Australia has become one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to study medical courses, such as physiotherapy. Besides hosting some of the best medical universities in the world, the country provides a fertile ground for pursuing medical education fruitfully, with its diverse population, and booming job market. Physiotherapy courses in Australia, are highly compelling in their scope and the opportunities they open up after completion of the programs. Australia is one of the leading countries in the world for physiotherapy education and research, offering a range of programs for both domestic and international students.
Moreover, the demand for physiotherapists in Australia is also growing, as the population ages and the health sector expands. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of physiotherapists in Australia increased by 24% between 2014 and 2019, reaching more than 34,000. As such, there isn’t a better time to be a physiotherapist in Australia. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in physiotherapy, you will find high-quality Australian universities that can provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience.
Overview of Physiotherapy Courses in Australia
| No. of Universities | 25+ |
| No. of Programs | 40+ |
| Degrees Offered | Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Master of Physiotherapy |
| Duration of Study | 4 years (Bachelors); 2 years (Masters) |
| Tuition Fees (2023/24) | 35,000-45,000 AUD |
Why Study Physiotherapy in Australia?
High-Quality Education: Australia is known for its high standards of education and rigorous accreditation processes. Physiotherapy programs in Australian universities are designed to meet international standards, ensuring a high-quality education.
Accreditation and Recognition: Australian physiotherapy programs are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and are recognized globally. This accreditation ensures that graduates meet the necessary professional standards, enhancing their employability worldwide.
Clinical Experience: Australian physiotherapy programs often incorporate practical and clinical experience into the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships and clinical placements, preparing them for real-world practice.
Advanced Facilities and Technology: Australian universities invest in modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology for healthcare education. Students have access to well-equipped labs, simulation facilities, and cutting-edge resources to enhance their learning experience.
Global Career Opportunities: Australian qualifications are highly regarded globally. Graduates from Australian physiotherapy programs often find opportunities for employment in different countries, as the education system is recognized for its quality.
Research Opportunities: Australian universities are actively involved in physiotherapy research. Studying in this environment allows students to engage with ongoing research and contribute to advancements in the field.
Pathway to Migration: Australia has a well-established system for international students to transition to work and potentially migrate after completing their studies. The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows graduates to work in Australia for a certain period, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience.
Top Physiotherapy Courses in Australia
Monash University
Monash University is a public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was founded in 1958 and is the second oldest university in the state. It was named after Sir John Monash, a prominent World War I general and public administrator. Monash University is a member of the Group of Eight, a group of Australia’s eight leading research universities. It is also the largest university in Australia, with over 80,000 students and 17,000 staff across four campuses in Melbourne and one in Malaysia. Monash University has a global reputation for excellence in education and research, ranking among the top 50 universities in the world. Monash University offers a range of courses that cover various disciplines and interest areas, including physiotherapy. Monash University offers two physiotherapy courses: a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors), and a Doctor of Physiotherapy. Monash University’s physiotherapy courses are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and recognized by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Monash University’s physiotherapy department also conducts cutting-edge research and offers short courses for professional development.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors) | 4 years | 54,000 AUD |
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Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University is a public research university located in the Greater Western region of Sydney, Australia. It was founded in 1989 as a federated network of three colleges of advanced education and later restructured as a single multi-campus university in 2001. It is ranked among the top two percent of universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and has a reputation for academic excellence and impact-driven research. Western Sydney University has around 48,500 students from 70 countries of the world. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including health and sports sciences. The university has eight campuses across Western Sydney, each with its own unique and individual history. The university offers a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors) program, both of which are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and approved by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. The programs also include practical experience and clinical placements in various health settings, such as private practice, aged care, hospitals, rehabilitation, and community-based agencies.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | 4 years | 33,608 AUD |
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Griffith University
Griffith University is a public research university in South East Queensland on the east coast of Australia. Founded in 1971, Griffith was opened in 1975, introducing Australia’s first degrees in environmental science and Asian Studies. Currently, more than 55,000 students pursue higher education across the 5 Griffith University campuses. International students can choose from more than 200 programs at Griffith University. Griffith University is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide and has received more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other university. The university offers future-focused degrees that are developed in consultation with industry, based on cutting-edge research, and taught by clinical, research, and academic experts. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy program is a four-year degree that prepares students for a career as a physiotherapist. The degree combines biomedical, physical, and behavioral science courses, as well as physiotherapy courses, and provides students with over 20 weeks of hands-on practice work experience. Students also work in inter-professional teams with other health students to develop teamwork skills and leadership abilities.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honors) | 4 years | 50,000 AUD |
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University of Canberra
