Best Physiotherapy Schools in Australia for International Students and Canadians (2025-2026)

• Easier to Work Abroad Post-Graduation

  There are physiotherapy courses in Australia for international students that keep practice abroad in mind. Some universities, like Macquarie University, integrate competency requirements into the curriculum, so students have adequate skills to practice in Canada and the US.
  
  

• Highly Engaged Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Practices

  
  Australia is known for its evidence-based physiotherapy practice, which focuses on treatment that combines current, high-quality research with practitioner expertise, while taking into consideration the patient’s context. The country is known for its high engagement with resources like the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), at a level greater than the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany. This means that completing your physiotherapy degree and clinical placement in Australia places you at an advantage in comparison to many other countries, keeping you competitive in the job market.
  
  

• Quality Education and Extensive Clinical Placement Opportunities

  
  Many international students choose to study in Australia because by completing their physiotherapy degree at an accredited school, they’re guaranteeing a level of quality education that is recognized on a global level. Coursework at schools accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Councileffectively prepares students to be competent practitioners after graduation. Australian universities with physiotherapy programs are also known for offering their students extensive clinical placement experience, often over 1,000 hours, across a range of diverse locations including indigenous health centres and rural and remote areas.
  
  

• Broad Specialization Options (Sports, Neuro, and Musculoskeletal)

  
  Australian physiotherapy programs encompass a wide range of practice specializations, including neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal, sports, and paediatric. This multidisciplinary approach offers deep skill development in niche areas while also providing a broad range of support for all specific types of physiotherapy needs, which can be an important differentiator when it comes to pursuing a career after graduating.
  
  

• High Demand for Physiotherapists

  
  Physiotherapy has been noted as one of the top 20 high-demand jobs in Australia, especially in rural areas. To address practitioner uncertainty and the current shortage of physiotherapists, the Australian Physiotherapy Association has targeted its advocacy towards workforce planning, building the next generation, and promoting equitable access in rural locations. If you choose to stay in Australia after graduation, you are guaranteed a large pool of choice for your next full-time job, due to the existing need. In Canada, according to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), physiotherapy is projected to see a moderate labour shortage from 2024-2033, which means if you would like to work in Canada after graduation, there will likely be ample opportunities available to you.

• Entry Requirements and GPA/ATAR Thresholds  

Australian physiotherapy programs are highly competitive, with some schools requiring a minimum average of 85%-90%. Prospective students are evaluated based on their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score, which is given across a scale of 0.00 to 99.95. This ATAR score indicates where you stand in comparison to other applicants and encompasses other admission criteria such as your personal statement and interview. Some physiotherapy programs have cited successful applicants requiring an ATAR score of at least 90.0 for their graduate program.  

• International Student First-Time Registrants 

According to the Physiotherapy Board of Australia Annual Report for 2023-4, the number of international student first-time registrants exceeded the number of domestic students. This suggests a higher intake of international students in physiotherapy programs across the country, which is unique in comparison to other countries that often have a lower number of international students in comparison to domestic students.  

• UCAT and Other Admission Tests  

Test score requirements can vary from school to school, because often the minimum score is a reflection of that year and the pool of applicants. Generally, a competitive UCAT score will need to fall in at least the top 10-20%. Most physiotherapy programs in Australia require an ATAR score of 90.00 or above, which signals the importance of a strong UCAT or other admission test score, since this is part of the ATAR score criteria. For the most accurate information on admission test requirements, see your program page for details.  

• Average tuition fees 

   

  For the best Australian physiotherapy schools, the average international tuition fees are:
  

  • Undergraduate degree: $49,500 AUD (approximately CAD $44,655)  

  • Master's degree: $47,200 AUD (approximately CAD $43,175) 

  • Doctorate degree: $55,500 AUD (approximately CAD $50,767) 
    

  For accurate figures, always check the program page at the school you are applying to. For more information, speak to a trained counsellor at IDP Canada. 
  

• Living expenses for international and Canadian students 

Please keep in mind that these calculations are estimates and can depend on your individual lifestyle and your location. For more information, check out our log blog covering the cost of studying in Australia. 

