Physiotherapy courses

Through Open Universities Australia, you can find online courses that focus on areas like anatomy, movement science, rehabilitation and exercise physiology, which are all essential foundations for a career in physiotherapy or related fields.

Options range from single subjects to full qualifications in allied health and rehabilitation, all delivered by leading Australian universities.

Some courses are designed as pathways into the field, while others are intended for qualified physiotherapists and health professionals looking to upskill or specialise further.

Entry requirements vary. Many undergraduate subjects or introductory courses have open entry, so you don’t need previous healthcare experience.

Postgraduate pathways or more advanced study will require a related bachelor degree or relevant professional experience.

You’ll gain a strong understanding of how the body moves, heals and functions.

Topics often include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, movement science, injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques.

You’ll also learn evidence-based approaches to improve mobility, manage pain and support long-term recovery.

Some online courses include virtual simulations, case studies and interactive learning to help you build practical skills.

If you choose a qualification that leads toward clinical practice, like a Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy for example, you may be required to attend on-campus workshops or supervised placements.

Keep this in mind if you're eyeing courses that are delivered interstate.

Online physiotherapy courses can prepare you for roles in allied health, rehabilitation support, exercise physiology, or as a pathway toward further physiotherapy study.

They’re also valuable for professionals in health, fitness or community services who want to expand their expertise.

To become a fully registered physiotherapist in Australia, you’ll need an accredited physiotherapy degree that includes clinical placements.

While some study can be completed online, practical on-campus learning and supervised clinical experience are essential for registration. Online courses can be a great first step toward this pathway.

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

• Browse the options on this page.

• Use our comparison tool to explore the different choices.

• Need help? Book a free phone consultation with a student advisor for personalised guidance.

2. Start your enrolment

• When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

• Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

• You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

  • Proof of identity

  • Your tax file number

  • A Unique Student Identifier (USI)

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

If you’re unsure about committing to physiotherapy, there are plenty of related fields where you can still make a difference in people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Here are some options to explore based on your interests:

These areas still allow you to work in healthcare and improve lives, but may not require the same level of clinical training as physiotherapy.