Course overview
Become a qualified physiotherapist who can provide hands-on treatment and create exercise and health management strategies.
In this course, you will learn how to prevent, treat and manage physical injuries and assist people of all ages who have musculo-skeletal health conditions. You’ll become proficient in treating acute and chronic conditions and disabilities, with hands-on therapy, prescriptive exercise and lifestyle advice.
You’ll graduate with an integrated honours qualification, ready to commence your career as a physiotherapist or continue studying for a career in research.
This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.
Career outcomes
Physiotherapist jobs in Australia are expected to grow by almost 35% by 2035.¹
Careers
- Physiotherapist
Industries
- Hospitals and healthcare
- Community practice
- Education
- Government
- Aged care
- Rehabilitation
- Sport and recreation
¹ Source: Jobs and Skills Australia – Employment Projections
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Graduates can apply for professional registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Why study at Curtin?
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Graduates can apply for professional registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Work experience
You'll have access to specialised anatomy facilities and physical health laboratories to develop your practical skills, and will complete 1,100 hours of supervised placements in healthcare settings.
Highly ranked course
Curtin is the top-ranked WA university for graduate salary and is equal first for full-time employment for rehabilitation (undergraduate). (Good Universities Guide 2026)
Hear from our students
"The Physiotherapy staff are so passionate about teaching, which makes learning more enjoyable and motivates me to study. And the small class sizes allow everyone to get to know each other and spend one-on-one time with the tutor."
Georgina Versteeg
Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours)
Your student experience
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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
Your first year is interprofessional, gaining the skills to work in a healthcare team, while learning about the physical, structural and physiological aspects of human form and movement.
You’ll then study musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, cardiorespiratory and neurological sciences; as well as gerontology, paediatrics, gender health issues and pain management.
You’ll learn how to analyse research evidence and the individual’s perspective and health environment, to select the best treatment option. Other important skills include empathic listening to help accurately diagnose an issue, problem-solving to address clinical obstacles, and reflective practice to critically analyse evidence and monitor the effectiveness of your management strategies.
In your third and fourth years, you'll participate in group professional projects. High-achieving students may have the option of an honours project, working under staff supervision to complete, and potentially publish, a small research study.
Practical experience
You will develop your practical skills in laboratory classes, and you'll complete 1,100 hours of supervised placements in hospital and community settings, including in rural and remote locations.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
You are required to show evidence of having completed an Aquatic/Hydrotherapy Rescue Award and a Senior First Aid Certificate or respective equivalent before completing your first year. You are required to be able to swim to complete an Aquatic/Hydrotherapy Rescue Award.
Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes which require appropriate disrobing when acting as clients in the peer group, and physically manipulating patients including lifting and supporting people with a disability.
Ranking and Selection Process
Please note that entry into these courses is highly competitive and subject to available places. If you are not made an offer in an earlier round, your application will remain under consideration for subsequent rounds in January, dependent on place availability at that time.
- Round 1: 10 July 2025
- Round 2: 11 September 2025
- Round 3: 4 December 2025
School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.
Please note:
- Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
- Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
- Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
- Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
- Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
- In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.
Minimum ATAR entry required
This course requires you to achieve a minimum ATAR/selection rank to be considered for entry, but does not guarantee selection.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Commonwealth-supported first-year fee
$9,600*
*The indicative first-year fee is based on a standard full-time study load of 200 credit points.
This fee is a guide only. Your total fee may vary depending on the units you choose, your study load or if your course includes additional requirements. For more information on fees, see other fees and charges.
A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government. They pay part of the course fees directly to Curtin and then the student pays the remainder (referred to as the “student contribution amount”). The student can defer this fee to their HECS-HELP loan.
All Australian students studying an undergraduate degree are automatically awarded a Commonwealth supported place. A limited number of Commonwealth supported places are also available for some postgraduate courses.
Learn more about CSPs and whether you’re eligible by visiting the Australian Government’s StudyAssist website.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
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