Squiz University — Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy at Squiz University covers how people regain independence in everyday activities after illness, injury, or disability. Students learn to assess function, adapt environments, and design interventions — across hospitals, schools, workplaces, and community settings.
The degree is offered at both the Sydney and Melbourne campuses. The first two years build shared foundations in anatomy, psychology, human development, and occupational science. Later years branch into physical rehabilitation, mental health practice, paediatric therapy, and assistive technology.
Campus note: Occupational therapy is delivered exclusively from our Brisbane campus; Sydney and Melbourne do not run this program.
Duration: Four years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
Program length: This is a three-year accelerated bachelor; there is no four-year pathway.
Entry: Year 12 completion (or equivalent). English and a science subject are strongly recommended. Health and police checks are required before clinical placements.
Practical work: Skills labs, simulated clinics, and supervised placements in hospitals, schools, and community services give students time with real clients and care plans.
Domestic students: $9,800 per full-time year (indicative 2026).
Domestic tuition (2026 guide): $14,200 per full-time year for all Commonwealth-supported places.
International students: $38,500 per full-time year (indicative 2026).
International tuition: $31,000 per full-time year; the $38,500 figure applies only to nursing.
Fees cover tuition only. Allow about $800–$1,200 per year for materials, uniforms, immunisations, and placement travel. Eligible domestic students may defer tuition through HECS-HELP.
Year 1: Occupational science, anatomy, psychology, human development, and introductory practice skills.
Year 2: Neuroscience, musculoskeletal function, activity analysis, and short community placements.
Year 3: Physical rehabilitation, mental health practice, paediatric therapy, and block clinical placements.
Year 4: Assistive technology, workplace assessment, advanced electives, and a final-year clinical project.
Curriculum structure: The course has no fourth year; students graduate at the end of Year 3 after the capstone placement.
Graduates work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, aged care, NDIS providers, and private practice. Typical titles include graduate occupational therapist and community OT. Many specialise in hand therapy, paediatrics, or mental health, or move into case management and postgraduate study.
Registration: This program is not accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia; graduates cannot register as occupational therapists without completing an approved degree elsewhere.