Occupational Therapy BSc
- Bachelor's Degree
For greater independence and quality of life in everyday life. The Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Program at CU equips students with the skills needed to specifically promote the functional abilities, quality of life, and social participation of people of all ages.
The program focuses on activities that are important for daily life and personal well-being – such as eating, getting dressed, learning, working, or engaging in leisure activities. The Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s program provides in-depth theoretical knowledge and practice-oriented skills and competencies that prepare students for professional practice in the field.
Students in the Occupational Therapy Program acquire comprehensive skills in developing and adapting individualized therapy plans that take into account clients’ current health and life situations, and they apply therapeutic measures and tools in a targeted and effective manner. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, they develop methodological, scientific, and interdisciplinary competencies, which they integrate and apply in their work with clients. Particular emphasis is placed on developing social and communication skills throughout the program.
Through its certification by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), the Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Program ensures that students are trained according to internationally recognized standards.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy focuses on the activities that shape our daily lives and give our lives meaning. These activities span all areas of life and contribute significantly to independence, health, and well-being. The connection between meaningful activities, health, and quality of life forms the central foundation of Occupational Therapy.
Can I specialize after I graduate?
Yes, after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, students have access to a wide range of continuing education and professional development opportunities, as well as Master’s Degree Programs. Specializations are available in areas such as child and adolescent health, neurology, geriatric health, hand therapy, mental health, and other fields.
Do I need prior knowledge in the healthcare field?
No, all the necessary foundational knowledge is taught in the Occupational Therapy Program. However, an interest in medical, social science, and health-related topics is an advantage.
Are you interested in helping people on their journey toward greater independence?
Let’s break new ground together
Special Features of the Program
Life means taking action.
Getting up, eating, getting dressed, or communicating – many everyday activities seem to go without saying. We often don’t realize their importance until we can no longer perform them on our own. Occupational Therapy helps people of all ages maintain, regain, or expand their ability to function in daily life. This goal is at the heart of the Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Degree Program.
Study Occupational Therapy – Support People, Shape the Future
Occupational Therapy helps people lead self-determined lives and actively participate in society. In the Occupational Therapy Program, students acquire in-depth professional, methodological, scientific, and interdisciplinary skills and benefit from the close integration of teaching, research, and innovation. Future-oriented skills such as creative and critical thinking, interprofessional collaboration, and a reflective approach to Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence optimally prepare them for the workplace of tomorrow.
Internships in Austria and abroad
A practical focus accompanies you throughout your entire Occupational Therapy Program. Experts from the field provide you with insights into everyday professional life. In addition, you’ll complete internships in Austria and abroad totaling at least 45 ECTS credits. During these internships, you’ll gain experience in various health care and social service settings:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation and health centers
- Kindergartens
- Senior living facilities
You’ll become familiar with various areas of work – from health promotion and prevention to counseling and coaching, all the way to ergonomics and workplace adaptation.
Think connected. Act together.
The Occupational Therapy Bachelor’s Program combines content from occupational therapy, medicine, and the human sciences with topics from related health and social professions. Through joint courses with students from other disciplines, you’ll learn early on how to collaborate professionally in interprofessional teams. At the same time, faculty members provide you with individualized support for your professional and personal development. Innovative topics at the intersection of health, technology, and social services broaden your perspective on the diverse possibilities of occupational therapy.
Vaccination Recommendation
To complete the required professional internships in healthcare facilities, full vaccination coverage is required in accordance with the current vaccination recommendation issued by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection for healthcare personnel. This is to protect patients, fellow students, and staff. Students who cannot provide proof of the recommended vaccinations may not be assigned an internship or may only be assigned a limited number of internship placements, which could result in a longer duration of study. CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences provides support in clarifying individual cases.
Details about the Program
Info Box
Level of qualification
Bachelor
ECTS credits
180
Tuition fees*
€ 363.36 / Semester
ÖH (Austrian Student Union) fee
€ 26.20 / Semester
Qualification awarded
Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
Duration of study
6 Semester
Language of instruction
German
CU Campus
Klagenfurt
Dates Info Box
Winterterm 2027
Periode I: 01.11.-15.03.27
Winter semester starts in September. We only offer intake in winterterm!
