13 February 2023 News

What is occupational therapy?

What is occupational therapy (OT) and how does it differ from physiotherapy? How can you train to become an occupational therapist?

Bond physiotherapy and occupational therapy students will soon be learning in brand-new, cutting-edge facilities. Set to open in August 2023, the $45-million project at Robina will meet the booming demand for new physiotherapists, exercise and sports scientists, dietitians, and occupational therapists.

Step 1

Send Transcripts to OzTREKK

❑  Have your school email your transcripts to OzTREKK at transcripts@oztrekk.com (only one copy is required from each institution at which you’ve studied; must be in English)

  • Send now: If you’ve completed your degree (transcript usually says “credentials awarded,” “graduated,” or “degree conferred”).
  • Send during your final semester: If you’re not finished your degree, wait until your last semester; after your degree is conferred, have the university send us the “final” transcript.

If you require a password on the digital transcript, please use the following:

Question: The educational agent that I am working with
Password: OZTREKK1 (no spaces, all capitals); for PINs or character limits, use 1234

See Transcripts FAQs for more information.

Step 2

Send Required Application Documents (All Universities)

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal (PDF only). We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple universities.

❑  Copy of your passport photo page; must be in colour
❑  Résumé – Include relevant experience you’ve completed since high school (max. 2 pages)
❑  Fill out the online OzTREKK SSVF Form

Step 3

Send University-specific Documents

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal. We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple programs.

If a University Requires Course Outlines
Course outlines demonstrate your knowledge of prerequisite subjects. Universities require detailed course outlines that show all covered topics and include a lecture schedule. One-paragraph course descriptions will not suffice. If you don’t have these, please let us know as we may have copies in our files. If we don’t, please contact the faculty from which you undertook your studies.

 

Bond University – Master of Occupational Therapy

  Short statement explaining why you’re interested in the Bond MOT program.
  Prerequisite course outlines:

  • anatomy (1 semester)
  • physiology (1 semester)
  • psychology or sociology or behavioural science (2 semesters)

 

Curtin University – Master of Occupational Therapy

No additional documents required. If you’ve completed steps 1 and 2, above, your application is ready to submit.

 

Flinders University – Master of Occupational Therapy

 Flinders OT Self-assessment
  Prerequisite course outlines:

  • human anatomy (1 semester)
  • human physiology (1 semester)
  • research methods (1 semester)
  • psychology / sociology (1 semester)

 

La Trobe University – Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

   La Trobe Personal Statement – Fillable document

 

Monash University – Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

 Prerequisite course outlines*

  • human anatomy (1 semester)
  • human physiology (1 semester)

Important: Read Monash Requirements for Prerequisite Course Outlines. *If you don’t have the prerequisites, we can still submit your application. Should you receive an offer, you will be required to complete the Monash Human Biology short course.

❑  AUD$125 Monash application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you don’t wish to pay the fee, and we’ll cancel your application.

 

University of Queensland – Master of Occupational Therapy Studies

❑  UQ Authority Form – Handwritten or e-signature only
❑  Review UQ’s Transfer Policy and Procedures
❑  High school transcript – Used to establish English language requirements only (see “Step 1” instructions above)
❑  Prerequisite course outlines:

  • human anatomy (1 semester)
  • human physiology (1 semester)
  • psychology (1 semester)

 

University of Sydney – Master of Occupational Therapy

 AUD$150 Sydney application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you don’t wish to pay the fee, and we’ll cancel your application.

FAQs

If you can’t find the answer to your questions, please reach out to OzTREKK.

 

What if I have an IB transcript?

For requests after July 5 (for May exam sessions) or December 16 (for November exam sessions), IB graduates can request for their transcripts to be sent directly to OzTREKK by placing a request through rrs.ibo.org.

Choose “Request for results to Institutes of higher education,” then select the following:

Institute Country: Canada
Institute State: Ontario
Institute: OzTREKK Educational Services

Choose “Add transcript request,” which confirms you would like your transcript to be sent to us.

Prior to results (issued July 5 for May exam; December 16 for November exam) candidates are advised to contact the IB coordinator at their school for the request to be submitted.

What’s a “grad letter”?

Occasionally, we might ask that you have grad letter from your uni’s registrar’s office sent directly to our office. This is a standard letter that will indicate you’ve met your degree requirements and will show your expected conferral date. So, while you can submit an interim or completed transcript, they won’t show the conferral date. That’s where the grad letter will come in handy.

Don’t worry—we’ll let you know if you’re required to submit a grad letter.

Why can’t I use unofficial transcripts?

Your entire education history must be supported by official documents, otherwise you could be disqualified for academic dishonesty. That’s why opened transcripts we receive from students cannot be certified as official. Transcripts we receive must come directly from your university, college, or secondary school board so that we can certify them.

