Study Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBOP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Biology
More info

Fees
AUD$ 41,700 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

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]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
008312G

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 Diploma level or above
For Aboriginal applicants only, complete a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice from a registered training organisation

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month 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

None

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Biology

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 test

IELTS total [7.0]
IELTS reading [7.0]
IELTS writing [7.0]
IELTS speaking [7.0]
IELTS listening [7.0]

Please 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)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	4.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	80
Eynesbury FSP	390
German Abitur	2.8
Kenya KCSE (average)	A-
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	10
Malaysia UEC	24
Norway GPA	4.5
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	10
Sweden GPA	16
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	10
Vietnam	9
Australia	87
IB (best 6)	30
USA SAT (1600)	1350
India (best 4) State Board	85
India (best 4) Central Board	75
HKDSE	18
Nepal NEB	3.01

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Graduate with the skills to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and lower limb.
Study the only podiatry degree in South Australia, at a university with more than 50 years’ experience in health education and research.
Learn from registered practising podiatrists at South Australia’s No.1 university for student satisfaction¹ and graduate careers in health.²
Gain real-world experience when you complete clinical placements across a broad range of areas.
Benefit from UniSA’s rich history of strong links to the podiatry and broader allied health industries in South Australia.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.³ As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,⁴ 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.

¹ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2020-21, Health Services and Support – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities. ²ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21, Health Services and Support –Overall Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities. ³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. ⁴Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

In the only degree of its kind in South Australia you’ll learn to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and lower limb. If you’re interested in working with people and promoting wellbeing, this is the degree for you.

Healthy feet are an important part of the body’s holistic health, and many of us at some point in our lives will experience foot problems. In the Bachelor of Podiatry, there’s a major focus on practical skills for keeping feet healthy every day, as well the ability to diagnose and manage illness and disability. You’ll get the opportunity to practice these skills within a vast range of industry organisations.

High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) during their third year of study.

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 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

You’ll gain an advanced understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, biological, and social sciences relevant to working in healthcare. The curriculum covers the scope of a podiatrist’s practice, including paediatrics, diabetes, sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems, treatment of the elderly, and general foot care.

During the first year, you’ll cover topics to give you an introduction to health sciences including:

human anatomy
human physiology
biomechanics
disease groups and conditions

You’ll develop advanced communication skills and explore the assessment and treatment of common problems. The second year will expand your knowledge in clinical sciences, including skills to enable comprehensive and holistic assessment and management of patient conditions. During your third and fourth years, you’ll work on your clinical practice skills, including surgery (and other orthopaedic management), paediatrics, wound management, high-risk foot management, chronic pain and sporting injuries.

Practical learning is a major focus, so your training will take place in our on-campus podiatry clinics, as well as during external placements in metropolitan and rural South Australia. You’ll also get the opportunity to fine-tune your podiatry skills with 3D printed feet, created as part of a world-first podiatry training initiative.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Human Physiology 100	BIOL 1049	4.5
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	HLTH 1063	4.5
Podiatry Studies 100	REHB 1028	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Lower Limb Anatomy and Biomechanics 101	HLTH 1031	4.5
Human Physiology 101	BIOL 1050	4.5
Podiatry Studies 101	REHB 1029	4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Clinical Podiatry Practice 200	REHB 2034	4.5
Pharmacology A	PHAR 2023	9
Podiatry Professional Studies 200	WELF 3019	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacology B	PHAR 2021	4.5
Pharmacology C	PHAR 2022	4.5
Podiatry Studies 201	REHB 2036	4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 201	REHB 2037	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pain Mechanisms and Management	REHB 3066	4.5
Applied Podiatry Studies 300	REHB 3067	4.5
Podiatry Studies 300	REHB 3046	4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 300	REHB 3069	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Evidence Based Practice	HLTH 3057	4.5
Podiatry Studies 301	REHB 3048	4.5
Applied Podiatry Studies 301	REHB 3068	4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 301	REHB 3070	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Clinical Podiatry Practice 400B	REHB 4036	4.5
Applied Podiatry Studies 400	REHB 4037	4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 400A	REHB 4038	9		Rule(s): 6
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical Podiatry Practice 401B	REHB 4039	4.5
Clinical Podiatry Practice 401A	REHB 4040	9		Rule(s): 6
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

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 are required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour as prescribed by institutions in which clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to do so may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.

4. Students will be required to spend at least one clinical placement in a country or interstate location.

5. Students must hold a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate at the commencement of Year 2 of the program and maintain its currency for the remainder of the program.

6. Students will be required to undertake a Certificate of Mandatory Notification Training before commencing their paediatric clinical practice in REHB 4038 and REHB 4040 Podiatry Practice 400 and 401.

7. 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.

8. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

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. The Elective is a free elective to be selected by the student.

2. Students may be required to undertake clinical practice sessions outside of 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.

