Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (CRICOS course code 105717A) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by James Cook University over 4 years. This program is designed for students who want to become qualified physiotherapists, focusing on rehabilitation therapies and health sciences. As an international student, you will study at the Townsville campus in Queensland, Australia. This course is registered on CRICOS, ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, Australia is a top destination for health studies. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at James Cook University prepares graduates for professional practice and further research. All data on HeadStart Academy is sourced directly from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, so you can trust the information. Whether you're interested in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, or neurological rehabilitation, this degree provides a comprehensive foundation. James Cook University is a government-funded institution with strong industry connections, offering a vibrant campus life in tropical North Queensland. Read on for details on fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
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The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (CRICOS 105717A) is a four-year honours degree at the Australian Qualification Framework Level 8. It falls under the field of Physiotherapy (061701), part of the Health discipline. James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J) is a public university with a strong reputation in health sciences. This course is delivered at its Townsville campus in Queensland. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets rigorous standards for international students, including ESOS Act protections. The program combines theoretical study with extensive clinical placements, preparing graduates for registration as physiotherapists in Australia. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with no referral fees, based on the official CRICOS register.
This program covers the core areas of physiotherapy, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, and therapeutic techniques. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat movement disorders and injuries. The curriculum includes subjects in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, and paediatrics. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and research skills. Clinical reasoning and patient management are developed through case-based learning. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, private clinics, sports settings, and community health. The honours component requires a research project, fostering critical thinking and academic writing. Please note that specific units are subject to change by the provider.
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) has a duration of 4 years, equivalent to 208 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. The program is delivered full-time on campus. There is no VET national code as this is a higher education course. Students are expected to commit to a full-time study load, including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and clinical placements.
The indicative tuition fee for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is A$195,809 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, but students should budget for additional costs such as textbooks, equipment, and uniforms. The estimated total is A$195,809. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. Living costs in Townsville are approximately A$450–600 per week for accommodation, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees with James Cook University's website (www.jcu.edu.au) as they are subject to change.
International students must meet English language requirements: an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5 with no band below 5.5–6.0 (exact requirements vary by year; confirm with JCU). Academic entry requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, with prerequisite subjects usually including biology, chemistry, or physics. A competitive Grade Point Average may be required. Foundation or pathway programs are available through James Cook University's pathway partners. For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, refer to the provider's website. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 110 weeks, totalling approximately 1,100 hours. This involves supervised clinical placements in hospitals, private practices, and community health settings. Students gain hands-on experience in assessing and treating patients under the guidance of registered physiotherapists. Work-integrated learning is integrated throughout the program, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments. Placements may be in Townsville or regional areas. These hours are essential for meeting accreditation requirements for physiotherapy registration in Australia.
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is delivered at James Cook University's Townsville campus, located in the city of Townsville, Queensland. Townsville is a regional hub with a population of over 180,000, offering a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. It boasts a tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. The campus is accessible via public bus services. There are multiple CRICOS-registered providers in Townsville, making it a viable study destination. For more on studying in Queensland, see our state guide (internal link).
To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidence, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year), and OSHC for the duration of stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, which protects your tuition fees and ensures quality education. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at James Cook University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm the provider is CRICOS-registered (James Cook University, code 00117J).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Meet entry requirements (academic and English), submit required documents (transcripts, test scores, personal statement), and observe application deadlines. Apply through James Cook University's online portal.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use it to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE.
Queensland is a popular destination for international students, with over 20 CRICOS-registered providers in Brisbane alone. Townsville offers a more affordable lifestyle: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$250–350, groceries A$100–150, and public transport A$30–40. The state has a strong health sector, with numerous hospitals and clinics providing placement opportunities. However, consider the tropical climate and regional setting. For those seeking a quieter, nature-oriented environment with lower costs, Queensland can be an excellent choice. Compare your options across states on HeadStart Academy.
Ready to start your journey in physiotherapy? Research your options on HeadStart Academy and apply today.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at James Cook University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.