Interested in studying occupational therapy? Learn how you can study at a world-ranking Australian occupational therapy school.
Occupational therapists work with their clients to overcome barriers that may be preventing them from participating more fully in life. This might involve teaching alternative techniques to achieve a given task, or facilitating improvement of skills. Occupational therapists collaborate with family and carers where needed, and typically work in teams with other health professionals.
OTs have a variety of career opportunities ranging from work in hospitals to rehabilitation units to school, and from workplace health and safety units to psychiatric clinics to research institutions.
Here’s what you’ll find on this page:
Graduate
Graduate
Undergraduate
The process of applying to study occupational therapy in Australia can feel both simple and confusing at the same time. That’s why we’re here. Our goal is to have the best prepared students ready for a first-class educational experience in Australia and New Zealand—and we take that to heart.
When you’re considering OT school in Australia, you may have questions about
We’ve got you covered. Head on over to our how to apply to occupational therapy school in Australia page where you’ll find info about what to expect!
Canadian students who wish to practice as an occupational therapist upon their return to Canada should visit the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists website for accreditation and certification information.
Visit our Related FAQ section further down on this page for more information or see our Practicing Occupational Therapy in Canada page.
See below for some frequently asked questions. Still need answers? Send us a request for information or contact a student advisor today.
Many Canadians wish to fulfill their career goals after getting married, having kids, or both! We’ve had plenty of students who have taken their partner and/or children with them.
If you want to take your partner or family with you, you’ll need to add them as a secondary applicant or dependents to your student visa application. Even if you don’t plan on taking them with you, we suggest you add them to your application anyway because it can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to add them afterwards. You’ll then need to provide additional documentation to support your claims of a relationship or your children’s dependency status.
In addition to looking after the visa, you’ll also need to ensure they’re included on your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you have appropriate accommodation, and if you’re bringing children, you’ll need to enroll them in school.
Visit our Health Insurance page for more information.
We recommend you begin your OzTREKK application about a year before your program would start. Most programs in Australia start between January and March, so that means you would start your OzTREKK application between January and March the year prior.
Here’s how the typical “cycle” works if your program starts January – March:
March – May: You gather all required documents like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement, and send them to our office. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly what we need!
June – August: Interviews (if your program requires one)
September – December: Offer time! If you get an offer, we’ll walk you through the acceptance (or decline) process and give you all the help you need to get ready to go.
January – March: Time to head Down Under!
Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.
Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.
Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.
Before sending us outlines, check to see if we’ve already got them. We can save you a lot of time and ensure we’re submitting good outlines on your behalf. Outlines must be within 2 years of the time you took the course (as listed on your transcript).
To meet the prerequisite subjects, you need to have been granted the credit (passed); the grade isn’t considered in the prerequisite assessment.
Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!
The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.
Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!
You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.
Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.
In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.
Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.
Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”
Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.
Currently, our Australian universities require original transcripts to assess your application—certified by OzTREKK, which means we have to put our stamp on paper. Literally.
Usually, students order transcripts from their high school, college and/or university and have them mailed to our office. Alternatively, you can pick up your transcripts and mail them to OzTREKK, as long as they remain in their original, sealed envelopes.
You will need to submit final transcripts (showing your degree/diploma is completed) from every institution you have attended. We only require one copy of each transcript, even if you apply to multiple universities or programs.
OzTREKK educational services
301-1 Sherbrooke St. E.
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 CANADA
Alternatively, your high school, college and/or university can email them to transcripts@oztrekk.com .
P.S. Try sending your documents via FedEx and Purolator, especially when you need your documents to arrive at our office ASAP. If you use Canada Post’s courier Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature, as this can add unexpected delays!
As soon as your transcript arrives, we’ll let you know!
Most Australian university occupational therapy (OT) programs require a student to have completed specific undergraduate subjects.
1. Apply to the University of Sydney Master of Occupational Therapy program
The Sydney MOT does not require students to have completed prerequisites; however, previous studies in anatomy and physiology will make for a more competitive application.
2. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s)
Most Australian universities will let students take non-award courses during the application season to make up the prerequisites they are missing. This means you can submit your application with your interim transcript and proof of enrollment into the prerequisite course. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, we advise checking with either your admissions officer or the university to make sure the course will satisfy the prerequisite.
If you haven’t completed the prerequisite course(s) by the time offers are issued, then universities may issue a conditional offer. Please note that not all universities will issue conditional offers and it may vary for each program. It’s always best to check with your admissions officer to see if your program of interest will give conditional offers.
According to the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO), Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) is an assessment process to determine the extent to which an internationally educated occupational therapist’s (IEOT’s) educational qualifications and competencies are substantially equivalent to those of a Canadian-educated occupational therapist.
It is the first step for all IEOTs in the Canadian registration process.
SEAS is a multi-stage assessment approach that
SEAS has four main components:
1. Review of the Academic Credential Assessment (ACA)
2. Curriculum and Fieldwork – Profession-specific Credential Assessment (PSCA) Review
3. Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test (JKAT)
4. Competency Assessment Interview
According to the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO), yes. Registration is regulated by province, so every time you move to a new province, you must re-register.
Visit the provincial website of the regulatory body with which you wish to register to learn more. Registration can be an expensive process. You may wish to investigate job opportunities in other provinces before submitting your registration documents.
A course outline includes all the necessary information about a university course. It will include the course title, the year, the learning goals, the professor’s contact information, reading materials and most important, a weekly learning schedule. This will help the universities to see what you studied on a week-to-week basis and assess if you have covered the material they expect you to know.
Please note, one-paragraph course descriptions will not suffice. The university would like to see course outlines like those handed out at the beginning of the semester, which outline all topics covered within the course. If you do not have copies of these on hand, contact the faculty from which you undertook these courses, as they usually have copies on file.
These course outlines must be attached to the email in PDF (do not send PDF links) and labelled in the following manner:
CAPS 391 Human Anatomy I UBC F2015 (COURSE CODE)(Name of Course)(University)(Semester & Year)
When you do this, it helps us be more efficient and move your application(s) at lightning speed.
If your documents are not in English, you must provide full translation of each document, either prepared by your university or by a registered translator. You must not translate the documents yourself.
Please note OzTREKK must receive the official translation directly from the university or translator in order to certify the document. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.
Unfortunately, if you do not have the required prerequisites, you are not eligible to apply. If you are missing a course or two, you can enroll in those courses before applying and we will submit your interim transcript with your application. Otherwise, you are welcome to send in a course outline you feel covers the required content. If you’re unsure, please contact OzTREKK for details.
Your personal statement should be no longer than one page and should outline your reasons for applying to study occupational therapy and what you hope to gain from it and should include a brief statement concerning your suitability for the program.
Each university must assess every course outline that is submitted. In the interest of efficiency, please only submit one or two psychology course outlines that you feel best represent the content the university is asking for. At a minimum, an intro to psychology course is generally sufficient. Contact rehabsci@oztrekk.com for more information.
Reference letters are not required. If submitted, there is no guarantee that they will be read or considered as part of your application.
What do OzTREKK students think about studying occupational therapy in Australia? Read on!
UQ has really good quality of education with the great research program. There are so many nice colleagues helping out with the journey of study. However, tuition and living cost is very expensive. With great professors and awesome colleagues. This is great program and OT is demanding for every other countries. UQ also provides registration services all around the world. This is great aid.
UQ has really good quality of education with the great research program. There are so many nice colleagues helping out with the journey of study. However, tuition and living cost is very expensive. With great professors and awesome colleagues. This is great program and OT is demanding for every other countries. UQ also provides registration services all around the world. This is great aid.
Sudong K
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2023
Sudong K
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2023
Love the close knit, small program size that contributes to VERY VERY individualized education. Free student therapy and easy access to medical and other support services. Nothing much that I dislike - other than the price but that's the cost of being an international student! Small groups mean one on one relationships with professors which help with ensuring you are really learning. What I dislike is that we only have two very long placement blocks instead of a bunch of short ones - less chance to try different areas.
Love the close knit, small program size that contributes to VERY VERY individualized education. Free student therapy and easy access to medical and other support services. Nothing much that I dislike – other than the price but that’s the cost of being an international student! Small groups mean one on one relationships with professors which help with ensuring you are really learning. What I dislike is that we only have two very long placement blocks instead of a bunch of short ones – less chance to try different areas.
Hannah GThe teaching staff is amazing at USYD! However the administration could be a bit more organized. I really enjoy working with the professors and you get the opportunity to learn and engage in various learning experiences that are applicable to your future career! The organization and clarity for some classes have been unclear.
The teaching staff is amazing at USYD! However the administration could be a bit more organized. I really enjoy working with the professors and you get the opportunity to learn and engage in various learning experiences that are applicable to your future career! The organization and clarity for some classes have been unclear.
Minisha TI value how personalized the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Bond University was and how it has shaped me into the professional and resilient Occupational Therapist I am today. The learning experience is diverse; small class sizes and community partnerships allow for rewarding hands-on, practical experience and a chance to explore unique individual interests and career pathways. The thought of moving internationally is daunting but Bond provided an amazing support sys. Read More
I value how personalized the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Bond University was and how it has shaped me into the professional and resilient Occupational Therapist I am today. The learning experience is diverse; small class sizes and community partnerships allow for rewarding hands-on, practical experience and a chance to explore unique individual interests and career pathways. The thought of moving internationally is daunting but Bond provided an amazing support system of like-minded students that turned into friendships and professors who are approachable, passionate about the profession and advocate for student success, academically and on a personal level.
Paige P (Graduated 2017)So far I am enjoying Bond, the staff are the kindest people I have ever met and the campus is absolutely stunning. I am enjoying it so far. There are small classes which helps facilitate my learning, the professors are nice and welcoming.
So far I am enjoying Bond, the staff are the kindest people I have ever met and the campus is absolutely stunning. I am enjoying it so far. There are small classes which helps facilitate my learning, the professors are nice and welcoming.
Amy DOccupational Therapy is all about bettering the lives of others through their daily occupations. I love that I will soon be qualified to help people who experience challenges in their every day life and I love that everyone in my class has the same mindset as me in that we are all very helpful towards each other. I also really like that we are a class of 35 students because in less than a month we are all friends with each other and kind of feel like a family.
Occupational Therapy is all about bettering the lives of others through their daily occupations. I love that I will soon be qualified to help people who experience challenges in their every day life and I love that everyone in my class has the same mindset as me in that we are all very helpful towards each other. I also really like that we are a class of 35 students because in less than a month we are all friends with each other and kind of feel like a family.
Alina K
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2017
Alina K
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies
The University of Queensland, 2017