The Best Universities for Studying Physiotherapy in South Africa
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, focusing on restoring movement, alleviating pain, and enhancing quality of life through evidence-based physical interventions. In South Africa, where 1 in 5 people experience musculoskeletal issues annually (South African Medical Research Council, SAMRC, 2023), skilled physiotherapists are in high demand.
Why Study Physiotherapy in South Africa?
South Africa’s healthcare system faces a shortage of rehabilitation professionals, with only 1,504 physiotherapists employed in public services across all nine provinces (SAMRC, 2023), serving a population of 62 million. The ideal ratio, per the World Health Organization, is 1 physiotherapist per 10,000 people, but South Africa sits at 1 per 41,000, spotlighting a critical need. Graduates enjoy a 90% employment rate within six months (University of Pretoria, 2023), with salaries ranging from R360,000 to R720,000 annually for entry-level roles, climbing to R1 million+ for specialists (Payscale, 2025). This guide ranks universities based on program quality, research output, clinical exposure, and global standing.
Top Universities for Physiotherapy in South Africa
1. University of Pretoria (UP)
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Program: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysio) – 4 years
- Global Ranking: #323 (QS 2025), #251 in Clinical Medicine (US News 2024)
- Annual Fees: ~R65,000 (2025 estimate)
- Acceptance Rate: ~20%
The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences is a leader in physiotherapy education, graduating 100–120 students annually. Its BPhysio program, accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), emphasizes a holistic approach—promotion, prevention, and restoration of physical function. Students train at the Pretoria Academic Hospital, handling 50,000+ patient cases yearly, and gain expertise in musculoskeletal, neurological, and pediatric therapy. UP’s research output ranks high, with 213,000 citations in physical therapy across 13,100 papers (EduRank, 2024).
Unique Features: Evidence-based curriculum, community outreach focus.
Stat: 95% HPCSA exam pass rate (2023).
Why It’s the Best: Unmatched clinical exposure and research prestige.
2. University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
- Program: BSc in Physiotherapy – 4 years
- Global Ranking: #167 (QS 2025), #103 in Clinical Medicine (US News 2024)
- Annual Fees: ~R70,000
- Acceptance Rate: ~15%
UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences, home to 29,000 students (18% international), offers a world-class physiotherapy program. Students train at Groote Schuur Hospital, a facility renowned for its historical medical breakthroughs, treating 40,000+ patients annually. In 2023, UCT graduated 90 physiotherapists, with 92% securing jobs within three months. The curriculum integrates manual therapy, electrotherapy, and rehabilitation, supported by 1.8 million citations in health sciences research (EduRank, 2024).
Unique Features: Early clinical placements from Year 2, global recognition.
Stat: #1 in Africa for research output (THE, 2024).
Why It’s the Best: Prestigious reputation and top-tier facilities.
3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Program: BSc in Physiotherapy – 4 years (+ Graduate Entry Physiotherapy Programme, GEPP)
- Global Ranking: #264 (QS 2025), #135 in Clinical Medicine (US News 2024)
- Annual Fees: ~R68,000
- Acceptance Rate: ~25%
Wits pioneers innovation with its GEPP, a 3-year fast-track for graduates with prior degrees, boosting SA’s physiotherapy workforce. The standard 4-year BSc graduates 80–100 students yearly, training at facilities like Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. In 2023, Wits ranked #1 in SA for employer reputation (QS), with 900,000 citations in health sciences (EduRank, 2024). Students master six areas: musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, sports, pediatrics, and community health.
Unique Features: GEPP option, urban clinical networks.
Stat: 90% job placement rate (2023).
Why It’s the Best: Flexible entry and strong industry ties.
4. Stellenbosch University (SU)
- Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
- Program: BSc in Physiotherapy – 4 years
- Global Ranking: #283 (QS 2025), #238 in Clinical Medicine (US News 2024)
- Annual Fees: ~R60,000
- Acceptance Rate: ~30%
SU’s Tygerberg campus hosts a robust physiotherapy program, graduating 70–80 students annually. With a focus on rural healthcare—where only 30% of therapists practice (HPCSA, 2023)—students train at Tygerberg Hospital, managing 35,000+ cases yearly. Research strengths include rehabilitation and community health, contributing to SU’s 700,000 citations (EduRank, 2024).
Unique Features: Rural health emphasis, scenic campus.
Stat: 85% HPCSA exam pass rate (2023).
Why It’s the Best: Community impact and research focus.
5. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Location: Bellville, Western Cape
- Program: BSc in Physiotherapy – 4 years
- Global Ranking: #601–650 (QS 2025)
- Annual Fees: ~R55,000
- Acceptance Rate: ~35%
UWC stands out for inclusivity, notably as the first SA physiotherapy department to place a visually impaired student in ICU (2017). Graduating 60–70 students yearly, its program emphasizes human movement and societal impact, with training at Groote Schuur and community clinics. Research drives innovation, with a focus on high-impact patient care.
Unique Features: Tech-integrated teaching, diversity focus.
Stat: 80% employment rate within six months (2023).
Why It’s the Best: Accessibility and progressive training.
Additional Notable Universities
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Location: Durban
- Program: BSc in Physiotherapy – 4 years
- Fees: ~R58,000
- Highlight: Graduates 50–60 students yearly, strong in respiratory therapy.
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Program: BSc in Physiotherapy – 4 years
- Fees: ~R57,000
- Highlight: 50 graduates annually, rural health focus.
Key Statistics (2025 Projections)
Total Physiotherapy Students: ~1,200 enrolled annually (HPCSA estimate).
Graduate Output: ~500–600 physiotherapists yearly.
Gender Breakdown: 65% female, 35% male (HPCSA, 2023).
Research Citations: 213,000+ in physical therapy (EduRank, 2024).
Shortage: 70% of physiotherapists work in urban areas, leaving rural gaps.
Admission Requirements
NSC Results: 60–70% in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
APS Score: 32–38 (e.g., UP requires 35+).
Additional: Wits mandates 16 hours of job shadowing (July 2024–July 2025).
Competition: 258,000 NSC candidates vied for ~500 spots in 2023.
Career Prospects
Roles: Hospital physiotherapist, sports therapist, private practitioner.
Earnings: R30,000–R60,000/month (entry-level); R80,000+ (specialists).
Growth: 6% annual demand increase, especially in rural areas (SAMRC, 2024).
Postgraduate Opportunities
MSc in Physiotherapy: 2 years, ~R80,000 total (e.g., UCT, UP).
PhD: 3–5 years, research-focused, ~R100,000–R150,000 total.
Specializations: Sports physiotherapy, neurology, pediatrics.
Challenges & Tips
Challenge: Rural shortage limits access (only 1,504 public-sector physiotherapists).
Tip: Focus on rural placements for job security.
Challenge: Competitive entry (e.g., UCT accepts 90 of 600+ applicants).
Tip: Boost your application with volunteer experience.
Conclusion: Your Physiotherapy Future Starts Here
The best universities for physiotherapy in South Africa—UP, UCT, Wits, SU, and UWC—offer world-class training, blending theory, research, and hands-on practice. A 4-year BPhysio degree equips you for a rewarding career, addressing SA’s healthcare gaps. Whether you seek prestige (UCT), innovation (Wits), or impact (UP), your path begins with these elite institutions. Research your top choice today and step into a high-demand profession transforming lives!
