Although Poland is not an English-speaking country, international students can study physiotherapy there since many Polish physiotherapy colleges offer their courses in English. Therefore, physiotherapy programs are gaining popularity in Poland. The Act of September 25, 2015, for the Profession of Physiotherapy regulates the profession of physiotherapy in Poland. As per the act, students need to complete a long-cycle master’s degree in physiotherapy to become a physiotherapist. This long-cycle degree is known as the MSc in Physiotherapy, and it runs for a duration of 5 years. After completion, students should pass the National Exam in Physiotherapy to practice in Poland. If you are interested in studying physiotherapy in Poland, then the following article might be helpful. Keep reading to learn more.
Study Physiotherapy in Poland: Highlights
Here are some highlights of physiotherapy education in Poland.
| Entry-level degree | Long cycle master’s studies or MSc Physiotherapy |
| Duration of MSc Physiotherapy | 5 years |
| Average tuition fees for MSc Physiotherapy | 5,321 to 13,438 USD*/year |
| Cost of living in Poland | 4,000-7,000 USD*/year |
| Licensing exam for Physiotherapists | National Exam in Physiotherapy |
| Governing body | Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists |
How to Become a Physiotherapist in Poland?
- Get admitted to a long cycle MSc Physiotherapy course from an accredited university
- Graduate with an MSc Physiotherapy diploma
- Clear the National Exam in Physiotherapy
- Obtain a license to practice
- Become a member of the Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists
- Start looking for employment opportunities as a licensed physiotherapist
About Physiotherapy Courses in Poland
There is a great demand for physiotherapy courses in Poland due to the following reasons:
- An MSc Physiotherapy degree from Poland is recognized all over the EU
- Polish universities offer physiotherapy courses in the English language
- Physiotherapy tuition fees are affordable (5,321 to 13,438 USD*/year)
- A licensed physiotherapist from Poland can practice in all EU countries
- Polish universities offer physiotherapy courses as unified long-cycle master’s programs
MSc Physiotherapy programs in Poland are five years long and consist of 10 semesters. They are designed to offer knowledge and practical skills. They cover subjects like physical therapy, kinesitherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic massage, etc. In the first year, students learn about the anatomy and functioning of the human body. From years three to four students get trained in advanced methods of physiotherapy with extensive clinical training. The last year is for thesis preparation and defense.
The curriculum also includes internal work assignments in physiotherapy, kinesiology, and hospital wards. After graduation, students can go for their doctoral studies in physiotherapy for research purposes.
Top Physiotherapy Colleges in Poland
There are many universities in Poland that offer physiotherapy courses. Few colleges offer their programs in English, whereas a few offer them in the Polish language. In this article, we have compiled a list of Polish universities offering physiotherapy courses in English.
| University Name | CWUR National Ranking | Degree Offered | Deadlines |
| Wroclaw Medical University | 10 | MSc Physiotherapy | – |
| Nicolaus Copernicus University | 13 | MSc Physiotherapy | April |
| Medical University of Silesia | 15 | MSc Physiotherapy | December (exact dates are yet to be published) |
| Poznan University of Medical Sciences | 17 | MSc Physiotherapy | July 15, 2023 (Fall entry) |
| University of Physical Education of Warsaw | NA | MSc Physiotherapy | May 9 to July 4, 2023 |
Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying Physiotherapy in Poland
Poland is highly affordable to students on a tight budget. The table below lists the tuition fees for studying physiotherapy in Poland.
| University Name | Tuition Fees (USD*/year) |
| Wroclaw Medical University | 5,321 |
| Poznan University of Medical Sciences | 13,438 |
| Medical University Of Silesia | 6,031 |
| Nicolaus Copernicus University | 6,967 |
| University of Physical Education of Warsaw | NA |
Besides tuition fees, there is also a living cost that students should consider while planning their budget. The living expenses add up to anywhere between 4,000-5,000 USD per year. The following table contains a list of expenses that can be considered for living costs.
| Category | Cost in USD*/Year |
| Rent | 1,000 to 1,920 |
| Food | 2,400 |
| Transport | 168 |
| Health insurance | 192 |
| Utilities | 216 to 276 |
| Personal expenses | 1,200 to 2,000 |
Admission Requirements for Physiotherapy in Poland
The admission requirements for studying MSc Physiotherapy are similar for Polish universities. There is no common application service, hence students have to apply to each university separately. The following are some typical entry requirements for studying MSc Physiotherapy in Poland.
- High school or secondary education (10+2) in biology, chemistry, and physics (GCE A-level)
- Official transcripts (transcripted in the Polish language)
- University entrance test (if applicable)
- Polish language certificate of B1 level
- Letter of recommendation
- Motivation letter
- Student visa
- Proof of English language proficiency (B2 level, or 6.5 IELTS score or TOEFL 80)
- Health certificate
- Proof of financial stability
You can apply by filling out an application form and submitting the required documents. Gyanberry has partnered with many Polish universities. You have a greater chance of acceptance if you apply via Gyanberry. We also offer visa services to more than 20 countries.
Scholarships to Study Physiotherapy in Poland
There are a lot of scholarships available for international students to study in Poland. The Polish government, foreign country governments, and some global organizations provide funds for these scholarships. The scholarship amount varies and it can either cover tuition fees and/or living costs. Students can apply for the following scholarships to study physiotherapy in Poland.
- Visegrad Scholarship Program
- Fulbright Program
- Erasmus+
- Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program
- Program of Fellowships under the Polish National Commission for UNESCO
- Scholarships for citizens from developing countries
Career Scope After Studying Physiotherapy in Poland
There are many career paths open to physiotherapy graduates in Poland. They are trained to offer therapeutic services in the following areas:
- Healthcare facilities
- Sports centers
- Wellness centers
- Physiotherapy clinics of their own
- Public rehabilitation centers
- Health care establishments
- Spas
- Research
- Academia
As per Salaryexplorer, the average salary of a physiotherapist in Poland is 37,000 USD per year. The salary largely depends on experience, skills, and/or location.
*Note: The tuition and other costs fees are converted based on the current exchange rate, i.e., 1 Polish Zloty = 0.23 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.
Conclusion
Poland is a great place to study physiotherapy programs in English. Polish universities offer physiotherapy courses as long-cycle programs that last for 5 years. The degree costs anywhere from 5,321 to 13,438 USD* per year. In the first two years, students learn basic physiotherapy subjects. Years three to four are dedicated to learning advanced methods of physiotherapy along with clinical training. The last year is for thesis preparation, and students have to defend the thesis to get the degree award. Since the profession of physiotherapy is regulated by the Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists in the country, students are required to pass the National Exam in Physiotherapy to apply for a license. If you are interested in applying for a physiotherapy program in Poland, use Gyanberry’s Gyanberry service, a step platform to apply to multiple Polish universities at a time.
