Applications
Applications for the summer 2027 start term will open on June 15, 2026. The deadline to submit applications is October 1, 2026. Please see our DPT Admissions Process for more details.
Degree and GPA
A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required; any undergraduate major is acceptable. We consider multiple GPAs as part of our admissions process. Those GPAs include overall, last 60 semester units (90 quarter units), and prerequisite courses. There is no minimum GPA required to be considered; however, the application process is competitive. It is in your best interests to apply with a strong overall GPA - we recommend a minimum of 3.0.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are required from three individuals who personally know the applicant and their abilities. At least one letter must be from a licensed physical therapist. Instructors of basic science coursework, health professionals, or employers are suggested for the other two. Letters must be submitted through PTCAS by the application deadline.
Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants are encouraged to complete all prerequisite courses prior to the application deadline. However, applicants may take up to three prerequisite courses after the summer term of the application cycle. That includes a maximum of two after the fall semester/quarter. For example, applicants applying for summer 2027 may take up to three prerequisites after the summer 2026 term. That includes a maximum of two after the fall 2026 term. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. For detailed information on prerequisite and recommended courses, please use the following link:
Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly to PTCAS for your application to be finalized and verified. It can take several weeks for PTCAS to process an applicant's file once it is complete. If an application is not verified by the application deadline, it may negatively affect our review. We encourage you to send official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to PTCAS by September 1, if possible. See PTCAS Transcripts instructions for more information (by clicking the link, you will be exiting the UCSF site).
Clinical Experience
All applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the physical therapy profession by completing at least 50 hours of clinical observation. Those hours may be paid or volunteer. Observation hours must be completed under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. These hours can be completed in one or more physical therapy settings (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, rehab). See our FAQ page for more details. Clinical observation hours must be completed and electronically verified in PTCAS by the application deadline. See PTCAS Observation Hours instructions for more information (by clicking the link, you will be leaving the UCSF site).
Additional Criteria
As part of our comprehensive application review process, we consider an applicant’s experiences, both in the academic environment and beyond. Experiences outside the classroom can include, for example, intercollegiate athletics, work experience, research experience, volunteer work, or leadership roles. A successful application does not require those life experiences. However, those experiences are additional factors that can strengthen an application beyond the academics and observation hours.
International Applicant Requirements
In addition to meeting the same admission requirements as domestic students, international applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English. Please visit the International Admission Requirements website to learn more.