Physiotherapy

Wondering how to apply to an Australian physiotherapy program? Look no further. We'll guide you through the process, step by step.

Overview

We know there’s a lot of information on this page, but don’t worry—OzTREKK will be right there with you.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

If you have questions or concerns at any stage in the process, we are just a call or an email away!

1. Eligibility

Determining Your Eligibility

Eligibility is based on several factors and differs between undergraduate- and graduate-entry programs.

Main Assessment Criteria

  • Graduate-entry: GPA, prerequisite subjects, interview (varies by program)
  • Undergraduate: GPA, prerequisite subjects (varies by program)

To Determine Your Eligibility

Minimum vs Competitive Requirements

It’s important to distinguish between minimum and competitive requirements as they can vary significantly. Minimum requirements are defined by each university and are the lowest scores (GPA) required to be eligible to apply to a program. Competitive requirements are the minimum scores that receive an offer.

It’s our goal to be honest and transparent about your chances of receiving an offer, because meeting the minimum requirements does not mean you’ll be a competitive applicant. Sometimes applicants decide to apply to a different program—and we can help with that, too!

Check out our helpful FAQs for more insight on eligibility.

2. Apply Online

Start Your Application

Fill out the OzTREKK application.

Don’t worry! This application only comes to us. Think of it as your starting point: It’s nothing more than you telling us which physiotherapy programs you’re interested in so we can ensure you don’t miss a deadline.

What to expect on the application
The basics! Your full name, address, program of interest, etc., plus your education history—so have start and graduation dates handy. If you can’t remember exact dates, estimate.

Once you’ve pressed “Submit,” OzTREKK will contact you to outline your next steps and will list which documents you’ll need to send to our office. Again, we aim to make sure you never miss a deadline!

If you’d like to make changes to your application or to your program selection, don’t stress. We can adjust anything as we go!

3. Submit Documents

Send Your Documents to OzTREKK

You’ve pressed “Submit” on your OzTREKK application and you’re ready for the next step: sending in your documents!

No guessing required. Your dedicated admissions team will send you a handy checklist outlining all the required documentation for each university.

Where do I send my documents?
All application documents, aside from your official transcripts*, should be emailed to OzTREKK as PDFs: rehabsci@oztrekk.com

*Transcripts in their original, sealed envelopes must be mailed to the OzTREKK office or emailed directly from your school to our office: transcripts@oztrekk.com

How do I know OzTREKK received my documents?
As soon as we receive your transcripts (whether by email or by post), and the other required documents, we will let you know—every time. Just keep an eye on your inbox!

When do I send my documents?
The earlier the better! We’ll need all documents sent to us before the application deadlines; the earlier we have them, the more guidance we can provide. You can also send them along gradually, as you get them. We’ll take care of keeping you organized.

Fast Facts

  • Even if you apply to multiple universities, you only need to send one copy of your documents.
  • All our university partners accept OzTREKK-certified transcripts. Once they have our stamp of approval (yes, a literal stamp), they’re good to go!
  • Most universities waive their application fees for OzTREKK students.
  • You will be kept up to date with your application status: outstanding documents, which applications have been submitted, upcoming deadlines, etc.

4. OzTREKK Submits Application

OzTREKK Submits Your Complete Application(s)

Once all your documents are in, OzTREKK will submit your application to the university! We’ll send you a confirmation email and provide an outcome date estimate.

Now what?
This is the waiting period. It can be stressful, but now that your application is under assessment, we will share everything you need to know in this “layover” phase! This will include

  • interview tips;
  • resources for confident decision-making if you receive an offer (or multiple offers!);
  • financing information (including contacts); and
  • community connections (OzTREKK events and more!).

Best Fit

Finding Your Best Fit

Play around with our compare programs feature to determine which program might be the best fit for you.

Remember, we’re here for you throughout the entire process, so always feel free to ask us questions. You deserve the right to feel comfortable and confident with your decision, and we’ll do whatever we can to support you.

