Bachelor of Physiotherapy 

Physiotherapy is a complementary healthcare profession that aims to restore or promote the normal physical functioning of the individual and rehabilitate individuals with injuries and those living with disabilities. Training is evidence and outcomes-based. Physiotherapy students are exposed to a wide variety of patients, where they can use their examination and problem-solving skills to make a significant contribution to the health status of any patient. Physiotherapists who have qualified at the University of Pretoria are in demand in all sectors of healthcare worldwide.

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme requires four years of full-time study. Students are trained in physiotherapy in various areas, treating musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory problems and sports injuries. Training includes work in the field of paediatrics and in communities. 

Musculoskeletal and sports therapies are used to treat problems affecting the vertebral and peripheral joints. Neurological therapy involves rehabilitation principles used for the treatment of different conditions and diseases affectting the brain and spinal cord, and respiratory and cardiac therapy improves lung function and exercise tolerance.  Students are also taught how to manage congenital and acquired paediatric conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on community education and empowerment concerning health-related challenges.

The modules taught in the four-year degree programme include manual therapy, soft-tissue mobilisations, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and exercise therapy. Rehabililitation is a major focus in all areas of physiotherapy practice.

Programme content

The four years of study consist of theoretical, practical and clinical training in basic medical sciences and physiotherapy. An additional community service year, which does not form part of the university training, is compulsory.

• Clinical training: Undergraduate student training takes place in private and government hospitals in Pretoria. Private practices and the Sports Centre based at the University of Pretoria are also used. Community-based training of undergraduate students takes place in the communities of Mamelodi, Hammanskraal, Daspoort and Eersterust, and at various homes for the aged in Pretoria.
• Community service: An informed community is a healthy community. Consequently, much time is spent instructing patients and those who care for them. Patients are also taught to monitor their own health and to be physically active. Community-based training of undergraduate students occurs in Mamelodi, Hammanskraal, Daspoort and Eersterust, at various homes for the aged in Pretoria, and the Sports Centre of the University of Pretoria.
• Research: A proactive research environment enjoys high priority at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and undergraduate students are introduced to the research process under the guidance of staff members.

Ideal candidates include those who have problem-solving skills and enjoy evidence-based practice. A humble, hardworking people’s person who enjoys working with the sick, elderly and young will succeed in this career. Bachelor of Physiotherapy enables the student to specialise in a particular area or work in all facets of the profession.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage

Physiotherapists, academics and researchers

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. ?Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

For advice on a second-choice programme, please consult a Student Advisor. To make an appointment, send an email to [email protected].

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here

A limited number of places are made available to citizens from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens), with those from SADC countries being given preference. Applicants who have multiple citizenships, including South African citizenship, will be considered to be South African. 

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students is the same as the above

Note: Any deliberate ommission of information, or false information provided by an applicant in the application may result in the immediate cancellation of the apllication, admission or registration.

Selection criteria are available on the faculty's webpage at: click here.

• Sixty (60) students are selected annually.
• First choice candidates will be considered and second choice candidates may be considered in certain categories.

Modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to exemplify and build on the University of Pretoria’s vision of being a leading research-intensive university in Africa: it is recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact, as well as for creating knowledge, developing people and making a difference locally and globally. 

The Faculty is home to 5 500 undergraduate and 1 500 postgraduate students, including medical and dental fellowship training in more than 40 disciplines. 

The Faculty’s research output has grown, in response to the need for research that is relevant to the improvement of health and health care and advancing medicine in South Africa, Africa and globally. 

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.