#1 Victorian university for occupational therapy graduate salary
#1 Victorian university for occupational therapy course satisfaction
1,000+ hours occupational therapy practice education
Why choose occupational therapy at Deakin
Develop the skills to support people to live more independently with Deakin's accredited Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. You will learn to assess people’s strengths and limitations, identify environmental and social barriers, and design personalised, evidence-based interventions that enable participation in meaningful activities across all stages of life.
Learn from expert occupational therapy educators and work alongside other disciplines to build your capability as part of an interdisciplinary team. Practice education is embedded in every year of the course, with over 1000 hours completed across diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, and community health services. Combined with hands-on learning in state-of-the-art specialist facilities, a practical focus contributes to Deakin being ranked the #1 Victorian university for occupational therapy course satisfaction. You will graduate confident, career ready, and eligible for professional registration as an occupational therapist.
-
Strong graduate outcomes
Study at the #1 Victorian university for occupational therapy graduate salary and graduate with industry-ready skills.
-
Highly-rated student experience
Deakin is ranked #1 Victorian university for occupational therapy course satisfaction and for support, facilities and resources.
-
Extensive practical experience
Complete over 1000 hours of practice education embedded across every year of your course, building your confidence and capability in diverse settings.
-
Professional accreditation
Graduate from a course accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, enabling you to apply for professional registration.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build a rewarding career helping people of all ages achieve their goals and participate in everyday life. Occupational therapists work across health, disability, education, mental health and community settings.
Occupational therapist
Help people participate in everyday activities following illness, injury or disability. Occupational therapists assess individual needs and develop practical strategies that support independence and quality of life.
- $95k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 17.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- Hospitals and rehabilitation services
- Community health organisations
- Mental health services
- Private practices
- Primary and secondary schools
- Workplace wellbeing and rehabilitation services
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy?
Develop the skills to enable participation, wellbeing, and inclusion with Deakin’s accredited Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. You will learn to recognise strengths, address environmental and social barriers, and design personalised, evidence-based interventions that support meaningful engagement in everyday life across all stages of life.
Build foundations in occupational therapy
Understand the human body
Learn anatomy and physiology to support your understanding of movement and function.
Explore occupational therapy foundations
Build knowledge of how people engage in meaningful activities and the factors that influence participation.
Develop communication and cultural awareness
Learn to work collaboratively with diverse individuals, teams and communities.
Understand health conditions and participation
Examine health and function
Explore how injury, illness, and disability affect occupational performance.
Work across the lifespan
Learn how participation needs change from childhood through to older adulthood.
Develop analytical skills
Build your ability to assess occupational performance and identify appropriate supports.
Develop intervention and practice skills
Design and evaluate interventions
Learn to collaboratively develop evidence-based strategies to improve participation and independence.
Strengthen clinical reasoning
Build your ability to assess needs and respond to complex situations.
Build professional capability
Gain experience working within interdisciplinary teams and professional contexts.
Choose your pathway and prepare for practice
Complete advanced professional experience
Build your confidence through extended placement and applied learning.
Pass stream
Prepare for professional practice: Focus on transition to practice, professional development and innovation in occupational therapy.
Honours stream
Develop research expertise: If eligible, undertake research-focused study and complete an honours research project.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, you must pass 32 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Some students also have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in their fourth year of the course. Entry into the Occupational Therapy Honours program is by invitation only.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 4 - Pass stream
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Level 4 - H455 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
(CRICOS code: 088320A)
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) are accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA and the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
For Warrnambool only:
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) programs delivered at the Warrnambool campus are granted accreditation by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) with conditions until 2027, subject to submission of satisfactory monitoring reports.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Department of Health safety screening requirements include Police Record Check, Working with Children Check, Immunisation status and NDIS Worker Screening Check
Inherent requirements
All prospective applicants should review the Inherent Requirements of the course, which describe the skills, values and behaviours that students need to achieve. Students should consider whether they may need reasonable adjustments in order to meet these requirements.
Working with Children Check
In accordance with the Worker Screening Act 2020, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course. Students who fail to obtain a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of practice education will not be able to undertake practice education impeding their progression in the course. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
In accordance with the Department of Health policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to practice education in each calendar year of the course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of practice education will not be able to undertake practice education, impeding their progression in the course. In addition, an organisation may refuse to accept a student with disclosable outcomes, impeding the student’s progression in the course. Learn more about the National Police Record Check.
Immunisation Status
Students are required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health and community organisations where they will be undertaking their practice education. An organisation may refuse to accept a student for practice education if the student’s immunisation status does not align with their requirements, impeding the student’s progression in the course.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
All domestic students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check at the commencement of the course. International students are required to undertake a NDIS Worker Screening Check check by the commencement of second year. This is an assessment of whether a person poses risk to NDIS participants. Students who fail to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check may not be able to undertake practice education, impeding their progression in the course.
Note
Students will be responsible for all costs associated with completing and maintaining the following mandatory checks which are required prior to commencing professional practice education experience:
- Working with Children Check, (approximately $130)
- An NDIS worker screen, (approximately $130)
- A National Police Record Check (approximately $100)
- Immunisation Status
Students are expected to participate in a range of learning activities. This may include lectures, seminars, simulations, peer collaboration and online interaction. Refer to unit details on the unit site or the University Handbook for more information.
This course involves compulsory practice education in each year of the course. The requirement of completing a minimum of 1000 hours of practice education during the course is essential for the course to meet national and international accreditation standards.
Deakin seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. If you have questions about adjustments that may be possible or applicable in your situation, we encourage you to reach out to Future Students Domestic students/ International students or Disability Resource Centre for a confidential discussion. You will be connected to a staff member who will be able to discuss your circumstances and how the School and University can help to put reasonable accommodations in place. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career, and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
Campus offerings
Waterfront (Geelong) students must enrol into the Waterfront or Waurn Ponds unit offerings.
Warrnambool students must enrol into the Warrnambool unit offerings.
Failure of a fieldwork component in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy may lead to exclusion from the course. Students will be required to complete a minimum 1 fieldwork component in a regional area of Victoria or adjacent areas.
Practice Education
Practice education provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Practice education is embedded in each year of the course. In each practice education unit, practice education is a mandatory hurdle requirement. Successful completion of all practice education is required to maintain progression in the course.
A minimum of 1000 practice education hours will be gained as per The World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ (WFOT) minimum standards. These practice education hours will occur in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, clinics, community health organisations and private practice. Placements may be in metropolitan, regional, rural, and interstate locations and will require you to engage with diverse client groups.
Students are generally required to complete at least one placement in an out-of-region location (excluding their principal place of residence) during their degree. Placements may incur additional travel and accommodation costs. Practice education is scheduled at specific points across each year, including during university holidays and trimester breaks. A schedule detailing these placements is developed in advance of the commencing academic year.
Further details related to practice education can be found on the School Practice Education page.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
This course structure is for students commencing Trimester 1 2026 onwards. Students who commenced their course before 2026 should refer to previous handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
H355 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply evidence based/evidence informed knowledge about occupation and its dynamic relationship with people, the environment and health, to design and deliver strengths-based, person- and community-centred occupational therapy services. |
| Communicate sensitively, professionally, and respectfully to advocate for and with clients, families, preferred supports, colleagues, and communities using strengths-based, culturally safe language and a range of communication tools and strategies. |
| Seek, use, and critically evaluate information located and accessed from digital and other technologies to enhance occupational therapy practice, professional development, and research, and promote participation for diverse populations. |
| Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge, theories, methods, and skills, to inform occupational therapy practice |
| Apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and improve occupational therapy practice outcomes, research, and scholarship. |
| Uphold professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, independent learning, and professional development. |
| Practice collaboratively, professionally, and respectfully and contribute occupational therapy expertise within inter and intra professional teams. Demonstrate willingness and capability to assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate. |
| Demonstrate ethical and co-constructed occupational therapy practice and research through the integration of diverse worldviews, perspectives and insights of local and global cultures and heritages, with a particular emphasis on working alongside and in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. |
H455 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply evidence based/informed knowledge about occupation and its dynamic relationship with people, the environment and health, to design and deliver strengths-based, person- and community-centred occupational therapy services. Apply and plan the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. |
| Communicate sensitively, professionally, and respectfully to advocate for and with clients, families, preferred supports, colleagues, and communities using strengths-based, culturally safe language and a range of communication tools and strategies. Disseminate research findings to a range of stakeholders. |
| Seek, use, and critically evaluate information located and accessed from digital and other technologies to enhance occupational therapy practice, support continuing professional development, and research, and promote participation for diverse populations. |
| Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply knowledge, theories, methods, and skills, to inform occupational therapy practice and research. |
| Apply critical thinking, professional reasoning, decision making, reflection and innovation to collaboratively design, implement, evaluate, and improve occupational therapy practice outcomes, research, and scholarship. |
| Uphold professional standards and maintain currency of knowledge through identification and implementation of self-reflective practices, independent learning, and professional development. |
| Practice collaboratively, professionally, respectfully and contribute occupational therapy expertise within inter and intra professional teams. Assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate. |
| Demonstrate ethical and co-constructed occupational therapy practice and research through the integration of diverse worldviews, perspectives and insights of local and global cultures and heritages, with a particular emphasis on working alongside and in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400411591 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - (Regional and Remote)
1400415351 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400711591 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- (Regional and Remote)
1400715351 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- H355
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$10,894
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Indigenous Access Scheme
If you’re an Indigenous student, you can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme. We recognise achievements beyond your ATAR and academic results, considering your skills, experience and community work as preparation for university study.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Articulated courses
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (H455)