Australia has been among the most favored countries where foreign students who wish to establish a career in healthcare and allied health sciences can study. Occupational Therapy (OT) is one of the fastest-developing healthcare fields that boasts of high job demand, rewarding career-related outcomes, and worldwide acknowledgment. Studying Occupational Therapy in Australia also provides students with the benefit of getting the best education globally, lots of clinical experience as well as high job prospects after schooling.
Cliftons Study Abroad is a practical guide that provides students with all the knowledge regarding studying Occupational Therapy in Australia, courses, universities, eligibility, career opportunities, and benefits.
 What Is Occupational Therapy?\
Occupational Therapy is a medical profession that deals with assisting people of all ages to engage in significant daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapists engage individuals with injury, illness, disability, developmental conditions, or mental health disorders to become more independent and increase their quality of life.
Role of an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists will help patients:
- Re-gaining motor, cognitive and social skills.
- Acclimatising to physical or psychological issues.
- Nurturing working, educational and life skills.
- Increasing mental health and emotional welfare
OT is a very people-oriented and influential profession as its professionals can work with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
 Why Study Occupational Therapy in Australia?
Australia is well known around the world due to its rich healthcare and educational institutions. Undertaking Occupational Therapy in Australia has several benefits for international students.
Globally Recognised Qualifications
Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) and World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) are the accreditation bodies and the recognised organisations of Occupational Therapy programs in Australia, and hence graduates of these programmes can practice in various countries.
 Strong Demand for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists appear on the Medium and Long-term strategic skills List (MLTSSL) in Australia, thus there is a steady demand in the spheres of healthcare, rehabilitation and community.
Hands-On Clinical Training
Australian universities focus on practice learning by:
- Directed clinical placements.
- Hospital and community-based education
- Research-based instructional methods.
 Excellent Quality of Life
Australia has a perfect environment, a multicultural society, good support systems for students, and good standards of living, making it the best destination for international students.
Types of Occupational Therapy Courses in Australia
Australia has a variety of Occupational Therapy courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Duration: 4 years
- Should be appropriate for students of science after high school.
- Includes vast clinical placements.
Master of Occupational Therapy
- Duration: 2 years
- Catered to health science or other related disciplines graduates.
- International students were fond of it.
 Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Advanced)
- Research and practice-based.
- Appropriate in higher professional and academic life.
Top Universities to Study Occupational Therapy in Australia
There are a number of universities in Australia that provide accredited Occupational Therapy, which are ranked in the world.
University of Sydney
One of the most distinguished Occupational Therapy programs in Australia is available in the University of Sydney. The university offers a wide range of hands-on training and interdisciplinary learning opportunities as it is well known to have strong clinical partnerships, research excellence, and modern facilities.
Monash University
One of the most distinguished Occupational Therapy programs in Australia is available in the University of Sydney. The university offers a wide range of hands-on training and interdisciplinary learning opportunities as it is well known to have strong clinical partnerships, research excellence, and modern facilities.
Monash University
The programs of the Occupational Therapy of Monash University are developed around the basis of evidence and innovation. Students have the advantage of exposure to the clinical world early, simulation laboratories and close connection with healthcare providers throughout Australia,
University of Queensland
University of Queensland is known to have a teaching by research and international perspective. Occupational Therapy program is based on real-life practice, contact with the community, and development of advanced clinical skills.
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
ACU has a reputation of having health science courses and good graduate employment rates. The university has outstanding clinical placements and individualized student care hence making it a preferred destination for international students.
Curtin University
Curtin University emphasizes on practice and partnership with the industry. Its Occupational Therapy programs are tailored to address the present healthcare needs and equip the graduates with various professional environments.
 Eligibility Requirements for International Students
Eligibility criteria can differ by university although generally, the following are the general requirements to be admitted to the university:
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s programs: Finished high school with science subjects.
- Master courses: Undergraduate degree in health or related courses
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Averaged score of 7.0 (lowest score of 6.5 in each band)
- PTE or TOEFL scores are accepted in most universities.
Additional Requirements
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic transcripts
- Health checks and police clearance for clinical placements
Cliftons Study Abroad will help students to go through all the requirements of admission and documentation without any hassles.
Cost of Studying Occupational Therapy in Australia
Tuition Fees
- Bachelor: AUD 30000- AUD 45000 annually.
- Master degree: AUD 35,000- AUD 50,000/per annum
Living Expenses
The international students will be expected to spend around AUD 20 000 AUD 25 000 annually on accommodation, eating, transport and living expenses.
Career Opportunities After Studying Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy graduates in Australia have had good career opportunities in various fields.
Employment Sectors
- State and non-state hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Mental health clinics
- The education institutions and special schools.
- Aged care and disability.
- Health agencies in the community.
 Average Salary
The average pay of the occupational therapists in Australia is:
- Entry-level: AUD 65,000 – AUD 75,000 per year
- Experienced professionals: AUD 90,000 – AUD 110,000 per year
Post-Study Work and PR Opportunities
Graduates are eligible for:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Skilled migration pathways
In Australia, Occupational Therapy is a profession that is PR worthy.
Why Choose Cliftons Study Abroad?
Cliftons Study Abroad is a reputable foreign education consultancy boasting of over 20 years of experience in helping students to pursue successful careers abroad. We offer:
- Expert career counselling
- Subject selection in a university.
- Application and admissions assistance.
- Visa instructions and visa documentation.
- Pre-departure and post-arrival service.
We have been able to achieve our student-based strategy, which guarantees a hassle-free process between application and landing in Australia.
Conclusion
Occupational Therapy is a good course of study in Australia because international students who want to pursue a career in healthcare that is significant, globally esteemed, and promising of long term career prospects can use it as an option. Australia offers the ideal conditions of developing into an occupational therapy professional with world-class universities, practical clinical training, high employability, and attractive migration options.
Through the proper guidance of Cliftons Study Abroad, your ambition of studying Occupational Therapy in Australia can come to pass. Begin your career now and create your successful future in one of the most reputable healthcare systems in the world.
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