Topic:

• Why study Physiotherapy in Australia?
• Career outcomes after graduation
• Course Options
• Entry Requirements
• What courses might you study for your Physiotherapy degree in Australia?
• School Recommendations
• Interested in studying Physiotherapy in Australia?
• How to become a physiotherapy in Australia?  
• How to pass a skill assessment for a Physiotherapist in Australia? 
• Migration to Australia as a Physiotherapist – what is the pathway?
• FAQs

• For the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 (with no sub-score less than 7.0). Many universities require prerequisites in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  
• For the Master/Doctor of Physiotherapy course, normally applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree and attained an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 (with no sub-score less than 7.0). Most universities require prerequisites such as Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Exercise Physiology, or Neuroscience. 

If you don’t meet entry requirement for your preferred course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.    

• Anatomy and Physiology: Courses in anatomy and physiology provide a deep understanding of the structure and function of the human body, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and other systems. 
• Biomechanics: Biomechanics explores how the body moves, how forces affect movement, and how musculoskeletal structures interact during activities. It’s essential for analysing movement patterns and planning treatments. 
• Kinesiology: Kinesiology focuses on the study of human movement, muscle actions, and joint functions. It provides the basis for understanding how the body moves and adapts. 
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a specialized area within the field of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries affecting the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues of the body. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are experts in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including acute injuries, chronic conditions, and post-operative rehabilitation. 
• Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy: Students may study the assessment and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, as well as post-surgical and cardiac rehabilitation. 
• Neurological Physiotherapy: This course helps students understand the nervous system which is crucial for treating neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. 
• Exercise Physiology: This course explores how the body responds to physical activity and exercise. Physiotherapists use this knowledge to design exercise programs for rehabilitation and fitness. 

Bachelor’s Level  

• Australian Catholic University 
• University of Queensland 
• University of South Australia 
• Curtin University 
• Griffith University 
• James Cook University 
• Monash University 
• University of the Sunshine Coast 

Master’s Level 

• University of Melbourne 
• University of Queensland 
• University of Technology, Sydney 
• Curtin University 
• University of South Australia 
• Flinders University

Want to know which course/s best suit your expectation and situation? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process. 

Step 1: Complete a university degree in physiotherapy 

Please note that your course/degree must be accredited by the APC (Australian Physiotherapy Council). Contact us to learn more which university and which course are accredited by APC. 

Step 2: Register for a certified practicing physiotherapy 

After completing your higher education degree, you need to register with the PBA, overseen by the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) then you can practice as a physiotherapist in Australia.  

How to pass a skill assessment for a Physiotherapist in Australia? 

For immigration purposes, international students need to pass a skill assessment assessed by APC. To have a positive skill assessment, you must meet at least 2 criteria as the followings:  

• Have completed an Australia higher education qualification that is accredited by the APC, OR currently hold an unconditional General Registration with AHPRA.  
• Meet the English requirement for a Physiotherapist, which is IELTS 7.0 (no band score under 7.0) or equivalent.  

Need help with a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!  

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing a physiotherapy course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

There are plenty of pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you have completed an accredited physiotherapy course in Australia. Below are the common options:  

Skilled visas    

• 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65.  

• 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.   
• 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.    

Employer Sponsored visas   

• 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – allows you to work and stay indefinitely in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved employer and have at least 3 years of work experience. 
• 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482) Medium Term Stream – allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years. To apply for this visa, you must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you. You will have a high chance of getting a PR after a 482 visa.   

• 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3-years work experience.  

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa you are eligible for!