Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

HOCCT

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$49,700

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115739A

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of an undergraduate Diploma (AQF level 5) or higher from a recognised higher education institution with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional 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 Adelaide University. 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.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	90
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.97
China – Gaokao	80%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	21
India – CBSE and CISCE	90
India – State Board Examinations	98
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	A-
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	3.33
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	11
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	3.33
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	12
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	12
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	8.70

Why Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)?

Occupational therapists empower people and communities to develop and maintain the capabilities needed to participate in the daily activities that make up a meaningful life. They use therapeutic techniques to help people regain, improve and sustain their everyday functional abilities.

If you love working with people and are a strong, empathetic individual, this is the career for you.

Help people reach their goals. Integrate knowledge from different fields, including psychology, anatomy and sociology. Embark on a personally fulfilling career, making a real difference for your clients’ quality of life.

Our Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) will give you a competitive edge to stand out in the workforce.

Overview

Learn how to help people overcome constraints caused by injury or illness. As a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) graduate, you’ll support your clients to do everyday tasks often taken for granted.

Build essential knowledge across key areas of health and complete occupational therapy courses focusing on diverse areas of practice. Gain hands-on experience through placements, workshops and regional experiences.

Practice solving real problems faced by working occupational therapists. Learn all about assistive technology, adaptation techniques and rehabilitation practices. Understand how to help people navigate and manage emotional, developmental, societal, psychological and age-related limitations.

As an occupational therapist, you’ll join the crucial allied health workforce. You could work in hospitals, private practice, aged care facilities, community settings and schools. Or, use this qualification as a pathway into further study – upskilling in areas like mental health or continuing into research.

Key features

Complete over 1000 hours of placement.
Benefit from our partnerships with leading organisations and service providers.
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics, practicing health professionals and researchers.
Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in occupational therapy.
Choose between a research stream or professional stream depending on your career aspirations.
Help people develop the skills to perform everyday activities.

What you'll learn

Prepare to become an integral part of healthcare with Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree. As a student, you’ll be exposed to the various roles and requirements of an occupational therapist.

In your first year, study core health subjects including Aboriginal health, human development, physiology and anatomy. You’ll also be introduced to occupational therapy theories, evidence and practice.

In second and third year, apply your skills across mental health, chronic conditions, primary healthcare, neuroscience and neurological conditions, occupational rehabilitation, clinical reasoning, environmental design and community health focused courses.

As part of your studies, you’ll complete over 1,000 hours of placements. You’ll experience different industry settings, including health and community services in rural and remote settings. You will also practice your skills through workshops on the following:

Assistive technology and home modification plans
Dressing adaptation
Making splints
Practicing neurological rehabilitation techniques
Skill demonstrations in simulated scenarios
Wheelchair measuring tutorials.

You can tailor your studies to suit your career aspirations by choosing either our professional or research stream. The professional stream focuses on your practice as an occupation therapist, while the research stream creates additional opportunities for an exciting career in research, including completion of a thesis.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

102 units from Core courses, and
18 units from Discipline courses, and
66 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 units for Electives

Complete exactly 102 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Anatomy 100	Course code BIOL1006	Units 6
Course name Physiology Essentials 100	Course code BIOL1020	Units 6
Course name Lifespan Development for Occupational Therapy Practice	Course code HLTH1014	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	Course code HLTH1016	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	Course code HLTH1017	Units 6
Course name Occupational Therapy Practice in Hospital Settings	Course code OCCU1003	Units 6
Course name Applied Psychology	Course code PSYC1010	Units 6
Course name Human Neuroscience	Course code BIOL2035	Units 6
Course name Enabling Occupation through Environmental Adaptation	Course code OCCU2004	Units 6
Course name Occupational Therapy Practice and Mental Health	Course code OCCU2005	Units 6
Course name Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice	Course code OCCU2008	Units 6
Course name The Individual in Society 200	Course code PSYC2011	Units 6
Course name Therapeutic Communication and Group Work	Course code REHB2003	Units 6
Course name Advanced Community Occupational Therapy Practice and Chronic Conditions Management	Course code OCCU3006	Units 6
Course name Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice and Neurological Conditions	Course code OCCU3007	Units 6
Course name Occupational Science	Course code OCCU3008	Units 6
Course name Primary Health Care Approaches in Occupational Therapy	Course code OCCU3010	Units 6

Complete exactly 18 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Health Science Honours Preparation	Course code REHB3007	Units 6
Course name Health Science Honours Thesis	Course code REHB4005	Units 12
Course name Advanced Evidence Based Practice	Course code HLTH3014	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 400	Course code OCCU4004	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Practice and Professional Development 401	Course code OCCU4005	Units 6

Complete 66 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Introduction to Occupational Therapy Practice	Course code OCCU1002	Units 6
Course name Occupational Therapy Practice in Occupational Rehabilitation	Course code OCCU2006	Units 6
Course name Participatory Community Practice: Planning	Course code OCCU3005	Units 12
Course name Occupational Therapy Practice Education	Course code OCCU3009	Units 6
Course name Occupational Therapy Field Practice 401	Course code OCCU4001	Units 12
Course name Occupational Therapy Field Practice 400	Course code OCCU4002	Units 12
Course name Participatory Community Practice Implementation	Course code OCCU4003	Units 12

Complete 6 units comprising:

6 units from Free electives

Career outcomes

Be ready to make a difference in people’s lives as an occupational therapist. You could work with people recovering from injury, surgery or illness, such as a stroke or a traumatic event. You might work with children to overcome developmental delays, allowing them to participate in their most important activities . You could work with communities addressing injustice and advocating for better policies that promote health and human rights. Maybe you’ll work in research or academia, identifying the latest developments in occupational therapy.

You could find employment in a range of settings, including:

Aged care facilities
Ambulatory and rehabilitation services
Community mental health services
Council services
Government departments
Home based services
Public and private hospitals
Not-for-profits
Private practice
Schools.

As an occupational therapist, some of your daily tasks may include:

Assessing the daily living needs of people (e.g. household management, shopping, childcare, financial management, home maintenance, driving)
Designing and implementing interventions to assist with daily living activities (e.g. showering, dressing, grooming, eating)
Supporting educational participation
Encouraging leisure and play
Enabling social participation
Facilitating work (paid and voluntary).

Industry trends

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to increase from 22,700 in 2020 to 26,600 by 2025 – a 17% growth (Ahpra & National Boards, 2020). There are also significantly more jobs for occupational therapists in Australia than graduates, reflecting the industry’s struggle to meet service demand (JCU, 2024).

As Australia’s population ages, growing awareness of mental health and the rise of telehealth and digital health have all contributed to creating more opportunity for occupational therapists (Medijobs Australia, 2024). As a graduate, be ready to lend your expertise to an expanding industry.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: