Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
at The University of Sydney, New South Wales.
A four-year full-time occupational therapy degree on the Camperdown/Darlington campus, accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council and approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. There is no guaranteed ATAR; the university expects most successful applicants to need a rank of 93.00 or higher. Biology is recommended.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the USyd Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 96.55 | uac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 94.55 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 94.20 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 93.05 | uac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Study areas are human anatomy, neurosciences, occupational therapy theory and practice, psychology and the social sciences, building from biomedical and behavioural foundations to occupational therapy assessment and intervention with children, adults and older people. At least 1,000 hours of work-integrated learning are embedded in the course, in line with WFOT requirements.
Placement and industry experience
The degree includes at least 1,000 hours of work-integrated learning, in simulation units, hospitals, community organisations and specialist practices. Placements may fall in holiday periods, and students meet NSW Health compliance and inherent requirements before starting.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as registered occupational therapists in Sydney tertiary hospitals, NDIS providers, schools and community mental-health services after AHPRA registration.
- First-year roles typically include rotational hospital positions in Sydney Local Health District (RPA, Concord), Royal Rehab and paediatric OT in NDIS practices.
- Many alumni progress to specialty roles in hand therapy, mental health, paediatrics or sensory integration and pursue postgraduate clinical research.
Professional accreditation
- Occupational Therapy Council of Australia
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) approved
- Occupational Therapy Board of Australia registration eligible
Typical first jobs
- OT at NSW Health hospitals (acute, rehab, paediatrics)
- Community OT in NDIS-funded private practice
- Paediatric OT in clinic and school-based practice
- Mental health OT in inpatient and community settings
- Aged-care OT in residential and community programs
- Rural and remote OT under NSW Health rural pathways
Graduate starting salary
$70,000 - $80,000 per year
Source: health.nsw.gov.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
The course is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia with the approval of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and is WFOT approved, so graduates can register as occupational therapists and have their qualification recognised internationally. Graduates work in hospitals, community health, mental health, disability and private practice.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who like creative problem solving across physical, cognitive and mental health
- Those willing to work across hospital, community and NDIS settings
- People comfortable with paediatrics and elderly patient interaction
- Students happy to do unpaid placement blocks
- Those committed to a values-driven, regulated profession
It is probably not for you if
- Students uncomfortable with disability, mental health and aged-care content
- Those unwilling to do extensive unpaid placements
- Anyone seeking high starting salary out of undergraduate study
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Related courses at USyd
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the University of Sydney website and on UAC before applying.