The University of Canberra is a public research university located in Bruce, Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It was established in 1967 as the Canberra College of Advanced Education and became the University of Canberra under the sponsorship of Monash University in 1990. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across five faculties: Health, Art and Design, Business, Government and Law, Education, and Science and Technology. The university has about 10,785 students enrolled, of which 23% are international students from over 100 countries. The university offers a four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a two-year Master of Physiotherapy for graduates of health-related degrees. Both courses are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and enable graduates to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as physiotherapists.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | 4 years | 39,000 AUD |
| Master of Physiotherapy | 2 years | 49,500 AUD |
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The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a national Catholic university that was founded in 1989. It has campuses in Fremantle and Broome in Western Australia and Sydney in New South Wales. It also has eight clinical schools as part of its school of medicine located across Sydney and Melbourne and also in regional New South Wales and Victoria. The university has more than 11,000 students enrolled across its three campuses and offers a range of programs in health, business, education, law, arts, and more. One of the programs offered by the university is the Bachelor of Physiotherapy, which is a 4-year full-time program. This program includes foundational courses aligned with specialized physiotherapy-specific courses and clinical placement experiences. Another program is the Master of Physiotherapy, which is a 2-year full-time program that also prepares graduates to practice as physiotherapists. This program includes key physiotherapy-specific courses and clinical placement experiences, as well as a strong focus on evidence-based and reflective practice.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | 4 years | 38,192 AUD |
| MSc in Physiotherapy | 2 years | 40,169 AUD |
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University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is a public research university, primarily located in Tasmania, Australia. Founded in 1890, it is Australia’s fourth oldest university. UTAS has a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, ranking among the top 300 universities in the world. UTAS has more than 34,000 students, offering a wide range of courses in business, law, creative arts, science, technology, and more. One of the courses offered by UTAS is the Master of Physiotherapy, which prepares graduates to become practicing physiotherapists. The course is based on problem-based and practical learning experiences, involving community-based projects and work-integrated learning opportunities. The course is full-time and runs over four semesters, with 50 credit points (4 units) each semester. The course is place-based, meaning that students can complete elements of study from wherever they reside in Tasmania, but they also need to attend face-to-face workshops and residential schools in Launceston, as well as supervised professional experience placements across Tasmania. The course is open to graduates with a bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, equivalent work experience.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Master of Physiotherapy | 2 years | 46,523 AUD |
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Admission Requirements for Physiotherapy Courses in Australia
Bachelor’s program in physiotherapy:
- High school diploma or equivalent, with a strong focus on courses in sciences such as biology and chemistry.
- Most programs will have a minimum academic requirement.
- Scores in standardized English language proficiency tests such as IELTS (6.0-7.0) and TOEFL iBT (79-90)
- Some universities may require you to take specific entrance exams related to science or healthcare.
- Some programs may prefer or require applicants to have relevant clinical or healthcare experience. This could include volunteer work or employment in a healthcare setting.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals.
- A statement of purpose or essay expressing your interest in physiotherapy and your career goals.
Master’s in Physiotherapy:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy or a related field is usually required.
- Many master’s programs have minimum GPA requirements for admission. This varies by institution.
- Scores in standardized English language proficiency tests such as IELTS (6.0-7.0) and TOEFL iBT (79-90)
- Some master’s programs may require applicants to have a certain amount of professional experience as a licensed physiotherapist.
- In some cases, you may need to hold a license to practice as a physiotherapist in the country where the program is located.
- Letters of recommendation from professionals in the field may be required.
- Some programs may require an interview as part of the selection process.
Career Opportunities for Physiotherapy Graduates in Australia
Physiotherapy is a rewarding and diverse career that involves helping people improve their physical health, mobility, and quality of life. Physiotherapy graduates in Australia have many opportunities to work in different settings and sectors, such as:
Hospitals: Physiotherapists can work in various departments, such as intensive care, emergency, surgery, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. They can help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries, prevent complications, and promote health and wellness.
Private practices: Physiotherapists can work independently or in a group practice, providing services to clients with various musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, or sports-related conditions. They can also offer home visits, telehealth, or mobile services.
Community health: Physiotherapy graduates can work in community-based organizations, such as aged care facilities, schools, disability services, mental health services, or Aboriginal health services. They can help clients with chronic diseases, disabilities, or mental health issues, as well as provide health education and prevention programs.
Sports: They can work with athletes, teams, or sporting organizations, providing injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services. They can also help enhance athletic performance, fitness, and recovery.
Research: They can also work in academic institutions, research centers, or industry, researching various aspects of physiotherapy, such as clinical practice, education, policy, or innovation. They can also contribute to the advancement of physiotherapy knowledge and evidence.
The salary of physiotherapists in Australia depends on various factors, such as their qualifications, experience, location, sector, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of physiotherapists in Australia is 132,424 AUD per year. Some of the industries with the highest average salaries for physiotherapists are government and defense, community services and development, and healthcare and medical.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many compelling physiotherapy courses in Australia, that offer high-quality education, accreditation, and career opportunities. Australia is a world leader in physiotherapy research and practice, with a strong focus on evidence-based and patient-centered care. Additionally, physiotherapy graduates in Australia have a wide range of career options. However, choosing a course is not a simple decision, as it involves considering various factors such as the cost, duration, location, curriculum, entry requirements, and reputation of the institution. Therefore, it is important to do thorough research, compare different options, and consult with experts and peers before making an informed decision. We know it’s overwhelming to have the pressure of making the correct decision, that’s why we are here to help you. Let our admission experts at OneApply, guide you to the best option for you. Book your free video call appointment now!
