Master of Physiotherapy in Australia is a two years postgraduate course in physiotherapy offered to students with a medical background. It prepares students for leadership positions in areas that complement their clinical expertise.
Bachelor of physiotherapy graduates often pursues a master’s degree focusing on two different specialities.
- Coursework masters: It focuses on improving your skills in physiotherapy practice and broadens your knowledge of advanced procedures.
- Research Masters: Though less preferred, this allows you to undertake research and primarily assess their findings. It is ideal for those looking to work in physiotherapy research or academia.
There are over 23 universities that offer Master of Physiotherapy courses in Australia. Though hefty on the pocket, it is one of the most rewarding programs with a high job placement rate upon graduation.
Moreover, physiotherapists fall amongst the second-highest-paid professionals in Australia, with an average earning of A$ 100K per annum. Besides, physiotherapy is also one of the highly skilled occupations in Australia.
Explore the reasons to study Masters of Physiotherapy in Australia, universities and the courses offered, scholarships, eligibility, job opportunities, PR opportunity and other information with us through this article.
Why study Master of Physiotherapy in Australia?
- Australia has more than 23 universities offering over 53 postgraduate courses in Physiotherapy.
- There is high demand for physiotherapy professionals in Australia, and the scope is increasing yearly.
- Australia is the second-highest paying country for physiotherapists after the USA. The average earning of a physiotherapist ranges from A$75000- $164000 per year.
- Physiotherapy in Australia falls under one of the skilled and highly sought professions, which paves your pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
Eligibility to Study Master of Physiotherapy in Australia
- Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy or related field
- 60% or above at the undergraduate level
- Proof of English proficiency
Best Universities in Australia for Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy
The Masters of Physiotherapy offers practical courses to students through tutorials, lectures, face-to-face classes, internships, externships and observerships.
Below is the list of best universities for masters in physiotherapy in Australia.
QS Ranking |
University |
Course Duration |
38 |
University of Melbourne |
3 years |
42 |
University of Sydney |
2 years |
47 |
University of Queensland |
2 years |
140 |
University of Technology, Sydney |
2 years |
230 |
Curtin University |
1 year |
274 |
University of South Australia |
2 year |
383 |
Swinburne University of Technology |
2 year |
400 |
La Trobe University |
2 year |
424 |
Flinders University |
2 year |
484 |
University of Canberra |
2 year |
Apart from the above-listed universities, some other universities offering postgraduate courses in physiotherapy are:
- James Cook University: Master of Rehabilitation
- University of South Australia: Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports) and Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal)
- University of Western Australia: Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
|
Master of Physiotherapy specialisations in Australia
The Master of Physiotherapy courses in Australia lets you choose from the following disciplines:
- Foundations of Physiotherapy- Fundamentals of Communication, Movement & Exercise
- Foundations of Physiotherapy- Fundamentals of Examination & Measurement
- Health Sciences Research Discovery
- Theory, Practice & Research: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – Upper and Lower Limb, Lumbar Spine, Cervical and Thoracic Spine
- Practice & Research in Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan
- Theory, Practice & Research: Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy
- Health Promotion, Participation, and Preparation for Physiotherapy Practice
- Clinical Practice & Professional Studies - Intro Musculoskeletal & Acute Care
- Theory, Practice & Research: Neurological Physiotherapy
Fees to Study Master of Physiotherapy in Australia for International Students
Universities |
Courses offered |
Annual Fees (AUD per year) |
University of Sydney |
Master of Physiotherapy |
59,000 |
University of Queensland |
Master of Physiotherapy Studies |
60,220 |
University of Technology, Sydney |
Master of Physiotherapy |
59,808 |
Curtin University |
Master of Clinical Physiotherapy |
28,800 |
University of South Australia |
Master of Physiotherapy |
43,600 |
Swinburne University of Technology |
Master of Physiotherapy |
45,810 |
La Trobe University |
Master of Physiotherapy Practice |
51,400 |
Flinders University |
Master of Physiotherapy |
45,500 |
University of Canberra |
Master of Physiotherapy |
48,000 |
Postgraduate Physiotherapy Requirements in Australia
Students must meet specific eligibility criteria to study Master of Physiotherapy in Australia. One is the academic requirement, and the other is the English proficiency test requirement (if you are an international student from a non-English speaking nation).
