A physiotherapy master’s degree gives you:

  • The skills you need to make career improvements

  • More likelihood of an increased salary

  • The ability to specialise in an area you’re truly passionate about

  • Improved quality of care that you provide to your patients

Depending on the type of degree, it can also require completion of a research project, paving your way to a PhD and future in research. If you’ve already got your undergrad, you’ve probably been working for a while in the industry. By now, you’ll know what you’re interested in. The research project lets you carry out supervised research into an area of physiotherapy. This allows you to independently collect data about something you are interested in, perform statistical analysis, and interpret the information.

Why Study a Masters of Physiotherapy in Australia?

Studying in Australia means you’re getting the education that employers need. With lots of work placements and deep-dive research, you’ll be equipped to help people with their physical goals, encourage wellness, and have a fulfilling career.

Physiotherapy is on the Australian medium and long term skills shortage list, which makes finding a job, and potentially permanent residency, much easier. Due to an aging population, there is more demand than workers, making physiotherapy a secure investment in your future. There are a number of specialisations or areas of future study:

  • Cardiothoracic

  • Continence and women’s health

  • Gerontological

  • Musculoskeletal

  • Neurological

  • Occupational health

  • Paediatrics

  • Sports

Masters in Physiotherapy Options in Australia

You’ll need a relevant undergraduate degree in order to qualify for any of the programmes below. All these courses are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Master of Physiotherapy in Queensland

At The University of Queensland, you’ll learn the clinical abilities, professional attributes, and problem solving skills you need to provide excellent services to your clients. You’ll get to apply physiotherapy skills to manage cardio-respiratory problems, improve motor development and coordination, and help with a range of other physical disabilities and problems. Extensive supervised clinical placements mean you’ll have the skills needed to excel as a physiotherapist.

This two year courses costs AU$66664 per annum. You’ll need an IELTS of 7, with no individual band below 7.

The University of Queensland is rated second in the world for sports-related subjects.

Master of Physiotherapy in Sydney

This practice based and innovative degree from the University of Technology Sydney covers neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and orthopaedic physiotherapy across the lifespan. All learnings are evidence-based, with a focus on use of cutting-edge technologies and real-world practices.

UTS is Australia’s top university for research impact. In your second year, you’ll complete a research project, allowing you to delve into a topic of interest, and get a taste of what a PhD might be like.

You’ll need an IELTS score of 7, with no individual score below 7.0. It costs AU$32305 per year.

Master of Physiotherapy Practice in Melbourne

This Master of Physiotherapy degree from La Trobe University gives you the tools to apply advanced skills and knowledge, creating an evidence-based and safe practice. You’ll learn how to communicate, collaborate, reflect, and evaluate a situation thoroughly, and achieve the best outcomes. This is not only through the course work, but also from the four clinical placements.

This course costs AU$53400 per year. You must have an IELTS score of 7.0, with no individual band below 7.0.

Master of Physiotherapy in Adelaide

Flinders University offers this two-year course which prepares you for working as a physiotherapist. They focus on a contemporary attitude where the client is centred and treated as part of an interdisciplinary team. This means collaborating and communicating with the client and across any other providers, applying relevant treatment, and integrating skills and knowledge to get the best possible outcomes. There are clinical placements.

You’ll need an IELTS of 7.0, with no individual band below 6.5. The course costs AU$50,000 per year.

Master of Physiotherapy in Perth, WA

This course at Notre Dame University has around 750 hours of clinical practice. That means you’ll be able to develop excellent skills in clinical assessment, interventions, and communication with clients. Using evidence-based practices, you’ll be prepared to meet the challenges working as a physiotherapist, and how the clinical- and non-clinical aspects of the role work together to create optimal outcomes for your patients.

This course costs AU$55,00 per annum and you must have an IELTS of 7.0 overall, with no individual band score lower than 7.0.

Pathway to PR After Masters in Physiotherapy Qualification

Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511) is on the medium to long term skills shortage list. That means the roles are in demand and there are a range of different visas that you can apply for. Having a master’s degree can help you gain better employment options, making you more sought after.

Skills Assessment for Physiotherapists in Australia

In order to become a physiotherapist, you must be registered with AHPRA. In order to do so, you must be assessed as fit to practice by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. You are required to sit a skills assessment when applying for permanent resident or provisional visas. You’ll need to submit documents proving your identity and qualification, alongside any relevant work experience. Then, pay for the assessment and wait for your approval (hopefully).

Visa Options for Physiotherapists Moving to Australia

Once you’ve applied for your temporary graduate visa (subclass 485), you have a few years to live and practice in Australia. That lets you find an appropriate role and apply for the best visa that fits your scenario.

  • 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa: This is a permanent visa. You must have a job offer, and your future employer must nominate you.

  • 189 - Skilled Independent Visa: This is a permanent, points-tested visa. You must submit an expression of interest for immigration via SkillSelect. Once ranked based on your points and approved, you can apply for this visa. Having a higher level of qualification does help to gain more points.

  • 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: This is a permanent visa. You must submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect. You must have been nominated by an Australian state or territory in order to do so.

  • 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Medium Term Stream: This is a temporary visa for up to four years. You must have an employment offer and be nominated by an approved employer.

  • 187 Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme Visa: Once you’ve been working in certain regional areas of Australia for two years on 482 or 457 visa, your employer may be able to nominate you for this permanent visa.

  • 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa: This is a provisional visa. It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to five years once you’re nominated by an approved regional employer.

  • 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa: This provisional visa is for up to five years. You must be nominated by a state or territory government in order to apply.

Want to Step Forward in Your Career?

A Masters in Physiotherapy could be a great option if you want to take a step forward in your career. If you need help finding the perfect course in Australia, the ideal provider, and applying, then contact us at IDP Australia. We’ve had years of experience turning dreams into reality, and goals into achievements, and we can help you with yours too.