Explore the Best Countries to Study Physiotherapy Offering Promising Career Paths

Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand are considered the best countries for studying physiotherapy, offering globally recognized programs, advanced clinical training, and excellent career opportunities.

When it comes to choosing the best countries to study physiotherapy, students often face confusion. With so many universities and destinations available, selecting the right option for your career and budget can be overwhelming.

The problem gets even more complicated because not every country provides the same quality of education, internship opportunities, or global recognition. Many students dream of studying physiotherapy abroad, but end up struggling with questions like: Which country is affordable? Where are job prospects higher? Which universities are globally accepted?

That’s why we researched for you. Out of 27 different study destinations, we have carefully selected five countries that genuinely stand out. Our selection is based on factors such as global recognition, practical training, tuition fees, career prospects, and post-study opportunities. Let’s dive into the deep.

Why Study Physiotherapy Abroad?

Choosing to study physiotherapy abroad provides a significant advantage in today’s competitive healthcare field. With the global demand for physiotherapists rising due to aging populations, sports injuries, and rehabilitation needs, an international degree ensures better career prospects.

Top destinations offer advanced research facilities, world-class faculty, and clinical training opportunities that equip you with modern skills recognized worldwide. Graduating from these institutions also unlocks international career pathways, allowing you to practice in multiple countries with higher salaries and better job security.

Worried about expenses? Many universities and governments offer scholarships and funding options that make it possible to study physiotherapy abroad at a reduced or even free cost. These supports often cover tuition fees, living expenses, or research programs.

Top Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Country

Language of Instruction

Most top universities teach in English; however, some countries may require proficiency in the local language, especially for clinical practice.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Studying abroad is a significant investment. Compare tuition costs, scholarships, and living expenses to ensure affordability.

Entry Requirements

Each country sets different academic qualifications, English proficiency tests, or prerequisite subjects you must meet.

Duration and Structure of Study

Physiotherapy programs typically last between 3 and 5 years and often include extensive clinical placements. Knowing the structure helps you plan better.

Career Prospects and Licensing Requirements

Your future depends on whether your degree is globally recognized and if licensing exams are required for practice.

Best Countries to Study Physiotherapy in 2025 and Beyond

Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand are among the best destinations for studying physiotherapy. In addition to these leading countries, there are 22 other notable options worth exploring to make a well-informed comparison and choose the program that best aligns with your academic and career goals. Let’s now examine all 27 countries to gain a comprehensive understanding and make an informed decision.

1. Australia

Study physiotherapy in Australia to access English-taught programs that require an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0. Tuition fees range from AUD 38,000 to AUD 61,000 per year for Master’s programs, and up to AUD 230,000 for Bachelor’s programs. Living costs average AUD 21,000–24,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years and Master’s degrees usually take 2 years, both including extensive clinical placements. Graduates must register with AHPRA to practice.

Also Read: Study in Australia

2. UK

Study physiotherapy in the UK to join English-taught programs that require proof of language proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5. Tuition fees for international students range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year, with living costs averaging £12,000 to £15,000 annually.

A Bachelor’s degree typically takes three years, while a Master’s degree lasts two years and includes substantial clinical placements. Entry requirements include relevant academic qualifications and, in some cases, work experience. Graduates must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice their profession.

Also Read: Study in UK

3. Canada

Study physiotherapy in Canada through programs offered in English or French, depending on the institution. International students must provide proof of language proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. Tuition fees range from CAD 20,000 to 40,000 per year, while living costs average CAD 15,000–20,000 annually.

Admission to Master’s programs requires a relevant bachelor’s degree; the programs typically last two years and include clinical placements. To practice, graduates must pass the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) exam.

Also Read: Study in Canada

4. USA

Study physiotherapy in the USA by enrolling in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, typically lasting 3 years and taught in English. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

Tuition fees range from USD 40,000 to 90,000 per year, with living costs averaging USD 15,000–20,000 annually. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses and competitive GRE scores. To practice, graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain state licensure.

Also Read: Study in USA

5. New Zealand

Study physiotherapy in New Zealand through English-taught programs that typically require an IELTS score of 6.5. Tuition fees for international students range from NZD 32,000 to NZD 40,000 per year, while living costs average between NZD 15,000 and NZD 18,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3 years to complete, while postgraduate programs last 1.5 to 2 years, including clinical placements. To practice, graduates must register with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.

