UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND · SOUTH AFRICA
BSc Physiotherapy
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Four-year undergraduate degreeProgram Length
- Flexible entry options: First-year or Graduate EntryEntry Pathways
- Diverse career opportunities in various healthcare settingsCareer Paths
- Focus on practical skills and patient-centered careLearning Approach
This program focuses on improving patients' quality of life through skilled evaluation and therapy designed to reduce pain and restore movement and physical function. Graduates can help patients regain their ability to perform daily activities, and maintain mobility, muscle strength, and exercise endurance. Physiotherapists often work as part of multidisciplinary teams in various settings including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, private practices, special schools, disability centers, and sports facilities.
Curriculum
The curriculum spans four years, with a foundational first year in medical sciences, followed by specialized physiotherapy subjects, clinical practice, and research methodology.
- First Year
- Introduction to Medical Sciences I
- Chemistry I
- Introduction to Physiotherapy I
- Physics I
- Introduction to Psychology I
- Basic Principles of Group and Individual Psychology I
- Human Behavioural Sciences I
- Second Year
- Anatomy for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Students
- Physiotherapy I
- Physiology and Medical Biochemistry
- Third Year
- Pharmacology
- Physiotherapy II
- Rehabilitation I
- Clinical Physiotherapy I
- General Medicine and Surgery
- Research Methodology Part I
- Fourth Year
- Management for Therapists
- Physiotherapy III
- Rehabilitation II
- Clinical Physiotherapy II
- Research Methodology Part II
Careers
Graduates can pursue careers in various specialized areas of physiotherapy, contributing to patient recovery and well-being across different settings.
- Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist
- Community Health Physiotherapist
- Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapist
- Neurology Physiotherapist
- Orthopaedic Physiotherapist
- Paediatric Physiotherapist
- Sports Physiotherapist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the BSc Physiotherapy programme?
- You need a National Senior Certificate with English Level 5, Mathematics Level 5, and Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences Level 5. Your admission is based on a Composite Index combining matric results and NBT scores. All applicants must also complete 16 hours of job shadowing a physiotherapist between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.
- How long does the BSc Physiotherapy programme take to complete?
- The BSc Physiotherapy is a four-year undergraduate degree programme. The curriculum includes foundational medical sciences, specialized physiotherapy subjects, clinical practice, and research methodology.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees vary for international students and can be found on the Wits student fees website. A fees estimator is available on the student self-service portal after you apply.
- What are the career prospects after graduating with a BSc Physiotherapy?
- Graduates can pursue diverse careers such as Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapists, Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapists, Paediatric Physiotherapists, or Sports Physiotherapists in various healthcare settings.
- What is the application process for this programme?
- The application process is managed by the Student Enrolment Centre. Key steps include checking admission requirements, completing job shadowing, writing the NBT if applicable, submitting your application form and supporting documents before the closing date, and monitoring your application progress online.
Entry requirements
NSC (National Senior Certificate)English Level 5, Mathematics Level 5, Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences Level 5. Selection is based on a Composite Index (CI) score combining matric academic results (60% weighting) and National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores (40% weighting). NBT must be written in-person.
NSC English Home Language or First Additional LanguageLevel 5
Applicants applying to the Graduate Entry Physiotherapy Programme (GEPP) and those who have completed or are in their final year of a Bachelor's degree are exempt from the NBT requirement. All applicants must complete a minimum of 16 hours of job shadowing a professional physiotherapist and submit a certificate of attendance. Observation hours must be completed between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. International applicants should refer to specific guidelines provided by the university.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to university website for current fees.
Tuition (home)Refer to university website for current fees.
LivingEstimated living costs not specified.
Tuition fees vary and can be accessed via the Wits student fees website. A fees estimator is available on the student self-service portal after application.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the specific entry requirements for the BSc Physiotherapy program, including academic qualifications and any additional selection criteria.
2. Complete Job ShadowingUndertake at least 16 hours of observation with a professional physiotherapist and obtain a certificate of attendance (completed between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026).
3. Write the NBT (if applicable)For first-year applicants not meeting GEPP criteria, write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) in-person by August 17. Only the first attempt from the most recent year is considered.
4. Submit ApplicationSubmit your application form, supporting documents, and the application fee before the specified closing date.
5. Monitor Application ProgressTrack the status of your application through the Wits Self Service Portal.
Scholarships
University-Funded ScholarshipsVaries
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship ProgrammeFully funded
National Research Foundation (NRF) scholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the BSc Physiotherapy programme?
+
You need a National Senior Certificate with English Level 5, Mathematics Level 5, and Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences Level 5. Your admission is based on a Composite Index combining matric results and NBT scores. All applicants must also complete 16 hours of job shadowing a physiotherapist between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.
How long does the BSc Physiotherapy programme take to complete?
+
The BSc Physiotherapy is a four-year undergraduate degree programme. The curriculum includes foundational medical sciences, specialized physiotherapy subjects, clinical practice, and research methodology.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees vary for international students and can be found on the Wits student fees website. A fees estimator is available on the student self-service portal after you apply.
What are the career prospects after graduating with a BSc Physiotherapy?
+
Graduates can pursue diverse careers such as Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapists, Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapists, Paediatric Physiotherapists, or Sports Physiotherapists in various healthcare settings.
What is the application process for this programme?
+
The application process is managed by the Student Enrolment Centre. Key steps include checking admission requirements, completing job shadowing, writing the NBT if applicable, submitting your application form and supporting documents before the closing date, and monitoring your application progress online.