Student Stories: Studying Physiotherapy at Flinders University

14 May 2025

If you’re looking for a physiotherapy degree with great student support at a lower price point, you might find your dream program with the Flinders University Master of Physiotherapy.

That’s why Ethan moved from Alberta, Canada to Adelaide, Australia! Now in the second year of his degree, he’s thrilled with his choice and excited about his future.

Keep reading to learn more about why he chose to study physiotherapy in Australia and why he’s so happy at Flinders University.

Flinders University Master of Physiotherapy student headshot
Flinders’ Master of Physiotherapy student, Ethan

Why did you want to be a physiotherapist?
“I’ve been an athlete kind of my whole life and I’ve been to physio many times for different injuries and I always found the methods and the way that they [physiotherapists] do things to help rehabilitate people was fascinating. I wanted to help other people the same way that I’ve been helped in the past when I had injuries.”

A physiotherapy degree can take you anywhere, both in terms of a career and geography. Whether you’re a cardiac rehabilitation specialist in Toronto or travel physiotherapist in the Outback of Australia, you have plenty of career options with a physiotherapy degree.

Why did you choose Flinders University for your physiotherapy degree?
“I chose Adelaide and Flinders because when I was looking into the universities here in Australia, I found that Flinders physiotherapy program aligned with what I thought physiotherapy should be. So they approach it with a really good holistic view where they care about like all angles of physiotherapy and all angles of care for their patients.

But when comparing it to other schools in Australia, I found that the cost of living here in Adelaide was much more manageable than in other bigger cities, as well as in the international student fees here at Flinders.”

While Adelaide has a lower cost of living compared to other larger cities, it doesn’t lack things to do and see! As the capital of South Australia, Adelaide is home to 1.7 million people. Nestled between hills to the east and more than 70 km of coastline to the west, plus plenty of parks, green space, restaurants, and other amenities in the heart of the city, there’s really something for everyone in Adelaide.

Why did you go to Australia for physiotherapy school?
“One of the biggest things for me was that once you finish physiotherapy here in Australia, you can start practicing right away, whereas in Canada you have to pass two national exams. Here once you’re graduated, you can just start right away, which I found really nice. So you can get your career going sooner rather than later after graduating.”

Whether you choose to stay in Australia, return to Canada, or go to the United States after graduating, there are clear (and relatively easy) physiotherapy licensing processes for the transition from student to physiotherapist. OzTREKK’s always happy to help you understand all your options!

What do you love most about studying physiotherapy at Flinders University?
“So what I love most about this program so far would have to be the practical sessions as well as the placement. So this is where we get our hands on experience, where we get to experiment with certain techniques with different people, different sizes, different genders, which sets us up really well for placement.

I’ve been here at Health2Go as well as Ashford Hospital, so I’ve gotten to see two very different sides of physiotherapy, but both have enjoyed equally. Health2Go is a clinic that they have here at Stir Campus. It’s not just physiotherapy, they do optometry, exercise Physiology and a whole lot of different fields. But the neat part of it is it’s ran mostly by students.”

The Flinders University Health2Go clinic is highlight all the university’s health programs. As Ethan says, this modern health clinic hosts numerous health services while combining excellent patient care with the latest research and technology. Students benefit from seeing a variety of patients and cases, and interacting with peers in other areas of healthcare, such as speech pathology, audiology, exercise science, nutrition, and occupational therapy.

What do you like most about Flinders University so far?
“I think one of my favorite things about Flinders is as an international student, the support that I get. So from when I first arrived here, the international student services are very welcoming. They make sure that you have everything you need. They make sure that you’re prepared for whatever course you may be studying, but they also make sure you’re informed on things like working rights, transit, how to get around the campuses, and they’re just there to support you when you make that big change in your life, moving from one place to another.”

Established in 1966, Flinders University has become known for high-quality teaching, impressive community engagement, and innovative research. Internationally recognized instructors and dedicated support services are there to ensure you get the most out of your degree and your time at Flinders.

As a Flinders physiotherapy student, the small cohort and great student support will help you build the skills and confidence needed to be a great physiotherapist. Students benefit from the program’s focus on patient-centered care, with hands-on experience from clinical placements in metropolitan Adelaide and rural areas of Australia in a variety of settings.

linders University Master of Physiotherapy

In the Flinders Master of Physiotherapy program, emphasis is placed on preparing you to become a contemporary health professional who can work effectively across a range of settings, and in metropolitan or rural/remote locations.

The program includes 26 weeks of clinical placement and are included in every semester to ensure competency in practice. Students undertake placements in metropolitan Adelaide and in rural or remote areas of South Australia and/or Australia.

Program: Master of Physiotherapy
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Intake: March
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: Offers are made throughout the year based on academic merit and subject to availability in the program. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible as this program can fill quickly.

Start your application to the Flinders Master of Physiotherapy program

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Curious about the Flinders University Master of Physiotherapy? Let us know! Contact us at rehabsci@oztrekk.com.

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