Internationally qualified occupational therapists seeking to practice in Australia must navigate a restructured two-part process. First, AHPRA assesses academic qualifications to determine if they meet the 'substantial equivalence' threshold. Second, the Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) oversees the clinical component, known as the Assessment of Competence. This pathway ensures all practitioners demonstrate the clinical reasoning and cultural responsiveness required to practice safely within the Australian healthcare system.
Success Rate
12–18 Months
$4,500 – $7,000 AUD
Total Duration
Estimated Cost
Success Rate
Difficulty Level
Follow these steps to achieve your global medical career
Apply to AHPRA for assessment of your international qualification. AHPRA determines if your degree is 'substantially equivalent' to an Australian Bachelor or Master’s degree. WFOT-approved programs with 1,000+ clinical hours are typically deemed eligible.
Meet AHPRA's numeric score requirements: IELTS Academic overall 7.0 (no band below 7.0, except Writing 6.5) or OET: Listening 350, Reading 360, Writing 350, Speaking 360.
Secure a job offer and a board-approved supervisor, then apply for Limited Registration for Postgraduate Training or Supervised Practice with AHPRA.
Complete 6 months of supervised practice under OTC. Submit midway (3 months) and final (6 months) supervisor reports assessing competence against Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards.
Complete mandatory Cultural Safety Education to provide culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Upon successful completion of supervised practice, OTC issues a Certificate of Substantial Equivalency. Apply to AHPRA for General Registration with proof of Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Essential prerequisites for this pathway
Downloadable guides and references
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