Introduction

Do you know that physiotherapy began in Australia in World War I? Many soldiers needed physical rehabilitation, so they were treated by physiotherapists. Since then, as physical therapy became widely known, the term “physiotherapy” was adopted in the late-1930s. Physiotherapists are experts in the structure and movement of the human body. They assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease. Physiotherapists work in various environments such as hospitals, private clinics, health centres, schools, sports teams, and the military. 

Why study Physiotherapy in Australia?

  • Top Rankings 

Australian universities are well-known for their teaching quality, and their qualifications are recognised worldwide. According to QS Ranking 2023, there are 6 universities in Australia listed among the world’s Top 100 providing Physiotherapy course. 

  • Job Opportunities and Growth 

As per the Australian Job Outlook report, there will be 26,900 job openings for physiotherapists in Australia by 2025. The number of workers is expected to grow strongly over the next five years. 

  • Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) 

Qualified physiotherapists can immigrate to Australia because Physiotherapy is on the Medium & Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) as an occupation that Australia needs. This means that physiotherapists are eligible for Permanent Residency in Australia. 

What are career outcomes after studying a Physiotherapy course in Australia?

  • Physiotherapist 

Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists in some regions, are healthcare professionals who specialise in treating and rehabilitating patients with physical impairments, injuries, or disabilities. Their primary focus is to improve a person’s physical function, mobility, and quality of life. 

  • Community physiotherapist 

A community physiotherapist is a specialised type of physiotherapist who provides healthcare services to individuals within the community setting (such as home-based care, nursing care), rather than in a traditional clinical or hospital environment. 

  • Rehabilitation Therapist  

A rehabilitation therapist, also known as a rehabilitation counsellor, is a professional who assists individuals with disabilities or injuries in regaining independence, improving their quality of life, and integrating into society. Rehabilitation therapists work across various settings to provide a range of services aimed at helping people overcome physical, psychological, and social barriers. 

  • Sports Physiotherapist 

A sports physiotherapist specializes in providing healthcare services to athletes and individuals involved in sports and physical activities. They focus on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating sports-related injuries and conditions.

What Physiotherapy programs are available for international students in Australia?

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy – 4 years:  

A Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is an undergraduate degree program that prepares students to become physiotherapists. Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy in some countries, is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals improve their physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life. 

  • Master of Physiotherapy – 2 years 

A Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) is a postgraduate degree program that offers advanced training and specialization in the field of physiotherapy or physical therapy. It builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program and provides students with a deeper understanding of physiotherapy techniques, research, and clinical practice. The curriculum of an MPT program typically includes advanced coursework in areas like advanced musculoskeletal assessment and treatment techniques, research methods, evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and advanced clinical placements. 

After graduation, graduates can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practices, sports facilities, and research institutions. 

  • Doctor of Physiotherapy – 2 to 3years 

The Doctor of Physiotherapy program represents the highest level of education and training in the field of physiotherapy. It is designed to prepare students for highly specialised roles in the field of physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy in some countries).  

Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 to know which courses best suit you – we will offer you free consultations and free admission process! 

What are entry requirements for international students to study Physiotherapy in Australia?

  • For the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 (with no sub-score less than 7.0). Many universities require prerequisites in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  
  • For the Master/Doctor of Physiotherapy course, normally applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree and attained an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 (with no sub-score less than 7.0). Most universities require prerequisites such as Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Exercise Physiology, or Neuroscience. 

If you don’t meet entry requirement for your preferred course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.    

What courses/majors might you study for your Physiotherapy degree in Australia?