Below is the list of universities and the language proficiency required to enrol for Masters in physiotherapy in Australia.
University |
Minimum IELTS Score Required |
Minimum TOEFL (iBT) Score Required |
University of Melbourne |
7.0 |
79 |
University of Sydney |
7.0 |
96 |
University of Queensland |
7.0 |
100 |
University of Technology, Sydney |
7.0 |
79 |
Curtin University |
7.0 |
79 |
University of South Australia |
7.0 |
94 |
Swinburne University of Technology |
6.5 |
79 |
LaTrobe University |
7.0 |
94 |
Flinders University |
7.0 |
94 |
University of Canberra |
7.0 |
79 |
|
Scholarship for International Students for Postgraduate Physiotherapy in Australia
Most Government and University-funded scholarships are offered in the final round, with a generous provision of scholarships around mid-year.
The details on the scope and provisions of University awards are listed in the table below.
University |
Scholarship |
Amount (in AUD) |
Curtin University |
Curtin Alumni and Friends International Scholarships |
25% of Tuition Fees |
Meng Fei Innovative Future Leader Scholarship |
25% of Tuition fees up to AUD 10,000 |
|
La Trobe University |
Excellence Scholarships |
25% of Tuition Fee |
Swinburne University of Technology |
Swinburne International Scholarship |
50% of Tuition fees |
Swinburne International Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship |
21,000 for a 2-year coursework degree |
|
University of Canberra |
University of Canberra International Course Merit Scholarship |
25% of Tuition Fee |
University of Canberra International High Achiever Scholarship |
20% of Tuition Fee |
|
University of Melbourne |
Graduate Research Scholarships |
100% fee waiver up to 1,10,000 |
Gates Cambridge scholarships |
Fully paid study |
|
University of Queensland |
Alfred and Olivia Wynne Memorial Scholarships |
3,000 |
UQ future students a postgraduate scholarship for high achievers- India |
10,000 in two equal instalments |
|
University of Sydney |
Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship |
Up to AUD 60,000 |
University of South Australia |
International Merit Scholarship |
25% of the Tuition fees |
International Excellence Scholarships |
50% of the Tuition Fees |
|
University of Technology, Sydney |
International Postgraduate Coursework Full Tuition Scholarship |
Full Tuition Scholarship |
UTS Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship |
5000 for the first year |
|
UTS Grant for Masters by Coursework |
3000 for the first year |
Job Opportunities After Master in physiotherapy in Australia
Physiotherapy offers specialist knowledge and technical skills. Upon graduation, most work as physiotherapists in private physiotherapy practices, hospitals and community services.
Besides these, you can also work as:
- Respiratory Therapists
- Occupational Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Radiation Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Osteopath
- Sports Physio Rehabilitation.
- Physiotherapy instructor and trainer
- Research assistants
Other jobs where the physiotherapy degree would be helpful include:
- Anatomical pathology technologist
- Health improvement practitioner
- Higher education lecturer
- Acupuncture
- Health service manager
- Medical sales representative
- Teaching Laboratory technician
- Science writer
For further information on job profiles the Master of Physiotherapy aspirants are engaged in, go through the table below.
Master of Physiotherapy Jobs in Australia |
Average annual salary in AUD (per annum) |
Physiotherapist |
$75,108 - $194,835 |
Exercise Physiologist |
$ 104,000- $124, 799 |
Acupuncturist |
$75,000 - $$99,270 |
Sports Therapist |
$82,753.81 - $164,506.01 |
Occupational therapist |
$67,540 to $99,270 |
Senior lecturer |
$125,639 - $144,523 |
Science writer |
$70,000- $120,087 |
PR opportunities after studying Master’s of Physiotherapy in Australia
Medical degrees in Australia are highly valued due to the increasing demand for health professionals in the Australian healthcare industry.
Physiotherapy in Australia can get expensive. However, it is a one-time investment. Completing your Master’s of physiotherapy in Australia and being a physiotherapist improves your overall portfolio, increasing your chances of getting Australian PR.