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The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body, and help enable people of all ages to lead healthy lives.
Graduate ready to join one of Australia’s most in-demand allied health professions by studying South Australia’s first fully accredited physiotherapy degree.
Complete 45 weeks of practical experience in UniSA’s student-led physiotherapy clinics and industry-based clinical placements in areas like acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care and disability, musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy.
Graduate competent and confident to work across all areas of physiotherapy's scope with a respected honours degree, with opportunity to specialise in research or professional practice.
Study a contemporary and culturally diverse curriculum informed by above world-class research in physiotherapy.1
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, including practising health professionals and expert researchers at the forefront of their fields.
Benefit from our strong links with industry to kick-start your career.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,2 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Kickstart your unstoppable career helping people to reach their full potential, and lead healthy, functional lives as an accredited physiotherapist. This four-year honours degree will develop your expertise in the prevention, assessment and management of health conditions across the full lifespan.
As a registered physiotherapist, you’ll be one of the most sought-after allied health professionals in Australia. Pursue careers in a range of areas such as working with children, rehabilitation, acute care, disability, brain and spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal, sports and aged care.
Further study opportunities to specialise your scope of practice or increase your research capacities include a Master of Research, doctoral studies or the Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports or Musculoskeletal).
Applicants who are overseas trained physiotherapists should explore their eligibility for registration with the Australian Physiotherapy Council before they apply for this degree.
What you'll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.
Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
Physiotherapy is a physically and cognitively demanding profession. Please refer to the degree’s Rules and Notes for further information about what you’ll need to successfully complete this degree.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant national board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) will teach you to assess, treat and prevent health conditions across various areas of practice. This includes sport, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological disciplines.
You’ll start practical courses straight away and will learn foundational medical sciences in courses such as human anatomy and physiology. Social and psychological determinants of human health and function are covered in the inter-professional course Foundations of Health, where you’ll work with students studying podiatry, health sciences, occupational therapy and exercise physiology. You also begin your training in physiotherapy-specific skills from day one, starting with biomechanics and muscle assessment.
You’ll also study important aspects of pharmacology and movement analysis, challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain the biomedical model of health, and learn how to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their best outcomes. Experiential teaching is delivered through clinical placements that train you in the prevention and treatment of disease and disability.
You’ll graduate with qualifications to not only work as an autonomous practitioner concerned with prevention and management of disability and illness in the workplace or community, but also as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This holistic view of a patient’s health recovery is critical, especially across the different types of care needed for people of all ages.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions in which the clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.
4. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid' Certificate and a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate or equivalent before they will be allowed to commence the clinical section of the program.
5. Attendance requirements apply to the clinical components of the program. Students enrolled in courses with a clinical component will need to attend on a full-time basis for the duration of the clinics.
6. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
7. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.
9. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
Notes
1. Students are advised that they may be required to spend time in a placement outside Adelaide in a country or interstate location.
2. Students may be required to undertake fieldwork placement outside normal university teaching weeks.
3. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
4. Normally students who achieve a credit level average in the courses which make up the first and second years of the program may be considered for the research stream. Normally a quota for places will apply. The invitation to students will be made at the commencement of the third year of the program.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
projects
essays
group assignments
workbooks
practical skills tests
examinations
placements
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
This is a four-year professional degree with honours. You’ll graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor’s degree. From your third year, you will be able to specialise in a professional or research stream, depending on your career outcomes.
Professional stream: This option will see you working in a small group on an evidence-based literature review project under the supervision of an experienced UniSA academic. You’ll also complete a group project with an industry supervisor to address a real-world problem faced by their organisation. This pathway will strengthen your communication, collaboration and management skills. Your work will include recommendations for clinical practice and will inform industry practice and scientific knowledge.
Research stream: This option is offered to high achieving students as part of their honours studies. Through undertaking dedicated research training, you’ll independently complete a real-world research project an area of your interest, guided by a UniSA supervisor. You’ll produce a proposal and thesis about your findings (and possibly a journal publication), making a true contribution to scientific knowledge.
Examples of previous research honours projects include:
the impact of hamstring injuries related to AFL and SANFL football players
core concepts patients should know about living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
the impact of fitness on foot function, comfort and jump performance in children aged 8-12 years
an investigation of the effect of 3D printed foot orthoses on lower limb biomechanics during running
Why Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
At UniSA, you’ll gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to excel as a physiotherapist with patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.
Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
At UniSA, you're encouraged to build your practical skills and industry relationships from day one of your degree. You’ll advance your knowledge and skills through supervised clinical placements across metro, rural and regional health settings, completing 45 weeks of practical experience across a variety of physiotherapy disciplines. Your learning is carefully designed to gradually reduce your need for support as you move toward graduation, to ensure you have the confidence and capacity to walk into a job as a new graduate physiotherapist.
You’ll benefit from the expertise of UniSA’s above world-class research in physiotherapy.1 We’ve been teaching in this field for more than 50 years and are proud of the rich knowledge base we’ve created. You’ll be taught by expert registered practicing physiotherapists and award-winning academics at the top of their fields throughout your studies.