• Health insurance and other costs 

You will need to budget for annual health insurance and other costs as you plan to move abroad to Australia for your studies. Here’s what you should keep in mind. 

•  High School Average 

Undergraduate: 85-95% Graduate: 70% 

• ATAR Equivalent 

70-high 90s, average is 93 

• English Language Tests (IELTS/TOEFL)  

IELTS: Overall score of 7.0, no section below 6.5  TOEFL: 94-100 overall Consult your school for their specific requirements. 

• Course Prerequisites for Physiotherapy Programs in Australia 

Undergraduate: Chemistry, physics, biology, math, and statistics Graduate: Human anatomy and physiology This may depend on your school, so refer to their admission requirements for the most accurate information. 

•     UCAT Score    

Successful applicants should rank in the top 10-20%, typically a score of 2850+ 

• Interviews and Aptitude Tests for Canadian Applicants 

UCAT ANZ. Aptitude test for cognitive reasoning, data analysis, and situational judgment. The minimum score is aggregate depending on your year, so aim for a strong score of 2310+.  

Casper test. Online test to evaluate situational judgment, and personal and professional qualities including empathy, problem-solving, critical thinking, ethics, and teamwork. To prepare, it is recommended you take the Casper practice test in advance, to familiarize yourself with the format. Please note that you must be logged into the system to access the test.

• Do Australian physiotherapy schools align with Canadian curriculum standards?

  Yes, as long as credentials meet the standards set out by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), and you successfully pass their competency exam.
  

• What is the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR)?

  The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) is a national organization responsible for the standardization and evaluation of incoming internationally trained physiotherapists to ensure they meet a quality standard of competency and skills to practice in Canada. The CAPR is responsible for credentialing services, the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE), and supporting Canadian colleges, universities, and schools.
  

• What exams do I need to pass in Canada after graduating?

  You must get your degree and credentials assessed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) via their Pre-Approved Credentialing Pathway. After you’re approved, you will need to take the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). For more information see CAPR’s page for internationally trained physiotherapists.
  

• How long does the licensing process take in Canada?

  This will differ depending on the time of year and the volume of applicants. Always check the CAPR’s page for Process & Assessment Timelines. According to the CAPR, the standard length of time to assess internationally trained physiotherapists is 26 weeks.

• Compare tuition fees and cost of living in different cities

  Based on your own personal budget, career goals, and specialization interests, compare the tuition fees across the top Australian universities for physiotherapy as well as the cheapest universities, so you can determine which programs will provide you with the most value. You will also want to consider the cost of living, as this will factor into your expenses. Take advantage of tools such as Study Australia’s Cost of Living Calculator to help you plan.

• Check programs and global recognition

  If you’re interested in practicing in Canada after graduation, look for schools that integrate skill development at Canadian standards, which will make your licensing and credential evaluation process easier. It’s also worthwhile to look at schools with a global reputation and national accreditation because this ensures a quality level of education and recognition that will keep you competitive in the job market.

• Look at graduate employability

  Some schools will provide information about the employability of their physiology graduates, which can let you know how quickly you can secure a full-time job after graduation. You can also refer to resources such as QS World University Rankings, which will give you information on the employer rating of graduates from that school.

Can Canadian physiotherapists work in Australia? 

Yes, but you must register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia as an overseas practitioner. You will also need to pay assessment fees during registration.  

Are scholarships available for international physiotherapy students? 

Yes, most Australian universities offer institutional scholarships to international students who display excellent academic performance. Some merit-based or faculty-specific awards may also be available. We recommend checking directly with the universities you’re applying to or visiting our IDP scholarship page to identify more opportunities. 

How long is physiotherapy school in Australia? 

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy is typically a 4-year undergraduate program. 

The Master of Physiotherapy usually takes 2 years of full-time study. 

Doctor of Physiotherapy programs generally run for 3 years. 

Is health insurance mandatory for international students? 

Yes, students must hold a Subclass 500 student visa and maintain a Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during their whole stay in Australia.  

As for costs, premiums depend on how long your cover is needed and whether others (dependents) are included. For instance, a 12‑month single student OSHC policy starting from 1 April 2025 will be approximately AUD $806 (approximately CAD $724) for one person.