6. Austria

Study physiotherapy in Austria, where programs are typically offered in German, requiring proficiency at the B2 to C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Tuition fees for international students are relatively low, ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 per year, with living costs averaging around €10,000 to €12,000 annually.

Bachelor’s programs usually last 3 years and include practical training and clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Austrian health authorities to practice.

7. Malaysia

Study physiotherapy in Malaysia through programs taught in English and sometimes Malay, with international students typically needing an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. Tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees range from MYR 30,000 to MYR 60,000, with programs lasting 3 to 4 years.

Living costs are relatively affordable, averaging MYR 12,000 to MYR 18,000 annually. The curriculum combines theoretical courses with clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Malaysian Physiotherapy Association or the relevant regulatory body to practice.

Also Read: Study in Malaysia

8. Denmark

Study physiotherapy in Denmark, where programs are primarily taught in Danish, requiring proficiency at a B2 level or higher. Tuition is free for EU/EEA students, while international students pay around €10,000 to €15,000 per year. Living costs are relatively high, averaging €12,000 to €15,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3.5 years and combine theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience. Graduates must register with the Danish Health Authority to practice their profession.

Also Read: Study in Denmark

9. Ireland

Study physiotherapy in Ireland through English-taught programs that typically require an IELTS score of around 6.5. Tuition fees for international students range from €18,000 to €30,000 per year, with living costs averaging €12,000 to €15,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 years and combine classroom learning with clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) to practice.

10. Poland

Study physiotherapy in Poland, where programs are primarily taught in Polish, though some universities offer courses in English. Proficiency in the language of instruction is required—Polish at B2 level or IELTS 6.0 for English programs.

Tuition fees for international students range from €3,000 to €6,000 per year, with living costs averaging €5,000 to €7,000 annually. Bachelor’s degrees typically last 3 years, while Master’s degrees take 2 years and include clinical practice. Graduates must register with the Polish Chamber of Physiotherapists to practice.

Also Read: Study in Poland

11. Germany

Study physiotherapy in Germany through programs primarily taught in German, requiring proficiency at the B2 to C1 level. Tuition fees at public universities are usually free or very low, but international students should budget for living costs of around €10,000 to €12,000 per year.

The Bachelor’s degree typically takes 3 years, combining theoretical learning with clinical training. Graduates must register with the German Physiotherapy Association to practice.

12. Sweden

Study physiotherapy in Sweden through programs mostly taught in Swedish, requiring proficiency typically at the B2-C1 level. Tuition fees are generally waived for EU/EEA students, while international students may be required to pay tuition fees, depending on the university.

Living costs average around SEK 100,000 to 130,000 (approximately €9,000–12,000) per year. Bachelor’s degrees usually take 3 years, combining theoretical knowledge with clinical training. Graduates must register with the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare to practice their profession.

Also Read: Study in Sweden

13. Japan

Study physiotherapy in Japan, where programs are typically taught in Japanese, and proficiency at the JLPT N2 level or higher is required. Tuition fees range from ¥500,000 to ¥1,200,000 per year (approximately USD 4,500–11,000), with living costs between ¥1,000,000 and ¥1,200,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 years and include clinical training. Graduates must pass the national licensing exam to practice as physiotherapists.

14. Romania

Study physiotherapy in Romania, where programs are offered in Romanian, with some universities providing courses in English. Language proficiency in Romanian (B2 level) or an IELTS score of 6.0 is required, depending on the program.

Tuition fees range from €4,000 to €6,000 per year, and living costs average between €4,000 and €6,000 annually, making this option relatively affordable. Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3 years and include clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Romanian College of Physiotherapists to practice.

15. Finland

Study physiotherapy in Finland through programs primarily taught in Finnish or Swedish, which require a language proficiency level of B2 or higher. Tuition is free for EU/EEA students, while non-EU students pay around €10,000 to €15,000 per year.

Living costs average between €12,000 and €15,000 annually. Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3 years and include clinical practice. Graduates must register with the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) to practice their profession.

16. South Korea

Study physiotherapy in South Korea, where programs are primarily taught in Korean, requiring proficiency at TOPIK level 4 or higher. Tuition fees range from ₩5,000,000 to ₩10,000,000 per year (approximately USD 4,000–8,000), with living costs between ₩8,000,000 and ₩12,000,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years and include clinical training. Graduates must pass the national licensing exam to be eligible to practice.