You'll graduate with a degree that's accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. You will also be eligible for membership with the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
1Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
You’ll benefit from UniSA’s enterprising spirit and strong industry links when you complete clinical placements across public and private health organisations, schools, rehabilitation centres, sporting organisations, aged care and more. Overall, you'll embark on 45 weeks of practical experience across UniSA's physiotherapy clinics and during clinical placements. You'll complete seven placements during your program of study, each in a different discipline of physiotherapy and with a different industry partner, ensuring you have broad exposure to the profession prior to joining it.
These experiences not only provide exceptional learning opportunities but are important networking opportunities.
Find out where a career in physiotherapy could take you. Hear from UniSA graduate, Tristan Chai, about his role as Head Physiotherapist of professional men’s basketball team, Adelaide 36ers, as well as Owner of Good Physio.
Career outcomes
Your career
The demand for physiotherapists continues to grow with 9,400 new job openings projected to become available over the next five years.1
A successful physiotherapist is a biopsychological expert that understands the human body, but can also adeptly communicate, assess, manage and problem-solve a variety of issues for their clients.
Physiotherapists can work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts. Industry settings can include:
private practice
clinics
sport and exercise services
rehabilitation centres
hospitals
home and community services
disability services
aged care facilities
women's health and paediatric services
occupational and health promotion units
research.
Physiotherapists work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts.
1Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021.
Professional accreditation and recognition
The program is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Successful completion of the program is accepted for membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association
Industry facts
Employment for Physiotherapists in Australia is projected to increase by 14% by November 2025.
Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020
To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.
Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.
Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.
Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
Preferred Pathways
Option 1: Direct Entry
Option 2: Undergraduate Pathway
Option 3: Postgraduate Pathway
Apply for your preferred degree directly via SATAC
Choose one of the following degrees and complete at least 18 units of study (four courses) and then apply for your preferred degree via SATAC at the next available intake using your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA).
Complete one of the following bachelor degrees, then use your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) to apply for the master’s program via SATAC.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Bachelor of Human Movement OR Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) OR Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Bachelor of Human Movement OR Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science + Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry)
Please note that all pathways are competitive and no guaranteed due to limited places. A competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) and other entry criteria (including prerequisites) apply. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/study or contact our Future Student Enquiries Team at unisa.edu.au/enquire or on (08) 8302 2376.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Explore a range of 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning. With the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, there’s no need to hit pause on work or family commitments.
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
As a physiotherapy student you'll have access to purpose-built facilities, including:
You’ll also have access to a range of interesting on-campus spaces including collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
I have the privilege of directing a degree delivered by world-class researchers and educators, who support students to graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to work independently and meet the needs of our community. I strive to create innovative and safe learning environments that enable students to pursue excellence and fulfil their highest potential.
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
I always knew I wanted to be on my toes and work outside an office, which is why physiotherapy was a good fit for me. I also like the idea of working in the health industry and helping other people. Physiotherapy is a broad profession, with many different areas like sport injuries, rehabilitation, acute care and paediatrics.
Liam McAuliffe
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Liam McAuliffe
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
UniSA provides students with the opportunity to work onsite in the real world, through practical placements. This was the highlight of my degree, particularly working with Port Adelaide Football Club where I got to analyse injury data and assess the relationship with injuries.
Leigh Schneebichler
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Leigh Schneebichler
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Every student faces their own unique struggles. I battled with an eating disorder before I could embark on my journey to becoming a physiotherapist. My goal is to help other people overcome their health challenges and improve their quality of life. Drawing on my personal experience, my ultimate wish is to start a foundation that supports teenagers struggling with eating disorders and related illnesses, empowering them to change their lives for the better.
Leticia Mcwhinnie
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Leticia Mcwhinnie
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
I have been fortunate enough during my studies to fly with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to treat children in remote areas, travel to the USA for a placement, and attend international conferences. UniSA allowed me to learn through so many rewarding experiences, giving me a range of skills that have equipped me to work alongside other practitioners in multidisciplinary patient care. The problem-solving skills we learn as physiotherapists don’t just stay in the clinic but are applicable to a wealth of other personal experiences and professional industries.
Ellen O'Callaghan
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Ellen O'Callaghan
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
I was drawn to study physiotherapy because I had an interest in sport, fitness and loved the idea of working with people. With UniSA’s strong reputation for ‘on-the-job’ learning, I was lucky enough to complete placements at several public hospitals and the Adelaide Football Club, which really sparked my passion for elite sports.
Tristan Chai
UniSA Physiotherapy Graduate
Physiotherapist | Good Physio & Adelaide 36ers
Tristan Chai
UniSA Physiotherapy Graduate
Physiotherapist | Good Physio & Adelaide 36ers
Bachelor of Physiotherapy student Danielle shares her experience of her rural placement at Sports Physiotherapy in Port Lincoln, supported by UniSA’s Department of Rural Health.
Entry Scores The rules and values that specify the level of attainment required to qualify for consideration for admission to UniSA. Below ATAR-based represents your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors.)
