Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City, Whyalla

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

HPHYS

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$49,700

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Biology and Physics (or equivalent)

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115746B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at undergraduate Diploma (AQF level 5) or higher from a recognised higher education institution with an overall Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional 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 Adelaide University. 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.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	90
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.97
China – Gaokao	80%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	21
India – CBSE and CISCE	90
India – State Board Examinations	98
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	A-
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	3.33
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	11
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	3.33
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	12
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	12
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	8.70

Why Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)?

Movement is medicine for the body and mind. But every person is different, with their own unique challenges and vulnerabilities. Skilled physiotherapists understand this – and can offer life-changing, personalised support.

Our Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) gives you the knowledge and tools to excel in this rewarding field, with patient-centred care at the heart of your practice.

Discover how the human body works. Get extensive hands-on experience. Connect with industry experts. Stay on your toes in an active, people-focused profession. Help your clients reach their full potential and lead healthy, functional lives.

Overview

This four-year honours degree teaches you to assess, treat and prevent health conditions across the full lifespan. Supported by practicing physiotherapists and award-winning researchers, you’ll join an inspiring community of healthcare professionals. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience, advancing both your technical and communication skills.

The curriculum is contemporary and culturally informed, covering everything from human anatomy and physiology to social and psychological factors that impact on health and wellbeing. You'll study biomechanics, muscle assessment, pharmacology and pain science, learning how to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.

Become an expert in the structure and function of the human body. Gain 45 weeks of practical experience through clinical placements. Benefit from our on-campus laboratories and clinics. Graduate ready to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, helping people of all ages lead empowered lives.

Key features

Get 45 weeks of practical experience in our student-led physiotherapy clinics.
Complete industry-based clinical placements – from aged care to musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Learn from award-winning teaching staff and practising health professionals.
Benefit from our strong links with industry and world-class physiotherapy research.
Gain a respected honours degree, opening doors to research or professional practice.
Graduate ready to join one of Australia’s most in-demand allied health professions.

What you'll learn

You’ll learn all about the foundational medical sciences, including courses on human anatomy and physiology. Explore social and psychological determinants of human health and function. Network with other health students studying podiatry, health sciences, occupational therapy and exercise physiology. Build physiotherapy-specific skills, starting with biomechanics and muscle assessment.

You’ll study pharmacology and movement analysis. Interrogate the biomedical model of health. Challenge your understanding of the mechanisms and management of pain. Learn how to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their best outcomes. Build communication skills for working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Get a holistic view of health and recovery.

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. You’ll complete 45 weeks of practical experience in acute care, rehabilitation, paediatrics, aged care, disability and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

You'll have access to purpose-built facilities, including:

Physiotherapy clinics
Physiotherapy laboratories
Anatomy laboratories
A physiology laboratory.

Your learning is carefully designed to gradually reduce your need for support as you move toward graduation. This ensures you have the confidence and capacity to walk into a job as a new graduate physiotherapist – and immediately make a difference.

We’ll teach you to be a successful physiotherapist who not only understands the human body, but who can also adeptly communicate, assess, manage and problem-solve to meet the unique needs of your clients.

Note: This degree requires direct patient and public interaction, including fieldwork, clinical placements and work in our on-campus gyms. Because of this there are multiple conditions you must meet. These include a criminal history clearance, child-related employment clearance and immunisation requirements.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

108 to 114 units from Core courses, and
78 to 84 units from Work integrated learning

Complete 108 to 114 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Anatomy 100	Course code BIOL1006	Units 6
Course name Human Physiology 100	Course code BIOL1018	Units 6
Course name Human Physiology 101	Course code BIOL1019	Units 6
Course name Human Anatomy 200	Course code BIOL2018	Units 6
Course name Exercise Physiology 1	Course code HBIO1000	Units 6
Course name Human Anatomy 101	Course code HLTH1008	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	Course code HLTH1016	Units 6
Course name Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country	Course code HLTH1017	Units 6
Course name Advanced Evidence Based Practice	Course code HLTH3014	Units 6
Course name Biopsychosocial Practice	Course code OCCU2007	Units 6
Course name Fundamentals of Pharmacology	Course code PHAR2011	Units 6
Course name Physiotherapy Studies 100	Course code REHB1000	Units 6
Course name Physiotherapy Studies 101	Course code REHB1001	Units 6
Course name Physiotherapy Studies 200	Course code REHB2001	Units 6
Course name Physiotherapy Studies 201	Course code REHB2002	Units 6
Course name Neurosciences in Physiotherapy	Course code REHB2004	Units 6
Course name Pain Sciences	Course code REHB3006	Units 6
Course name Health Science Honours Preparation	Course code REHB3007	Units 6
Course name Health Science Honours Thesis	Course code REHB4005	Units 12
Course name Ethics and Communication	Course code REHB4006	Units 6

Complete 78 to 84 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults	Course code REHB2000	Units 6
Course name Acute Care	Course code REHB3005	Units 12
Course name Rehabilitation	Course code REHB3008	Units 12
Course name Applied Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy	Course code REHB3009	Units 12
Course name Work Health and Safety Practice	Course code REHB4004	Units 6
Course name Health Promotion in Physiotherapy B	Course code REHB4007	Units 6
Course name Advanced Physiotherapy Practice B	Course code REHB4008	Units 12
Course name Clinical Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy	Course code REHB4010	Units 12
Course name Physiotherapy with Children and Families	Course code REHB4011	Units 6

Career outcomes

Physiotherapists can work across management, administration, education, research, policy development, advisory and regulatory contexts. They can take on roles in:

Clinics
Private practice
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.

You might work on a cruise ship, keeping travellers safe and limber at sea. You could provide on-site physiotherapy services for office workers. Perhaps you’ll be head physio for the Australian Olympic Team.

Or you could pursue a career as a:

Rehabilitation specialist
Disability analyst
Paediatric physio
Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
Continence and women's health physio
Health service manager
Geriatric physio
Aquatic physio.

You will also be well-prepared for further postgraduate study, such as a Master of Research or Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy specialising in Sports or Musculoskeletal.

Industry trends

Physiotherapists are one of the most sought-after allied health professionals in Australia. It is the second largest of the nationally regulated professions and the third fastest growing (Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2022).

This demand will only increase as our population ages, coupled with rising chronic disease, more emphasis on wellness and preventive health and increased public awareness of physiotherapy’s benefits (Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2022).

At Adelaide University you’ll build the skills to manage – and prevent – the negative impacts of these growing health challenges. You’ll learn to understand each client's unique physical condition, limitations and goals and support them on their journey toward enhanced wellbeing.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: