Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Education

• Are you a good communicator, with excellent listening skills?
• Do you enjoy working with people from a range of different cultures?
• Can you motivate people?
• Are you practical and creative?
• Do you like challenge and variety?

Then you may want to become an occupational therapist.

How do I become an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapy education in New Zealand is delivered through two tertiary institutions, both programmes have World Federation of Occupational Therapists approval.

The programmes are in Auckland, (Auckland University of Technology) and in Dunedin and Hamilton (Otago Polytechnic). Both offer places to New Zealand and Australian citizens and residents at the local price, as well as accepting international students.

For more details about the programmes they offer please click on the links to the left.

Currently in New Zealand, there are no masters level entry programmes offered for people wishing to qualify as an occupational therapist. The point of entry is through the Bachelors programmes.

International Student Fieldwork Placement in New Zealand

There are two ways in which you can apply for a fieldwork placement in New Zealand:

• You can apply via NZAOT who will then forward your application to Otago Polytechnic who will co-ordinate a placement for you. See links at right for further information.
• You can apply direct to the Auckland University of Technology Study Abroad Programme requesting that one of the papers you wish to enrol in is an occupational therapy professional practice paper. See links at right for further information.