If you’ve already arranged for your transcript to be mailed to you, please do not open the envelope once you receive your paper copy in the mail. Just pop the sealed transcript into another envelope and forward it to our office.

If you have opened your transcript, please order another one to be sent directly to our office.

Can I send my transcripts from British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, or Saskatchewan?

Once you’ve finished your high school studies and your transcript is final, you’ll need to request a final copy from your provincial Ministry of Education. Final copies are typically not available in BC, Alberta, or Saskatchewan until late June/early July, so you’ll want to be in close contact during this time to make a transcript request.

The Australian universities will not accept a final high school transcript sent from your high school.

What if my degree isn’t completed yet?

If you’re in your last semester, we can sometimes submit your application with an interim transcript, then send the final version once it’s available. This option may not work for all programs, so be sure to chat with your admissions team.

Be prepared to request a final transcript once it becomes available, usually about 4–6 weeks after you’ve finished your studies.

What’s the difference between a “completed” transcript and a “final” transcript?

A completed transcript will show all your completed courses but will be missing a line stating something like, “Credentials Awarded,” “Graduated,” or “Degree conferred,” and it won’t show the conferral date.

A final transcript will show the degree name (e.g., Bachelor of Science) with the conferral date; this is the date recorded on your transcript showing when your degree was officially recognized. They are usually only considered final after your convocation. We’re required to submit official final transcripts.

If you’re still in your last semester of study, we can submit your application with an interim transcript then send the updated final version once it’s available.

How many transcript copies do I need to send?

We only require one copy of each transcript, even if you apply to multiple universities or programs. You must submit final transcripts (showing your degree/diploma is completed) from every institution you’ve attended.

If you have taken any IB or AP studies through your institution, we’ll require a separate transcript from those organizations, too.

How do I send my transcripts?

We’ll need a transcript from every institution you’ve attended since high school, including college, exchanges, transfer credits, or AP/IB studies.

By email (preferred): Ask your school(s) to send your up-to-date transcript directly to transcripts@oztrekk.com or through an official service like Parchment or MyCreds. If a password is required, use OZTREKK1 (all caps, no spaces). For PINs or character limits, use 1234.

By mail (only if email isn’t possible): Use FedEx or Purolator for the fastest delivery. If using Canada Post Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature to avoid delays.

OzTREKK
301–1 Sherbrooke St. E.
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 Canada

We’ll let you know as soon as your transcript arrives!

What is an “official” transcript?

An official transcript is one that is

  • emailed directly from your university to OzTREKK via an official transcript service like Parchment or MyCreds; or
  • mailed directly from your university to OzTREKK.

To process your application(s), universities require your transcripts to be certified, which we do on your behalf.

 

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

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.

For translations, have your institution send OzTREKK your official transcript. We’ll certify it and email it to the translator of your choice, directly.

Usually, the translators wait for your payment before completing the translation and returning it to our office. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

What is an “interim” transcript?

An interim transcript is your current, official academic record. It lists all your completed courses and grades to date and includes any courses you are currently taking (in progress), even if you haven’t finished your full program or degree. It’s often used by students who are still enrolled and provides a snapshot of their academic progress, usually for applications or other purposes until the final transcript is available.

For example, if you’re in the final year of a 4-year degree, your interim transcript will show your grades from the first 3 years, plus the first semester of your final year.

Many universities accept this document and may issue a “conditional offer” based on your performance so far. The condition is that you must later submit your final transcript proving you successfully completed your degree and met the required grades.

We recommend requesting your interim transcript during the final semester of your undergraduate program.

Overview

Wondering how to apply to an Australian OT program? Look no further. We’ll guide you through the process, step by step.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

If you have questions or concerns at any stage in the process, we are just a call or an email away!

1. Eligibility

Determining Your Eligibility

Have you met the minimum GPA requirement? Do you have all the prerequisites?

Figuring out if you’re eligible to apply to a program is a great first step. Eligibility is based on several factors and can differ across universities. To get started, have a look at the following resources:

 

Minimum vs Competitive
Even if you meet the minimum requirements, it doesn’t always mean you’ll be a competitive applicant.

Minimum GPA scores are defined by each university and are the lowest scores required to be eligible to apply.

Competitive GPA scores are the minimum scores that receive an offer and can vary year to year.

 

We’ll always be transparent about your chances of receiving an offer. Not competitive? We’ll help you figure out your options. Sometimes applicants decide to pursue a different study area—we can help with that, too! Check out our helpful FAQs for more insight on eligibility.

2. Apply Online

Start Your Application

Fill out the OzTREKK application. This application only comes to us, so don’t worry about making a mistake.

Completing your OzTREKK application early is a great way for us to get to know you and your goals, and it ensures you don’t miss a deadline!

