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    Study physiotherapy abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying physiotherapy as an international student.

    Find physiotherapy programs

    Explore physiotherapy programs abroad

    See other programs in physiotherapy

    Physiotherapy degrees abroad

    Studying physiotherapy means learning about the rehabilitation of people through therapeutic exercise and movement. The subject covers all ages and ranges from sports injuries to people recovering from illnesses.

    A physiotherapist creates individual treatment plans specific to a patient, requiring a lot of practical experience and scientific knowledge.

    Physiotherapy’s subject matter doesn’t vary much between countries, but the benefit of studying it abroad may be access to a higher standard of teaching and research. Some countries do not class it as a profession in its own right, which would affect how you study it.

    Physiotherapy is available to study as a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD. In all cases, you may have the opportunity to work with other healthcare or medical students in interdisciplinary study.

    Physiotherapy program structure

    Physiotherapy programs at bachelor’s level will require a mixture of theoretical and practical learning over three to four years of study. You may also be required to run research studies to learn from and be assessed on. There will be written exams and presentations to form part of your grades too.

    At master’s level a program can take a similar structure to a bachelor’s just over a shorter period of time and more focused on specialist knowledge and research.

    A physiotherapy doctorate or PhD will be tailored for your own interests or specialization. It may require extensive research and practical experience, or a large thesis to produced at the end of your three or four years.

    The structure of a physiotherapy bachelor’s will be divided into modules or electives with an amount of credits linked to them. You will have to complete a certain amount of credits before moving on to the next year of a program. Common modules surround the following topics:

    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Cardiorespiratory studies
    • Physical activity and exercise
    • Research skills
    • Professional development
    • Dissertation / project

    Why study physiotherapy abroad

    Studying physiotherapy in a country that is renowned for their healthcare standards means you are likely to have a high standard of teaching in physiotherapy.

    Where to study physiotherapy abroad

    There’s plenty to think about when you’re deciding where you should study physiotherapy abroad. Here’s some of the things that are worth considering to help you make your decision:

    • Where you want to work

      If you want to work as a physiotherapist in a specific country after graduation, then you need to ensure that a physiotherapy program aligns to that country’s system.

    • Where you want to live

      Whether you would like to be in a large city or small campus should be taken into consideration when deciding on a location. If you’d like to pick up a new language during your time studying abroad then this will also narrow down where to live.

    Here’s how you can choose where to study abroad.

    Best countries to study physiotherapy

    The best countries for physiotherapy are the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and parts of western Europe. Due to the quality of healthcare in these countries, physiotherapy is taught to a high standard using the latest research methods.

    Best universities to study physiotherapy

    In order to find the best university to study physiotherapy, you should consider the which university would be right for you. As well as rankings think about things like:

    • Practical experience included in the program including placements or work experience
    • What the university offers outside the classroom for you, e.g. does it have student organization for you interests
    • The members of staff in the department

      their backgrounds, specializations, professional experience

    See all universities offering physiotherapy programs

    How to study physiotherapy abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

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    Physiotherapy study abroad programs

    Although degrees focusing on physiotherapy are available worldwide there are some key differences between the most popular countries for studying abroad:

    • USA and Canada

      Physiotherapy studies often come under the title physical therapy. Degrees in physical therapy specifically are not available until master’s level, and it is recommended to have a bachelor’s degree linked to physiotherapy.

    • UK

      Physiotherapy is available as a three to four year undergraduate bachelor’s as well as at master’s and doctorate / PhD level.

    • Australia and New Zealand

      To become a physiotherapist in NZ, you need to complete a four year bachelor’s program from one of three universities, including a health science year foundation program. In Australia you will also require a four year degree. If you want to specialize in a certain branch of physiotherapy you can then take a postgraduate course in that area.

    Physiotherapy undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in physiotherapy

    • false

      Physiotherapy - BPhty University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,749 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 34,870 AUD

      Start date
      February, July, September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - BSc (Hons) Bournemouth University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,929 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - BSc (Hons) London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,617 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,155 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - BSc (Hons) Teesside University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,897 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - BHSc Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      26,669 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 38,210 NZD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    See all bachelor's degrees in physiotherapy

    Physiotherapy graduate programs

    Master's in physiotherapy

    • false

      Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (North Campus) - MHP Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      26,524 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 38,002 NZD

      Start date
      January, February
      Show program overview about Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (North Campus)
    • false

      Physiotherapy - MPhil University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,845 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 35,000 AUD

      Start date
      February, July, September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - MSc London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,617 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,155 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - MSc MAHSA University, Malaysia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,400 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,400 USD

      Start date
      January, April
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    • false

      Physiotherapy - MSc University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,686 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    See all master's degrees in physiotherapy

    Doctorate in physiotherapy

    • false

      Physiotherapy - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,299 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR

      Start date
      February, June, September
      Show program overview about Physiotherapy
    See all doctorates in physiotherapy

    Diploma in physiotherapy

    • false

      Clinical Residency: Physiotherapy - PGDip Astrakhan State Medical University, Russia

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      3,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 3,700 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Clinical Residency: Physiotherapy
    See all postgraduate diplomas in physiotherapy

    Entry requirements to study physiotherapy abroad

    To be accepted onto an international physiotherapy program, you’ll need to meet the university’s entry requirements. A university may ask for the following information depending on which level you are studying at:

    • The results of your secondary education (GPA / A-Levels / IB) and any subjects you focused on in particular
    • A personal statement outlining why you want to study physiotherapy
    • English language proficiency score (TOEFL / IELTS)
    • Relevant academic references
    • CV
    • University transcripts if relevant
    • Financial information to show you can support yourself abroad

    As some universities charge for submitting an application, always check the entry requirements carefully. Find out more on how to study abroad.

    Future physiotherapy careers

    Physiotherapy is often used as a vocational course, leading to a job as a physiotherapist in one of the following areas:

    • Women’s health
    • Elderly care
    • Pediatrics
    • Sports and exercise
    • Occupational health
    • Stroke services

    Knowing which type of physiotherapy role is of interest to you will help you pick the right program to study abroad.