2026 Australian Physiotherapy Degrees Entry Requirements & Tuition Fees Guide
- City Smart Brisbane
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 18
🎓 Introduction
Physiotherapy is one of the most in-demand healthcare professions in Australia. Graduates are highly sought after in hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centres, aged care, sports medicine, and even private practice.
For Hong Kong and Macau students, physiotherapy offers stable career prospects, high professional recognition, and attractive salaries. However, it is also one of the most competitive disciplines, with high entry requirements. Most universities require HKDSE 22–25 points in the best 5 subjects and an IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band below 6.0 - 7.0). Some institutions also expect students to have a science background.
📌 Quick Facts — Physiotherapy 2026
🎓 Entry requirement range: HKDSE 12–25 / A-Level 6–20 / IB 24–40
🌐 IELTS: 7.0 (some allow 6.0–6.5 in individual bands)
💰 Tuition fees: AUD $33,600 – $65,900 per year
📈 Graduate salary: Starting AUD $70,000–85,000; experienced physiotherapists can earn AUD $100,000–120,000
⏰ Tip: This is a "quota program" due to limited placement opportunities, apply early to secure your spot
📥 Download: 2026 Physiotherapy Info Sheet
📊 2026 Australian Physiotherapy Degrees Entry Requirements Summary
University | Entry Requirements (DSE / A-Level / IB) | IELTS | Tuition (AUD/year) |
University of Queensland Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) | DSE: Best 5 = 25 A-Level: 14 IB: 38.25 | 7.0 (≥ 7.0 each band) | $58,056 Scholarship✅ |
Griffith University Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) | DSE: Best 5 = 20 A-Level: 10.5 IB: 33 | 7.0 (≥ 7.0 each band) | $52,500 Scholarship✅ |
Western Sydney University Bachelor of Physiotherapy | DSE: Best 5 = 15👑 A-Level: 6 IB: 24 | 7.0 (R&W 6.5, S&L 7.0) | $35,960👑 Scholarship✅ |
University of Sydney Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) | DSE: Best 5 = 25 A-Level: 17 (Best 3), 20(Best 4) IB: 24 | 7.0 (≥ 7.0 each band) | $65,900 |
UNSW Bachelor of Exercise Science & Master of Physiotherapy | DSE: Best 5 = 27 A-Level: 17 IB: 40 | 7.0 (≥ 6.0 each band)👑 | $60,000* |
James Cook University Bachelor of Physiotherapy | DSE: Best 5 = 24 A-Level: 12 IB: 34 | 7.0 (≥ 6.5 each band) | $46,111* |
ACU Bachelor of Physiotherapy | DSE: Best 5 = 12 A-Level: 7 IB: 34 | 7.0 (≥ 7.0 each band) | $52,544 |
UniSQ Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) | DSE: Best 4 = 12 (excl. Chinese; English ≥ 3) A-Level: 2x D grades IB: N/A | 7.0 (≥ 7.0 each band) | $33,600 |
*2025 Tuition fess **2026 Australian Physiotherapy Degrees Entry Requirements and Tuition Guide is for reference purpose only, institutions have the final rights to accept/reject applicants.
🌟 Highlights of Physiotherapy Programs in Australia
Practice-oriented: Strong focus on clinical placements, simulated patient training, and collaboration with sports science teams.
Professional accreditation: Graduates are eligible for registration as physiotherapists in Australia.
Diverse career pathways: Covering rehabilitation, aged care, sports medicine, and community health.
🔍 City Smart Insights
Admissions are highly competitive.
Top programs (e.g., USYD, UQ) typically expect IB 38–40
IELTS 7.0 in each band—build your English plan early and check subject prerequisites for science.
Big cost spread.
USYD sits near the top (AUD $65,900/yr)
WSU $35,960/yr and UniSQ $33,600/yr are among the most affordable.
Some schools (e.g., UQ, Griffith, WSU) regularly offer scholarships—factor these into your shortlist.
Program structure matters.
At UNSW, accreditation is via a BExSc + MPhysio 3+2 pathway (5 years total). You must complete the Master program to get your AHPRA accreditation. Plan timelines (and budget) accordingly.
Location & lifestyle trade-offs.
WSU is metropolitan Sydney; JCU (Townsville) and UniSQ (regional QLD) are regional—consider placement availability, cost of living, and your support network.
Missed the cut-off? You still have options.
Consider Foundation or Diploma pathways to the Bachelor, or start with Exercise/Health Science and articulate to a Bachelor or Master of Physiotherapy later.
Common pitfalls to avoid.
One IELTS sub-score below 7.0 can block direct entry at most universities; submit early because clinical placement caps can limit places.
👩🎓 Real Student Experience
"Studying physiotherapy in Australia has given me not only professional knowledge but also valuable clinical experience through placements. Working with patients from different cultural backgrounds has broadened my horizons and helped me grow as both a professional and an individual." – Emily C., 2023 Graduate
💼 Career Opportunities & Salary
Career pathways: Hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, aged care, sports medicine, community health, and private practice.
Salary range:
Entry-level: AUD $70,000–85,000
Experienced: AUD $100,000–120,000
Higher salaries available in metropolitan areas or with specialised certification.
🌍 International Comparison
Compared with other countries, Australian physiotherapy programs emphasise practical clinical training and cultural diversity. This prepares graduates to adapt quickly to international work environments and enhances their global competitiveness.
✅ Application Tips
Prepare for IELTS 7.0 (each band) early.
Strengthen your science background (especially Biology or Chemistry) if possible.
If direct entry is not achievable, consider Foundation or Diploma pathways leading to undergraduate study.
✨ Conclusion
Physiotherapy is a demanding but highly rewarding discipline in Australia. With stable employment prospects, attractive salaries, and professional recognition, it is one of the top choices for Hong Kong and Macau students interested in healthcare careers.
📩 If you are a Career Master and would like us to provide more detailed information sessions for your students, feel free to contact the City Smart consulting team.
Empowering Your Journey to Australia, Caring for Your Future Every Step of the Way.
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