17. Norway

Study physiotherapy in Norway, where programs are primarily taught in Norwegian, requiring proficiency at the B2 level or higher. Education is free for all students, including international students, but living costs are high, ranging from NOK 120,000 to NOK 140,000 per year (approximately €11,000 to €13,000).

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3 years and include clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Norwegian Directorate of Health (NHS) to practice their profession.

18. France

Study physiotherapy in France through programs primarily taught in French, requiring proficiency at the B2 level or higher. Tuition fees at public universities are typically low, ranging from €200 to €400 per year, while private institutions charge higher fees.

Living costs average €10,000 to €12,000 annually. Physiotherapy studies usually take 3 years and include clinical internships. Graduates must pass a national exam and register with the French Health Authorities to practice.

19. Italy

Study physiotherapy in Italy through programs primarily taught in Italian, which require proficiency at the B2 level or higher. Tuition fees at public universities range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year, with living costs averaging around €10,000 to €12,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 3 years and include practical training and clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Italian Ministry of Health to practice their profession.

20. China

Study physiotherapy in China, where programs are primarily taught in Chinese, requiring proficiency at HSK Level 4 or above. Tuition fees range from ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 per year (approximately USD 3,000–6,000), with living costs between ¥10,000 and ¥15,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years and include clinical training. Graduates must obtain certification from the relevant health authorities to practice their profession.

21. Switzerland

Study physiotherapy in Switzerland, where programs are offered in German, French, or Italian, depending on the region, and proficiency in the language is typically required at the B2 level or higher. Tuition fees are relatively high, normally ranging from CHF 1,000 to CHF 4,000 per semester, with living costs averaging CHF 20,000 to CHF 30,000 per year.

Bachelor’s degrees usually take 3 years and include clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Swiss Physiotherapy Association to practice.

22. Portugal

Study physiotherapy in Portugal, where programs are primarily taught in Portuguese, requiring proficiency at the B2 level or higher. Tuition fees range from €1,000 to €3,000 per year, with living costs averaging between €8,000 and €10,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically last 3 years and include clinical training. Graduates must register with the Portuguese Physiotherapy Association to practice.

23. Dubai

Study physiotherapy in Dubai, where programs are taught in English and attract a large number of international students. Tuition fees range from AED 70,000 to AED 120,000 per year (approximately USD 19,000–33,000), with living costs between AED 40,000 and AED 60,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years and include clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or relevant licensing bodies to practice.

24. Turkey

Study physiotherapy in Turkey, where programs are offered in both Turkish and English, depending on the university you choose. Language proficiency in Turkish (B2 level) or an IELTS score of 6.0 is required.

Tuition fees range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, with living costs averaging $4,000 to $6,000 annually, making it a relatively affordable option. Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years and include clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Turkish Ministry of Health to practice.

25. Russia

Study physiotherapy in Russia, where programs are mainly taught in Russian, though some universities offer courses in English. Language proficiency in Russian (B1/B2) or an IELTS score of 6.0 is required.

Tuition fees range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year, with living costs around $3,000 to $5,000 annually, making it a budget-friendly option. Bachelor’s degrees typically last 4 years and include clinical practice. The Russian Ministry of Health must license graduates to work as physiotherapists.

26. Netherlands

Study physiotherapy in the Netherlands, where programs are offered in both Dutch and English, with several universities providing full English-taught Bachelor’s degrees. An IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 is typically required.

Tuition fees for non-EU students range from €8,000 to €12,000 per year, with living costs around €10,000 to €12,000 annually. The Bachelor’s degree takes 4 years and includes extensive clinical placements. Graduates must register with the BIG register to practice professionally.

27. Singapore

Study physiotherapy in Singapore, where programs are taught in English, requiring international students to provide an IELTS or TOEFL score, typically a minimum of 6.5. Tuition fees range from SGD 30,000 to 50,000 per year, with living costs averaging SGD 10,000 to 15,000 annually.

Bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 years and combine academic learning with clinical placements. Graduates must register with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) to practice their profession.

Best Universities to Study Physiotherapy

According to QS and U.S. News & World Report, the best universities to study physiotherapy are UWE Bristol, the University of Sydney, the University of Otago, McMaster University, and the University of Pittsburgh. These universities are known for practical teaching, strong research, modern programs, and excellent clinical placements.

Here is a comparison table with tuition fees and post-study work visas to help you select the right university for you:

Top Universities	Country	Avg. Tuition  (USD/Year)	Post-Study Work Visa Deadline
UWE Bristol, University of Birmingham	UK	$18,000–$35,000	2 years
University of Sydney, University of Melbourne	Australia	$25,000–$45,000	2–4 years
University of Otago, Auckland University of Technology	New Zealand	$22,000–$38,000	3 years
University of Toronto, McMaster University	Canada	$20,000–$40,000	3 years
University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware	USA	$30,000–$50,000	1–3 years (OPT)

Cheapest Countries to Study Physiotherapy

Hungary, Malaysia, Germany, Taiwan, China, and Argentina are considered the cheapest countries to study physiotherapy, offering high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to Western institutions. These countries host accredited universities with strong faculties in medical and health sciences, many of which offer courses taught in English.

Students benefit from low tuition fees, affordable living costs, and internationally recognized degrees, making them ideal for aspiring physiotherapists seeking value and global career opportunities.

Here are the affordable countries and their top universities, along with tuition fees:

Top Universities	Country	Tuition Fee Range (USD/year)
University Of Debrecen, International Business School-IBS	Hungary	$2,200–$9,000
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, SEGi University	Malaysia	$1,400–$2,200
Arden University Berlin, University of Kent	Germany	$0–$5,500
Peking University; Fudan University; Nanjing Medical University	China	$3,600–$9,800
Universidad Siglo 21,	Argentina	—
University of Economics and Human Science in Warsaw, Warsaw University of Business	Poland	$3,400

Career Opportunities After Studying Physiotherapy Abroad

Graduating with an international degree in physiotherapy opens doors to a wide range of global career opportunities across healthcare sectors. Depending on your specialization and interests, you can pursue roles in diverse areas, including:

• Women’s Health: Support women through prenatal, postnatal, and pelvic health rehabilitation.
• Elderly Care (Geriatrics): Help improve mobility, balance, and quality of life for aging populations.
• Pediatrics: Work with children to support their development, neurological health, and musculoskeletal well-being.
• Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy: Treat and prevent injuries in athletes and active individuals at all levels.
• Occupational Health: Promote workplace health, injury prevention, and employee rehabilitation.
• Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation: Assist patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or neurological disorders.

You also build your career as a clinical physiotherapist in various settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Private practices
• Specialized rehabilitation centers

Alternatively, many professionals choose to specialize further in niches such as:

• Sports physiotherapy
• Pediatric physiotherapy
• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Neurological rehabilitation

Top Scholarships to Study Physiotherapy

If you’re looking for a scholarship to study physiotherapy, several prestigious programs around the world offer financial support for both undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy degrees. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to the healthcare profession.

Well-Known Scholarships for Physiotherapy:

• Chevening Scholarships (UK) – For Master’s level physiotherapy programs.
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany) – Covers tuition and living expenses for international students.
• Australian Awards Scholarships – For students from developing countries pursuing health-related degrees.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EU) – Full scholarships for Master’s programs, including health sciences.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For doctoral-level research in physiotherapy.
• Commonwealth Scholarships (UK) – For students from Commonwealth countries pursuing physiotherapy and related fields.

Study Physiotherapy Abroad for Free

Chevening, DAAD, and Australian Awards Scholarships are among the top options for studying physiotherapy abroad at no cost, as they are fully funded and cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.

Requirements for Studying Physiotherapy Abroad

To study physiotherapy, students must meet specific academic and personal criteria:

• Educational Background: Completion of high school with good grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English.
• Entrance Exams/Interviews: Some universities require an entrance test or interview to assess your suitability.
• Language Proficiency: Non-native speakers may need to pass exams such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
• Health Clearance: A medical check-up and immunization records are often required.
• Personal Qualities: Good communication skills, empathy, and interest in health and movement are essential.
• Experience (Optional): Volunteering or shadowing in healthcare can improve your application.

Choosing the Best Place to Study Physiotherapy from Bangladesh

Based on the above comparisons and insights, it is clear that Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand are among the top destinations for studying physiotherapy. These destinations offer globally recognized programs, cutting-edge clinical training, and excellent career prospects for aspiring physiotherapists.

If you’re planning to study physiotherapy abroad from Bangladesh, AIMS Education can guide you every step of the way.

With 3200+ subjects, 10+ international awards, 10,000+ successful visa approvals, and student placements across 11 countries, AIMS Education provides 100% free services through 185+ experienced counsellors in 15+ global offices.

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