What is an Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that involves the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.
Where Can I Study Occupational Therapy In South Africa
University of Cape Town (UCT):
The University of Cape Town OT (Occupational Therapy) Division undergraduate programme exposes students to various domains of practice specifically Child Learning Development and Play, Work Practice, Physical, Mental Health, and Community Development Practice.
The undergraduate program exposes students to various domains of practice specifically Child Learning Development and Play, Work Practice, Physical, Mental Health, and Community Development Practice.
The division offers the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Occupational Therapy, Master of Science (MSc) in Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN):
On completion of the undergraduate Occupational Therapy course at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, students would have an understanding of the importance of human occupation in a person’s physical and mental development, functioning, and personality to be able to understand the link between occupation and wellness/illness.
Students will gain an understanding of the value of goal-directed activity and the unique contribution Occupational Therapy makes to the total care of clients from diverse cultures and contexts in South Africa.
Students can also choose to further their studies by pursuing a Master’s and/or a PhD in Occupational Therapy.
Stellenbosch University:
In the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program offered at Stellenbosch University, students learn how to plan and execute suitable treatment programs for individual clients, groups, and communities that enable and empower them to participate in daily activities, and so improve their health and well-being.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program stretches over four years. The first year of the program is presented at the Stellenbosch Campus and the rest at the Tygerberg Campus.
This program is followed by a year of community service for the Department of Health. After completing community service you will be eligible for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
University of the Western Cape (UWC):
The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Western Cape is a leading academic entity that offers undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy education programs.
UWC offers a strong, community-based approach to education, practice, and research, and staff and students are actively involved in community engagement programs.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits):
The Health Sciences Faculty at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a full-time four-year course ending in an undergraduate qualification of Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy.
Students can take their qualifications further by venturing into a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy through either a research-only course or through coursework and a report based on various specialties (neuroscience, perceptual disorders, or psychiatric disorders) and/or a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy.
How many years does it take to become an occupational therapist in South Africa?
This is a four-year, full-time program.
How much does Occupational Therapy cost in South Africa?
| Code | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 66311 | 45-minute therapy session | R 385.00 |
| 66313 | 60-minute therapy session | R 510.00 |
| 66315 | 60 minute therapy session | R 690.00 |
| 66401 | Recommendation and School visit (once a term) | R 280.00 |
Do you need maths to study Occupational Therapy in South Africa?
To be considered for admission you need a matriculation exemption with a pass in Mathematics AND either Physical Science or Biology with at least an E symbol (40%) on a Higher Grade or a D symbol (50%) on a Standard Grade (or the equivalent with the OBE classification).
What are the requirements to study occupational therapy in South Africa?
Entry Requirements
- Your matric academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, the best of Physical Science/ Life Sciences, and the best two other subjects. We consider the percentage achieved, not the symbol.
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores.
Is occupational therapy in demand in South Africa?
In South Africa, there is currently a great demand for occupational therapists to do medicolegal work and the work is lucrative. This has led to a boom in this field of practice over the last decade.