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occupational therapist applying support brace to patient's arm

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Course details

  • Feb 2025
    Jul 2025
  • Three years
  • Full-time or Part-time
  • $8,508* per year
  • You may qualify for fee-free study under Fees Free Policy
  • Level 7
  • Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
  • Hamilton City Campus

Summary

Students in this programme will learn to assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake daily activities.

Students will study occupational therapy theory on campus, with the practice components of the programme being applied during field work placements.

The programme is delivered at Wintec, on the ​Hamilton City Campus, by Otago Polytechnic tutors.

Career/further opportunities

This qualification leads to registration to practise as an occupational therapist in New Zealand, and is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

To enrol

To apply, you will need to complete an Otago Application form. This can be located by visiting the Otago Polytechnic website or emailing our Hamilton  School Administrator to request an enrolment pack.

Disclaimers

Entry criteria

  • NCEA Level 3
  • 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
  • 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and 
  • 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of: specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
    package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required) 
  • OR you can demonstrate equivalence to the above academic entry criteria
  • OR a qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) equalling at least 60 credits completed in one year 
  • OR successful completion of university courses/units equalling at least 50 per cent of a first-year student workload completed in one year.

International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet degree-level entry requirements. All students (international and domestic) for whom English is not a first language:

  • must demonstrate English Language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5, with no band score lower than 6.5 OR
  • must provide acceptable alternative evidence of English language proficiency depending on the visa decline rate of the country you are from. Please note: All scores must be achieved in a single test completed in the preceding two years. You cannot combine scores from multiple tests.
  • If you have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance you are not required to provide evidence of English Language skills. 

Additional criteria

  • You need to provide a medical examination report which shows you have a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health as certified by a general practitioner.
  • You must submit recommendations of suitability from two referees who are not family members or friends (e.g. family friends or personal friends).
  • All applicants who are accepted must obtain a Comprehensive Level 2 First Aid Certificate (Units 6400, 6401 and 6402), make a health declaration, provide their immunisation status and complete the requirements of the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 (including police vetting).
Don't meet the entry criteria?

Pathways

Health and social practice pathway diagram

To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

Your first day

Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.

This programme is delivered at Wintec by Otago Polytechnic tutors. Students will be contacted prior to their first day of class with induction information.

What you will need

Timetable information

All Wintec timetables are available online here.

How to find your way around

Campus maps can be found here.

Parking and bus information

Both the Rotokauri and City campuses have parking available - payment and permits may be required. The Gardens Campus has free parking available. Learn more about parking and find out about bus services here.

He reo pōwhiri, your official welcome to Wintec

Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koe e piki nei, e kake nei ki te Kuratini o Waikato.

You are warmly invited to attend the official welcome to Wintec for all new students, staff and whānau (family) at either our marae, Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa or Rotokauri campus. The pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony involving mihimihi (speeches), waiata (singing), and will conclude with kai timotimo (light refreshments). Please gather at the campus hubs, and a staff member will guide you through our pōwhiri.

Click here to find out when the next pōwhiri will be.

Paying for your study

Course-related costs

Additional information

Booklist

Purchasing textbooks

If your programme requires you to have access to textbooks, these can be purchased through a range of suppliers listed below:

    New Zealand-based suppliers

    General book suppliers

    First aid certificate

    Health status

    Uniform

    Equipment

    Clinical placement

    Prospectus (course guide)

    The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

    Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

    The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

    Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

    Portfolio

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