Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2021
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 Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IHPZ
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Biology
More info
Fees
2021: AUD$ 39,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
Admissions
Student Profile
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
088338B
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
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.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 BiologyEnglish language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English. International applicants who already have physiotherapy qualifications should explore their options and eligibility for registration under The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) guidelines before they seek to apply for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program. Successful international applicants will be able to apply for credit for prior learning where the prior learning is deemed equivalent to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program.English language testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
Malaysia UEC 20 Norway GPA 5 Pakistan HSSC 90 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 12 Sweden GPA 18 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 12 Vietnam 9.5 Australia 93 IB (best 6) 37 USA SAT (1600) 1465 HKDSE 22 Nepal NEB 3.51 Canada High School (OSSD) 90 Bangladesh HSC 5 Eynesbury FSP 415 German Abitur 1.3 India (best 4) 88 Kenya KCSE (average) A Malaysia STPM (best 3) 12
Degree overview
- Study at a university with more than 50 years' experience in delivering physiotherapy education and research.
- Study the only accredited undergraduate four-year physiotherapy degree in South Australia.
- Learn from the No.1 University in South Australia for graduate careers in Physiotherapy.1
- Benefit from our strong industry partnerships and alliances when you complete clinical placements as part of your study.
- Graduate with clinical experience when you learn in our on-campus Physiotherapy Clinics.
- Enjoy a rewarding career helping people to develop, maintain, restore and optimise their health and function.
- Undertake an honours component focusing on research or professional studies.
- Study a degree that is informed by our above world-class research in Physiotherapy.2
- This degree is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
1ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19, Rehabilitation Services – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
2Results in Clinical Sciences - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
This degree prepares you for a rewarding career as a registered physiotherapist in the fast-growing physiotherapy industry, where you will be eligible to work as a first contact professional and valued member of allied health care teams.
Your studies will develop your capability to assess, treat and prevent human movement disorders, enabling people to lead healthy and functional lives.
Throughout your studies you will undertake supervised clinical practice with patients within a vast range of industry organisations. Some of your placements will also take place in our very own state-of-the-art Physiotherapy Clinics, located on-campus. This practical experience is a great way for you to apply what you have learnt during your studies and encourages you to build industry networks and relationships.
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.
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
Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent human movement disorders across various areas of practice, including sport, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions in people of all ages.
During your first years of study you will learn the basic medical sciences in courses such as human anatomy, physiology and psychology relevant to determinants of human health and function. The remainder of the degree focuses on abnormal movement and the prevention and treatment of disease and disability.
You will be trained not only to 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 healthcare team concerned with the physical and psychosocial rehabilitation of people who are ill or disabled.
Throughout your learning you will participate in:
- laboratory classes, where you will develop manual and technical skills, and
- professional practical experience at our on-campus Physiotherapy Clinic and during field placements.
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 and 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
- group assignments
- workbooks
- practical skills tests
- examinations
You will also complete a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher; as part of this project you will complete a thesis and an oral presentation.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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.
Honours
This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor’s degree, with your honours preparing you well for a career in industry or research.
Research stream: This option is offered to high achieving students as part of their honours studies. Through undertaking dedicated research training, you will independently complete a real-world research project focused on an area of your interest whilst being guided by an experienced UniSA supervisor. You will produce a proposal and thesis about your findings, making a true contribution to scientific knowledge.
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 will also work on a second group project with an industry supervisor to address real world problems. You will strengthen your communication, collaboration and management skills. Your work will include recommendations for clinical practice and will inform industry practice and scientific knowledge.
Examples of previous 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)
Graduating with an honours degree will ensure you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study. In four years of study, you will gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to become a well-equipped physiotherapist.
When you study this degree at UniSA you will have the opportunity to learn in our on-campus Physiotherapy Clinics. You will learn from registered practising physiotherapists when you take part in laboratory classes and gain further practical experience through clinical placements within a variety of metropolitan, rural, regional or overseas health settings.
You will also benefit from the expertise of our above world-class researchers in Physiotherapy,1 as well as that of practising physiotherapists and award-winning academics. We’ve been teaching in this field for more than 50 years and are proud of the rich knowledge base we have created.
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 at Glenelg.
Your career
In Australia, growth in the physiotherapy industry has been on the rise with career prospects continuing to look very strong, with a projected total of 13,000 job openings for physiotherapists by May 2024.1
As a registered physiotherapist you can work with people with a diverse range of injuries or conditions related to sport, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological in a variety of settings including:
- 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 also work in management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory contexts, and regulatory contexts.
Use your qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Masters by Research and doctoral studies.
1Australian Government Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Occupational Projections 2019.
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
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.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
Your study experience and support
As a student at the University of South Australia 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, laboratories, and areas 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 have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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
International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:
- careers advice
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- services offered through our student association, USASA
- accommodation services
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
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 study spaces
As a physiotherapy student you will have access to:
- Physiotherapy Clinics
- Physiotherapy laboratories
- Simulation clinic
- Anatomy laboratories
- Physiology laboratories
Your program director
I have the privilege of directing a degree delivered by world-class researchers and educators who enable students to graduate ready to work autonomously to meet the needs of the community. I strive to create innovative and supportive learning environments that enable students to flourish and fulfil their potential.
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How to 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.
What others are saying
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)
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
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
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)
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
Role: 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.
