A Bachelor of Exercise Physiology — often titled Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology — is a four-year undergraduate degree that trains students to use exercise as a therapeutic and preventative tool for people living with chronic disease, injury, disability, or at risk of developing medical conditions. The degree develops deep expertise in human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, pathophysiology, and clinical assessment. Students learn how to design, deliver, and evaluate targeted exercise programs for diverse populations including those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders, mental health conditions, and respiratory disease. The qualification is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), and graduates are eligible for recognition as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) — two of the most respected credentials in the Australian allied health sector.

This course is designed for students with a passion for human health, science, and helping people achieve better quality of life through movement. It suits those who are interested in the intersection of healthcare and physical performance, and who want to work in a professional, evidence-based clinical role. The curriculum blends theoretical study with significant hands-on clinical placement experience — typically 500 or more hours — across settings such as hospitals, private practices, community health centres, aged care facilities, fitness facilities, and on-campus exercise physiology clinics.

Graduates are employed across a wide spectrum of organisations in Australia including public hospitals, private allied health clinics, NDIS service providers, WorkCover and occupational rehabilitation firms, community health centres, elite sporting organisations, aged care providers, insurance companies, and universities. As a registered allied health profession with Medicare recognition, exercise physiology sits alongside physiotherapy, dietetics, and occupational therapy as a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery in Australia.

Entry to a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology or Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in Australia is typically based on completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with an ATAR score, which generally ranges from approximately 75 to 90 depending on the institution and the competitiveness of the intake. Most programs also specify assumed or prerequisite knowledge in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and/or Mathematics studied at senior secondary level. Some institutions may consider equivalent entry through TAFE qualifications, vocational certificates, or prior tertiary study. Mature-age and non-school leaver applicants may be assessed on the basis of previous study and relevant work or volunteer experience in health, fitness, or allied health settings.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements set by ESSA as well as the individual institution. Accepted tests typically include IELTS (Academic), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge Advanced English, with minimum scores varying by provider. Students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from these requirements. Additionally, all students — domestic and international — must satisfy mandatory compliance prerequisites before commencing clinical placements. These typically include a current Working with Children Check (or Blue Card in Queensland), a National Police Certificate, evidence of relevant immunisations as per the Australian National Immunisation Program, first aid and CPR certification, and in some cases a mask-fit test.

Some institutions offer internal pathway options for students who have completed an initial undergraduate degree in exercise science or sport science, allowing accelerated entry into the clinical exercise physiology component. Credit transfer may also be available for prior learning at AQF Level 7 or above. Prospective students are encouraged to check each institution's specific entry requirements directly, as ATARs, prerequisites, and compliance requirements can vary. Some providers may also conduct additional assessments such as interviews or supplementary application forms to assess suitability for the profession.