 

What to Expect on the Application
The basics: your full name, address, program of interest, etc., plus your education history.

Once you’ve pressed “Submit,” congratulations! You’re officially an OzTREKK student! We’ll send you a confirmation email and let you know what else is required to complete your university application.

If you’d like to make changes to your application or to your program selection, no problem. We can adjust anything as we go.

3. Submit Documents

Submit Your Documents to OzTREKK

You’ve pressed “Submit” on your OzTREKK application and you’re ready for the next step.

 

Upload Your Documents to the myOzTREKK Portal
You’ll receive an email with your log-in credentials. Once you’re set up, you can begin uploading your application documents (except transcripts) to the myOzTREKK student portal. We only need one copy of each document.

The myOzTREKK portal is where you’ll be able to keep track of your applications:

  • Manage your applications (see where you’ve applied or cancel applications)
  • Upload documents like your passport and résumé
  • Review your files and education history (make sure everything looks right!)
  • Submit questions to your admissions team

 

When Should I Send My Documents?
The earlier the better! We’ll need all your documents before the application deadlines; the earlier we have them, the more guidance we can provide.

Remember, we’re here for you throughout the entire process, so always feel free to ask us questions.

4. OzTREKK Submits Application

OzTREKK Submits Your Complete Application(s)

Once all your documents are in, we’ll submit your application to the university and send you a confirmation email with estimated outcome dates.

This is the waiting period. It can be stressful, but now that your application is under assessment, we’ll share everything you need to know in this “layover” phase:

  • Resources for confident decision-making if you receive an offer (or multiple offers!)
  • Financing information (including contacts)
  • Community connections (OzTREKK events and more!)

FAQs

If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re here to help!

 

Can my partner or family come to Australia with me if I get an offer? 

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.

Can I apply if I’m only 17?

Yes, but you’ll require parental or guardian consent (signature). OzTREKK will provide the necessary documentation for this signature.

If you won’t be 18 when your program starts, you’ll be required to show that you’ll be living with an approved guardian until you turn 18. If you don’t have an approved guardian in Australia, you may need a family member to apply for a guardian visa to accompany you. This guardian visa should be obtained as part of the student visa application.

 

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities.

Applying to an Australian or New Zealand university starts by filling out our OzTREKK application: You’ll tell us a bit about yourself, like your name, address, date of birth, education history, and what schools you want to apply to!

When you click “Submit,” the application with all your information only comes to us, so there’s no need to worry about making a mistake at this stage. We create a file for you and email you a list of documents required to complete your application(s), like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement.

If you get an offer, we’ll help you with that part, too! Whether you want to accept or decline, we’ll help you figure out your next steps. If you accept your offer, we’ll even help you get ready to go. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat. That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

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.

Do you have course outlines on file? 

Before sending us outlines, check in with your admissions team 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).

I received a low mark on my prerequisite course. Will this impact my application? 

To meet the prerequisite subjects, you need to have been granted the credit (passed); the grade itself isn’t considered in the prerequisite assessment. If there are any exceptions, we’ll let you know.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, AKA “first come, first served” or “first come, first offered.” As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they usually start a waitlist and close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

Most 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, we’re always here to help if you have questions.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They’re 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. We leave the official calculations to the universities.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade. If you’re not sure where you land, just reach out!

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

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 Conversions for more information.

What is an “official” transcript?

An official transcript is one that is

  • emailed directly from your university to OzTREKK via an official transcript service like Parchment or MyCreds; or
  • mailed directly from your university to OzTREKK.

To process your application(s), universities require your transcripts to be certified, which we do on your behalf.

 

You don’t meet the required OT prerequisites

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.

What is Substantial Equivalency Assessment System?

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

  • examines the education that IEOTs originally completed;
  • allows IEOTs to demonstrate what they know and can do; and
  • ensures IEOTs are familiar with the Canadian legislation, ethics and standards of practice that comprise the framework for occupational therapy practice in Canada.

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

 

Do I need to re-register as an OT if I move to another province?

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.

What are course outlines and how should I submit them to OzTREKK?

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. Course outlines should contain the following information:

  • Year and semester date
  • Faculty contact information
  • Course description
  • Hours of study
  • Textbook information
  • Detailed list of topics that are covered in the course; usually found in a detailed lecture schedule or list of chapter readings

Unfortunately, the universities won’t accept one-paragraph course descriptions; they require 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 uploaded as PDFs to the OzTREKK student portal 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.

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

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.

For translations, have your institution send OzTREKK your official transcript. We’ll certify it and email it to the translator of your choice, directly.

Usually, the translators wait for your payment before completing the translation and returning it to our office. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

I don’t have all the prerequisites. Can I still apply?

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.

What should I include in my personal statement?

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.

I have taken a lot of psychology courses, should I send all my course outlines?

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.