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:

quizzes
continuous clinical assessments
clinical case studies
written assignments
assignments
examinations.

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 Bachelor of Podiatry

podiatry 2.jpg

This is your chance to become an expert in foot care, with the only podiatry degree offered in South Australia.

UniSA’s enterprising approach to teaching will prepare you with diverse and extensive experience in all areas of podiatry including surgery, sports injuries and related biomechanics, paediatrics and high-risk foot conditions. You’ll graduate with eligibility to become a registered podiatrist.

As podiatrists often work within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, you’ll be exposed to research and learning opportunities in collaboration with other allied health students, as well as in our on-campus podiatry clinics.

UniSA’s podiatry students train in various facilities, including the manufacturing laboratory which has a plaster room and grinder room. This is where you’ll learn how to create orthotics, casts and insoles; and modify shoes for a variety of requirements. As well as learning traditional methods, you’ll get to use the latest technologies, like digital scanners to capture foot characteristics, and 3D printed foot orthoses to manage foot problems.

You’ll graduate career ready, thanks to world-class teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and practical industry experience. You’ll complete clinical activities involving the provision of screening, education and treatment services in metropolitan and rural areas in a multidisciplinary team with other allied health students.

Real-world connections

You’ll be taught by registered practising podiatrists and award-winning academics. You’ll also gain valuable real-world experience, and build important industry connections by completing clinical placement hours across several industry settings. Placements may be completed at major hospitals, private practice or other health care settings.

We host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Podiatry careers snapshot

Gain insight into the fulfilling career of UniSA Podiatry graduate, Ereena Torpey, who is a Senior Podiatrist at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, South Australia.

Career outcomes

Your career

Did you know the word Podiatrist is composed of two ancient Greek parts: pod, meaning ‘foot’, and iatrist, meaning ‘healer’? As modern-day healers of feet, successful podiatrists possess excellent motor skills for treatment and communication skills for patient care.

Podiatrists are employed in a range of settings, including:

hospitals
community health centres
private practice
aged care
sports clinics and sporting teams
children’s health
occupational health

To practice in Australia as a podiatrist, you must gain registration under the Podiatry Board of Australia.

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is recognised for registration as a Podiatrist by the Podiatry Board of Australia.

Industry facts

Employment for podiatrists in Australia is projected to increase by 31.8% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

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:

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Allied Health and Human Performance)
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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.

More scholarships

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.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

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 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.

Your study spaces

As a podiatry student you’ll have access to:

fully-functioning on-campus podiatry clinics
manufacturing laboratory including a plaster room and grinder room
anatomy laboratories

You’ll also have access to a range of interesting on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I am proud to lead a degree that is successful in educating and growing students into work-ready professionals, who graduate and have instant impact in changing people's lives and improving their health and wellbeing. This is achieved through the high-quality teaching and practical aspects offered by our program, facilitated by the enthusiastic and supportive educators who are also active podiatrists themselves.

Dr Ryan Causby

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Ryan Causby

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I was interested in the sports and anatomy areas of health, but also skins and diseases. I have done placements in Broken Hill, and Whyalla, the rural placements were really enjoyable as they allowed me to see a different range of clinical cases that I may not get to see in metropolitan areas.

Jane Bowden

Bachelor of Podiatry

Jane Bowden

Bachelor of Podiatry

I did placements in the University of South Australia Podiatry Clinic and in external organisations in both metropolitan and rural settings. These placements, along with the weekly clinic sessions, equipped me with the confidence and experience needed when entering the workforce.

Arnold Hu

Bachelor of Podiatry

Arnold Hu

Bachelor of Podiatry

During my studies, I have completed various clinical placements across different fields of podiatry. In the on-campus community clinic, I have been immersed in a hands-on environment, providing supervised care to real patients. I also enjoy using new 3D scanning technology to capture accurate models of the lower limb, which can be used to create custom orthotics and to look at the science behind human movement.

Angus Burns

Bachelor of Podiatry

Angus Burns

Bachelor of Podiatry

The podiatry profession is very fulfilling, with varied career opportunities and no two days on the job being the same. I always wanted to work in high risk podiatry, with patients at risk of limb loss due to wounds from conditions like Diabetes or circulation issues. Together with a multidisciplinary team, I can help delay or prevent the amputation of patient’s toes or feet, resulting in an improved quality of life – which is really rewarding.

Ereena Torpey

UniSA Podiatry Graduate
Senior Podiatrist | Flinders Medical Centre

Ereena Torpey

UniSA Podiatry Graduate
Senior Podiatrist | Flinders Medical Centre

After spending the first part of my career in defence, I decided to study podiatry as a way to give back to injured veterans – although I now know that podiatry is so much more. I have built some great relationships with my teachers and my peers at UniSA. The staff actually show an interest in your life and your wellbeing, and they take the time to help you if you're willing to help yourself. You’ve got to put the work in, but it’s worth it.

Sam Dale

Bachelor of Podiatry