Study Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHOC

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2022: AUD$ 37,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [7.0]
IELTS reading [7.0]
IELTS writing [7.0]
IELTS speaking [7.0]
IELTS listening [7.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088336D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

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.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

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 partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

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 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, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [7.0]
IELTS reading [7.0]
IELTS writing [7.0]
IELTS speaking [7.0]
IELTS listening [7.0]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

USA SAT (1600)	1420
HKDSE	20
Nepal NEB	3.21
Malaysia UEC	22
Norway GPA	5
Pakistan HSSC	90
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	12
Sweden GPA	17.5
Bangladesh HSC	5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	12
Vietnam	9.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	85
Australia	90
IB (best 6)	33
Eynesbury FSP	410
German Abitur	2.5
India (best 4)	80
Kenya KCSE (average)	A
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	12

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Experience a rewarding career helping people of all ages maintain and improve day-to-day activities.
Study South Australia’s only accredited four-year honour's degree in occupational therapy.
Learn from a university with above world-class research in occupational therapy.¹
Join South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers in occupational therapy.²
Take part in 1,000 hours of real-world practice placements while you study.
Learn from a university with 50 years' experience in occupational therapy education and research.
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.

¹Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018-20, Rehabilitation — Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.

Snapshot

Start your unstoppable career in occupational therapy, and be at the forefront of helping adults and children alike to actively participate in society, irrespective of limitations.

Occupational Therapists empower people to live full and rewarding lives, every day. With UniSA, you'll learn how to help people overcome constraints caused by injury or illness, as well as emotional, developmental, environmental, societal, age-related and psychological limitations.

What you'll need

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

The 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 industry settings such as Guide Dogs SA, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and equipment providers. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit regional settings on the yearly Country Road Trip.

Throughout your degree you’ll be exposed to many different hands-on activities, such as:

Splint making
Dressing adaptation for people with self-care impairments
Wheelchair measurement tutorials
Home modification and assistive technology plans
Delivery of groups with children and older adults
Adult neurological rehabilitation techniques
Completing skill demonstrations to become familiar with real-life occupational therapy scenarios.

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).

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Foundations of Health	HLTH 1029	4.5
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Physiology Essentials 100	BIOL 1051	4.5
Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice	REHB 1030	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice	HLTH 1043	4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	4.5
Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings	REHB 1031	4.5
Elective		4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice	REHB 2049	4.5
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	4.5
Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation	REHB 2043	4.5
The Individual in Society 200	BEHL 2002	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Neuroscience	BIOL 2040	4.5
Occupational Therapy Group Work and Counselling	REHB 2044	4.5
Occupational Therapy Practice Education	REHB 3063	4.5
Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation	REHB 2046	4.5
THIRD YEAR (Professional Stream)
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health	REHB 2045	4.5
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy	REHB 3064	4.5
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions	REHB 3061	4.5
Occupational Science	REHB 3062	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Participatory Community Practice 301	REHB 3043	9
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management	REHB 3060	4.5
Advanced Evidence Based Practice	HLTH 3057	4.5
FOURTH YEAR (Professional Stream)			Note(s): 5
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Participatory Community Practice 400	REHB 4045	9
Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 400	REHB 4046	4.5
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400	REHB 4043	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	REHB 4028	9
Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 401	REHB 4047	4.5
THIRD YEAR (Research Stream)
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health	REHB 2045	4.5
Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy	REHB 3064	4.5
Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions	REHB 3061	4.5
Occupational Science	REHB 3062	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Participatory Community Practice 301	REHB 3043	9
Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management	REHB 3060	4.5
Health Science Honours Preparation	REHB 3010	4.5
FOURTH YEAR (Research Stream)
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Participatory Community Practice 400	REHB 4045	9
Health Science Honours Thesis	REHB 4012	9
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400	REHB 4043	9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	REHB 4028	9

Rules & notes

Rules

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.

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.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours.

The honours component includes a minimum of one year of either a research stream or a professional stream. You‘ll graduate with industry experience and connections, and advanced skills to prepare you for a career in industry or research.

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.

The professional stream includes a range of advanced courses where you‘ll develop skills in evidenced based practice and professional writing for industry, giving you the ability to innovate in your practice as an Occupational Therapist.

Graduates from both streams are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Why Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Natalie Waterman, OT graduate 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 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. You could also have the opportunity to complete a placement overseas.

UniSA’s curriculum is based on innovative, current research, meaning your degree is industry-informed and relevant for work today. You can also use your qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Masters by Research and doctoral studies.

Real-world connections

As an Occupational Therapist, you’ll 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, empowering them to live their best lives, every day.

At UniSA, you’ll learn from registered Occupational Therapists and accomplished researchers throughout your degree. In your final year, you‘ll work alongside experienced researchers when you complete a research project and thesis. With industry placements built-in while you study, you’ll get to work on valuable relationships and networks to prepare you for the workforce.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Occupational Therapy Careers Snapshot

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

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 and community restorative care services
local council services
government departments
schools
not-for-profit and non-government sector.

This degree prepares you for working overseas, as the qualification is recognised in most countries. You may also choose to pursue a career in research – graduates with honours degrees are highly sought after by prospective employers, particularly within academia and research settings.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia & New Zealand) Ltd.

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 17.1% by November 2025.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

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.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

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.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

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 gainaccess 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 should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA

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 advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Student Lounge City East.jpg

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

I am a graduate of this program and bring more than 30 years of hands on and research experience to my role. I am an active member of the national occupational therapy community with excellent industry networks.

Dr Ben Sellar

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Ben Sellar

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

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.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

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.
Is there a closing date for applications?

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.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

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.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

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.