What is Podiatry? DSE 19 points / IB 28 points are sufficient to apply for podiatry program at Australian university!

Podiatry is a medical field specifically focused on diseases and issues related to the feet and lower limbs. These issues may include foot pain, sports injuries, foot deformities, nail problems, and diabetic foot complications. Podiatric care typically involves examining, diagnosing, treating, and providing preventive measures for patients' feet. This may include physical therapy, medication, orthotics, and even surgery. Podiatrists create personalized treatment plans based on the patient's specific condition, using their expertise to relieve pain, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the patient's mobility, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Students need to study for a bachelor's degree in podiatry overseas and successfully pass relevant professional exams and internships to obtain the qualifications needed to practice as a podiatrist.

Currently, there is a lack of bachelor's degree programs in podiatry in Hong Kong, so students usually need to go abroad for their studies. According to the Hospital Authority [1], there are only 54 registered podiatrists in Hong Kong, indicating a significant demand gap in this field. Additionally, with an aging population and increasing health awareness, the demand for podiatry services is expected to continue growing, giving graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.

Students can consider attending the University of Newcastle, Australia (QS World Ranking: 170th) [2], to pursue a bachelor's degree in podiatry and become a practicing podiatrist.

University of Newcastle, Australia - Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine Admission Requirements

https://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/bachelor-of-podiatric-medicine 

During the four years of study, students will complete over 1,000 hours of clinical internships at podiatric clinics located in Wyong Hospital and Newcastle Hospital (Hunter Street). Students will work alongside experienced registered podiatrists to treat patients, gaining comprehensive professional medical knowledge and theoretical understanding from their internships.

Upon completing the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Newcastle, Australia, students will receive professional recognition from the Podiatry Board of Australia [3] and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) [4]. Graduates can practice in Australia or Hong Kong. If students choose to practice in Hong Kong, they can register with the Hong Kong Podiatry Association (HKPodA) [5] and the International Podiatry Association of Hong Kong (IPAHK) [6].

According to data from the University of Newcastle [7], 82.5% of graduates successfully find podiatry-related jobs within four months of graduation. Due to a shortage of professionals in this field, demand is strong, which is noted in the Australian government's skills priority list. Therefore, students choosing podiatry as a career path have broad prospects and can develop in an opportunity-rich environment.

There are numerous career options in podiatry, including practicing podiatrists, sports podiatrists, diabetic foot care specialists, podiatric research, education and training, as well as product development and consultation. As this profession evolves, practitioners can flexibly choose suitable career paths based on their interests and expertise.

If students and parents want to know more about studying abroad, please call 2111 1480 or WhatsApp 5117 4380 to talk with our professional education consultant at Synchro!

References:

1. RTHK - Hong Kong Hospital Authority

https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1751739-20240504.htm

2. 2025 QS World University Rankings

https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?search=The%20University%20of%20Newcastle,%20Australia%20(UON)

3. Podiatry Board of Australia

https://www.podiatryboard.gov.au/

4. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/

5. Hong Kong Podiatry Association

https://www.hkpoda.org/

6. International Podiatry Association of Hong Kong

https://ipahk.com/zh-hant/

7. University of Newcastle, Australia - Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine

https://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/bachelor-of-podiatric-medicine