Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IMPE
Fees
AUD$ 51,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
045406F
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Entry requirements
Applicants must:
- Have completed a Bachelor Degree or higher in an approved Field of Education with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5
- Have completed the prerequisite courses at a Bachelor level or higher within the last 10 years*
*On a case-by-case basis, the Program Director may consider applicants whose prerequisites were completed more than 10 years ago and have relevant work experience.
Approved Fields of Education
Applicants are required to have successfully completed a program of study (at Bachelor level or higher) in one of the following approved Fields of Education (FOE):- Medical Studies
- Rehabilitation Therapies
- Human Biology
- Medical Science
- Human Movement
- Public Health
Prerequisite courses
Applicants are required to provide evidence of satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses in the last 10 years in the following content areas:- 0.125 EFTSL Statistics and Research Methods; AND
- 0.250 EFTSL Human Anatomy; AND
- 0.250 EFTSL Human Physiology
All applicants are required to demonstrate their eligibility by completing the Additional Information Form which includes a detailed checklist of the required prerequisite knowledge and are required to provide supporting evidence. By signing the Additional Information Form, applicants are declaring they have met the prerequisite requirements and knowledge for entry to the program.
Note: As this program is considered an entry point into the physiotherapy profession, applicants who are trained physiotherapists and are eligible to apply for assessment by the Australian Physiotherapy Council to meet the qualification requirements for registration by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia are not eligible to apply for this program.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Preliminary assessment of pre-requisite courses is not available. See Additional Information Form.
International: only available to UniSA graduates with a relevant undergraduate degree within the last 10 years. Applications open for 7 days from the last Monday in November.
Degree overview
- Gain the requirements to practise as a registered physiotherapist with just two extra years of study.
- Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body, and help enable people of all ages to lead healthy lives.
- Study at a leading university with more than 50 years of experience delivering physiotherapy and allied health education.
- Benefit from our strong industry partnerships and alliances when you complete clinical placements in acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care and disability, musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy.
- Get practical experience in UniSA's on-campus, student-led physiotherapy clinics.
- 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 researchers at the forefront of their fields.
- Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.2
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 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). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This challenging master’s degree enables students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and meet the prerequisites for registration as a physiotherapist with just two years of full-time study.
This graduate entry degree prepares you for a rewarding career helping people of all ages reach their bodies’ full potential. Physiotherapists can work across an enormous variety of healthcare settings across the globe, both as a first contact professional and as an integral member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Your studies will develop your capability to assess, treat and prevent a range of health conditions, enabling people to lead healthy and functional lives.
Applicants who are overseas trained physiotherapists and are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Physiotherapy Council are not eligible to 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, child related employment clearance and broad and strict 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 Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) will teach you to assess, treat and prevent health conditions across various areas of practice, including sport, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological disciplines across the lifespan.
In this intensive degree, you will learn to think like a physiotherapist from day one of your study. The beginning of the degree will cover topics in evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning and critical thinking, physiotherapy professional practice, and basic musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. Semester Two will challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain; and cover the theory, assessment and management for cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions. A central component of this master’s degree is clinical placements, which commence in the second half of your first year of study, in the area of acute care.
Your second year will focus on developing clinical competence in a range of clinical settings including rehabilitation, musculoskeletal and paediatric clinics.
You'll become qualified to work with prevention and management of disability/illness in the workplace or community, and 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.
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:
- group work
- individual assessments
- workbooks
- clinical reports
- essays and assignments
- 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.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry)
At UniSA, you’ll gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel as a Physiotherapist with patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.
You’ll be taught by registered practising physiotherapists in our on-campus physiotherapy clinics and gain real-world experience through clinical placements across metropolitan, rural and regional health settings. Not only will you complete 30 weeks of practical experience across a variety of locations and physiotherapy disciplines, you’ll get to apply the knowledge and skills you learn in your degree in a practical way to ensure success in your career.
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 is 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)
Physiotherapy careers snapshot
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.
Industry facts
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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 international 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:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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 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.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
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.