The start of lectures can be found in the individual timetable which is available after enrollment.
Monday – Friday full-time and partly on Saturdays
An overview on our upcoming events can be found here.
You are interested in a personal (online) study consultation or would like to receive more information on the degree program? Click on the buttons below this checkbox to learn more.
Language of Instruction: German (min B2)
Application essentials:
More information on the application process, admission requirements and necessary documents can be found here.
* Tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens: €500 + €26.20 ÖH fee (per semester)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the "Occupational Therapy" Bachelor's Degree
Who is suited for the Occupational Therapy program?
This degree program is designed for people who are interested in health, social issues, and working with people. Strong communication skills, empathy, creativity, and a willingness to reflect are essential qualities.
When do the internships start, and where do they take place?
The first internship phases begin as early as the third semester of the Occupational Therapy Program. Internships can be completed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, educational and social service facilities, and other occupational therapy settings.
Who do occupational therapists work with?
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and with a wide range of functional needs – from children and adolescents to working-age adults and older adults.
Insights into the Program
Students, graduates, and faculty members share firsthand accounts of the bachelor’s program in Occupational Therapy, daily life as a student, and their experiences at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
From College Straight into the Workplace
Jasmin Lerchbaumer, Occupational Therapy Graduate
More than I expected
Manuela Essl-Redecsy, BSc, Occupational Therapy Graduate
Book an online information session
During the online information sessions, the program directors or academic directors provide detailed information about the program. Topics include course content, internships, admission requirements, and potential career prospects.
Angelika Mitterbacher, MSc, MEd, Professor at the University of Applied Sciences
Vice Rector, Program Director
+43 5 90500 3560
a.mitterbacher(at)cuas.at
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact
Sonja Nagelschmied, B.A.
Program
Administration +43 5 90500 3301
admin_gs_klu(at)cuas.at
Tamara Stotter, B.A.
Program
Administration +43 5 90500 3501
admin_gs_klu(at)cuas.at
On foot
From Klagenfurt Central Station, you can reach the campus in about 20 minutes on foot (1.7 km). The route takes you east along Bahnstraße and then along Gerberweg to the campus.
By public transportation
From Klagenfurt Central Station, take Line A to the “FH Kärnten” stop operated by Stadtwerke Klagenfurt. From the station building, turn left toward the bus station.
By car
Coming from the west—for example, via the A10 Tauern Autobahn or A11 Karawanken Autobahn—take the A2 Südautobahn to the Klagenfurt/Wörthersee exit. Then follow the Südring for about 7 km and turn toward the city center at the Südring/Gerberweg intersection. After about 150 m, turn right toward the campus.
If you’re coming from the east, take the Klagenfurt-Ost exit on the A2 Südautobahn. Then drive toward Klagenfurt-Zentrum, continue along Völkermarkter Straße, and then turn left onto the Südring. At the Südring/Gerberweg intersection, turn toward the city center and, after about 150 m, turn right toward the campus.
Coming from the south, you can reach the campus via the B91 Rosentaler Straße. At the Rosentaler Straße/Südring intersection, turn onto the Südring and follow it for about 2.5 km to the Südring/Gerberweg intersection. There, turn toward the city center and, after about 150 m, turn right toward the campus.
Coming from the north, drive toward the city center on the B83 St. Veiter Straße until you reach the St. Veiter Straße/St. Veiter Ring intersection. Then follow St. Veiter Ring, then Völkermarkter Ring, and continue on Lastenstraße until you reach Gerberweg. After about 750 m, turn left toward the campus.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area to choose from:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 15-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car
- Graz: about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
- Salzburg: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes by car
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): approx. 2 to 3 hours’ drive
- Vienna: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes drive
- Munich: approx. 4 hours 15 minutes travel time
The rest of the journey to the Klagenfurt Primoschgasse campus can then be completed by train, bus, taxi, or car.