  • Anatomy and Physiology: Courses in anatomy and physiology provide a deep understanding of the structure and function of the human body, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and other systems. 
  • Biomechanics: Biomechanics explores how the body moves, how forces affect movement, and how musculoskeletal structures interact during activities. It’s essential for analysing movement patterns and planning treatments. 
  • Kinesiology: Kinesiology focuses on the study of human movement, muscle actions, and joint functions. It provides the basis for understanding how the body moves and adapts. 
  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a specialized area within the field of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries affecting the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues of the body. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are experts in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including acute injuries, chronic conditions, and post-operative rehabilitation. 
  • Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy: Students may study the assessment and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, as well as post-surgical and cardiac rehabilitation. 
  • Neurological Physiotherapy: This course helps students understand the nervous system which is crucial for treating neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. 
  • Exercise Physiology: This course explores how the body responds to physical activity and exercise. Physiotherapists use this knowledge to design exercise programs for rehabilitation and fitness. 

Where can I study physiotherapy in Australia?

Bachelor’s Level 

Master’s Level 

Want to know which course/s best suit your expectation and situation? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process. 

How to become a physiotherapy in Australia?

Step 1: Complete a university degree in physiotherapy 

Please note that your course/degree must be accredited by the APC (Australian Physiotherapy Council). Contact us to learn more which university and which course are accredited by APC. 

Step 2: Register for a certified practicing physiotherapy 

After completing your higher education degree, you need to register with the PBA, overseen by the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) then you can practice as a physiotherapist in Australia.  

How to pass a skill assessment for a Physiotherapist in Australia?

How to pass a skill assessment for a Physiotherapist in Australia? 

For immigration purposes, international students need to pass a skill assessment assessed by APC. To have a positive skill assessment, you must meet at least 2 criteria as the followings:  

  • Have completed an Australia higher education qualification that is accredited by the APC, OR currently hold an unconditional General Registration with AHPRA.  
  • Meet the English requirement for a Physiotherapist, which is IELTS 7.0 (no band score under 7.0) or equivalent.  

Need help with a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!  

Migration to Australia as a Physiotherapist – what is the pathway?

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing a physiotherapy course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

There are plenty of pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you have completed an accredited physiotherapy course in Australia. Below are the common options:  

Skilled visas    

  • 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65.  
  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.   
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.    

Employer Sponsored visas   

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa you are eligible for! 

FAQs

How much does it cost to study Physiotherapy in Australia?

The cost of studying physiotherapy in Australia can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the level of the program (undergraduate or postgraduate), the university or institution you choose. For the G8 universities, the tuition fee can around AUD$50,000 per year. However, for the lower ranking universities, the tuition fee is more affordable, from 35,000 – 40,000 per year.  

How long does it take to become a physiotherapist in Australia?

The duration of the educational path to become a physiotherapist in Australia can vary depending on your entry point into the profession and the level of study you choose. Here are the typical pathways: 

  • Undergraduate Pathway: 

Bachelor of Physiotherapy: This is an undergraduate degree program in physiotherapy. It generally takes 4 years of full-time study to complete. Upon graduation, you are eligible to apply for registration as a physiotherapist in Australia. 

  • Postgraduate Pathway: 

Bachelor’s Degree + Master of Physiotherapy (MPT): If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you can pursue a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) program, which typically takes 2 to 2.5 years of full-time study. 

Doctoral Pathway: 

Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT): Some universities in Australia offer a doctoral-level program in physiotherapy. This typically takes around 3 to 4 years of full-time study, depending on the specific program. 

Interested in studying Physiotherapy in Australia?

Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today for free counselling, and a free application process! 

How many international students studying physiotherapy in Australia?

There are more than 10,000 international students in Australia in 2020, however, the number of international students studying physiotherapy in Australia has been increasing.  

What is the expected salary of a Physiotherapist in Australia?

Australia is the second-highest paying country for physiotherapists. According to Talent.com (2023), full-time physiotherapy can earn around AU$47.53 per hour or AUD$92,688 per year. Earnings tend to be lower when starting out, but the experience physiotherapist can get up to 114,000 annually. 

Is registration required to practice as a physiotherapist in Australia?

Yes, to practice as a physiotherapist in Australia, you must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PBA).