placements, you’ll attend workshops in a range of industry settings, which will offer first-hand insight into the scope of practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit regional settings in your third year on the annual Country Road Trip.
Throughout your degree, you’ll be exposed to many different hands-on activities that may be part of your future role. This includes:
splint making
dressing adaptation for people with self-care impairments
wheelchair measurement tutorials
home modification and assistive technology plans
adult neurological rehabilitation techniques
completing skill demonstrations to become familiar with real-life occupational therapy scenarios
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
4. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a
student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
5. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
6. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
Notes
1. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
2. Students are advised that a "Provide First Aid" certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program.
3. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one field practice placement outside of Adelaide in a country or interstate agency.
4. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.
5. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 36 units. However, the schedule indicates students are required to enrol in more than 18 units in the first half of the year with the workload staggered across the First Semester to accommodate field practice placements.
6. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
7. The Undergraduate Elective is a course that students freely choose from any area of the University, generally outside of their specialist field of study. Students must choose one Undergraduate Elective based on availability and fulfilment of any prerequisites.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
group assignments
practical tests
quizzes
group and individual presentations
skill demonstrations
essays and assignments
examinations
evidence based practice reviews
case studies and industry style reports
portfolios
research project and thesis
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
This is a four-year professional degree with honours. You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor’s degree.
The honours component includes a minimum of one year of either a research stream or a professional stream.
The professional stream includes a range of advanced courses where you’ll develop skills in evidenced based practice and professional writing for industry. This will give you the ability to innovate in your practice as an occupational therapist.
The research stream involves an honours thesis course, where you’ll undertake a quantitative or qualitative research project. You’ll get to consult, discuss and problem-solve your research project with a group of experienced researchers, and make a true contribution to scientific knowledge.
Previous honours projects have included:
Developing an intake questionnaire to support consistent data collection in private practices
Exploring how quality rehabilitation is represented and promoted within stroke clinical guidelines
Considering how international placement experiences influence graduate practice
Reviewing sensory approaches used by Australian occupational therapists working in mental health settings
Developing and evaluating a research tool for assessing work and leisure in assistance dogs
Increasing community engagement with, and ownership of, a behaviour change intervention among rural South Australians
Establishing a profile of theoretical models and approaches used by Australian occupational therapists working in aged care
Evaluating the use of video modelling to support children at a specialist school
Exploring whether virtual reality guided motor imagery increases brain plasticity
Graduates from both streams are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Why Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
You’ll learn from a university with more than 50 years of experience in occupational therapy education and research. You’ll spend more than 1,000 hours completing practice placements in metropolitan, rural or regional settings, providing you with the opportunity to consolidate and apply your knowledge and skills.
UniSA’s curriculum is based on innovative, current, and above-world-class research,1 meaning your degree is industry-informed and relevant for your future career. You will learn from passionate academics and industry experts, allowing you to build your industry networks while you study.
Students who successfully complete this degree will be eligible to register as an occupational therapist through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia / the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
You’ll learn from registered occupational therapists and accomplished researchers throughout your degree. With industry placements built into your studies, you'll develop valuable relationships and networks to prepare you for the workforce. In your final year, you'll work alongside experienced researchers when you complete a research project and thesis.
Gain insight into the rewarding careers of UniSA occupational therapy graduates, Rochelle Mutton and Jordan Liseno. Rochelle is the Owner and Director at Motivate Kids and employs Jordan as part of her growing team.
Career outcomes
Your career
Occupational therapists can make a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll help people overcome any barriers they have – whether it be physical, environmental or emotional – to doing any activity big or small, and empowering them to live their best lives.
A successful occupational therapist is professional, an excellent communicator, observant, logical, a critical thinker, and evidence based. You’ll be the type of person who enjoys working with people; and be mentally, emotionally and physically capable. This field of work is immensely rewarding and can offer exciting challenges, assisting people in the everyday occupations of life.
You can gain employment in a range of settings, including:
public and private hospitals
private practice
community mental health services
ambulatory and rehabilitation services
aged care facilities
home based services
local council services
government departments
schools
not-for-profit and non-government sector
Some key areas of activity where occupational therapists provide support include:
daily living activities such as showering, dressing, grooming and eating
activities which involve caring for others such as household management activities, shopping, childcare, budgeting, banking, financial management, home maintenance and driving
education activities which allow a person to participate in a learning environment.
leisure and play activities
social participation
work (paid and voluntary)
This degree prepares you to work overseas, as the qualification is recognised in most countries.
Your research honours degree will also prepare you for a career in research or academia.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC).
This program is approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia for the purpose of professional registration as an occupational therapist in Australia.
This program is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Industry facts
Employment for occupational therapists in Australia is projected to increase by 7.4 per cent by November 2026.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian-
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
As an occupational therapy student, you'll have access to:
occupational therapy teaching rooms
anatomy laboratories
physiology laboratory
You’ll also get to use a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, libraries, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
With over twenty years of knowledge and research experience in Occupational Therapy, I make sure students learn with the latest information to support innovative and responsive practice. With a strong focus on primary health care, my teaching combines the theory and practice of the field, preparing students to understand the full scope of their future role. I aim to have all students graduate confident to face challenges raised by clients, families, health services and policymakers alike when they step into their careers.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Placements provided me with the opportunity to explore different occupational therapy fields such as paediatrics, mental health, and aged care. I also had the opportunity to work with a peer to manage a collaborative, community-oriented project in a local hospital stroke ward.
Lealei Tan
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Lealei Tan
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
By assisting children to play, learn and become independent we are setting them on the path to adulthood.Creating a clinic shaped to the needs of our clients and their families has been an uplifting and exciting adventure. We speak of foundational building blocks in occupational therapy and studying with UniSA was the first building block for my career.
Rochelle Mutton
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Founder and Director | Motivate Kids
Rochelle Mutton
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Founder and Director | Motivate Kids
As the first Aboriginal occupational therapist in South Australia I have a passion to lead and support other Indigenous allied health professionals to follow in my footsteps. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of closing the gap in Aboriginal health inequality but I’m committed to playing my part.
Trevor Ritchie
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Trevor Ritchie
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
I’m inspired every day by the courage and persistence of those I work with. It’s really rewarding to see people achieve their goals and, as a result, improve their quality of life.
Natalie Waterman
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Motivate Kids
Natalie Waterman
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Motivate Kids
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students Rachel and Tyla share their experiences of their rural placement project in Clare Valley, supported by UniSA’s Department of Rural Health.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