Happy applying!

FAQs

Have a look through our physiotherapy FAQs, including prerequisites, eligibility, practicing in Canada, and more. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re here to help!

Can my partner or family come to Australia with me if I get an offer? 

Many Canadians wish to fulfill their career goals after getting married, having kids, or both! We’ve had plenty of students who have taken their partner and/or children with them.

If you want to take your partner or family with you, you’ll need to add them as a secondary applicant or dependents to your student visa application. Even if you don’t plan on taking them with you, we suggest you add them to your application anyway because it can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming to add them afterwards. You’ll then need to provide additional documentation to support your claims of a relationship or your children’s dependency status.

In addition to looking after the visa, you’ll also need to ensure they’re included on your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you have appropriate accommodation, and if you’re bringing children, you’ll need to enroll them in school.

Visit our Health Insurance page for more information.

When should I apply?

We recommend you begin your OzTREKK application about a year before your program would start. Most programs in Australia start between January and March, so that means you would start your OzTREKK application between January and March the year prior.

Here’s how the typical “cycle” works if your program starts January – March:

March – May: You gather all required documents like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement, and send them to our office. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly what we need!

June – August: Interviews (if your program requires one)

September – December: Offer time! If you get an offer, we’ll walk you through the acceptance (or decline) process and give you all the help you need to get ready to go.

January – March: Time to head Down Under!

Can I apply if I’m only 17?

Yes, but you’ll require parental or guardian consent (signature). OzTREKK will provide the necessary documentation for this signature.

If you won’t be 18 when your program starts, you’ll be required to show that you’ll be living with an approved guardian until you turn 18. If you don’t have an approved guardian in Australia, you may need a family member to apply for a guardian visa to accompany you. This guardian visa should be obtained as part of the student visa application

 

Where can I see what grades have been considered competitive in the past?

Please visit our Eligibility page for past competitive scores.

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities.

Applying to an  Australian or New Zealand university starts by filling out our OzTREKK application: You’ll tell us a bit about yourself, like your name, address, date of birth, education history, and what schools you want to apply to!

When you click “Submit,” the application with all your information only comes to us, so there’s no need to worry about making a mistake at this stage. We then create a file for you (based on your name, not a number!) and email you a list of documents required to complete your application—things like passport photo page, transcripts, résumé, personal statement—but it depends on the program, as some programs require more paperwork than others.

If you get an offer, we’ll help you with that part, too! Whether you want to accept or decline, we’ll help you figure out your next steps. If you accept your offer, we’ll even help you get ready to go. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat. That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.

Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.

Do you have course outlines on file? 

Before sending us outlines, check to see if we’ve already got them. We can save you a lot of time and ensure we’re submitting good outlines on your behalf. Outlines must be within 2 years of the time you took the course (as listed on your transcript).

I received a low mark on my prerequisite course. Will this impact my application? 

To meet the prerequisite subjects, you need to have been granted the credit (passed); the grade isn’t considered in the prerequisite assessment.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.

Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!

You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.

Which is the best Australian physiotherapy school?

Australia is world-renowned for its leading-edge physiotherapy research and practice. OzTREKK partners with 8 graduate-entry physiotherapy programs, all of which are highly sought after by Canadian university graduates with academic backgrounds in kinesiology, health sciences, and human kinetics. There really is no “best” physio program, only a “best” physio program for you!

Start by reviewing each physiotherapy program’s description. If you’re wondering if you’re eligible—and if you’re competitive—start by sending your university transcripts to us at rehabsci@oztrekk.com. Together, we can cut right through to your best options.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.

In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.

What are official transcripts, and how do I send them?

Currently, our Australian universities require original transcripts to assess your application—certified by OzTREKK, which means we have to put our stamp on paper. Literally.

Usually, students order transcripts from their high school, college and/or university and have them mailed to our office. Alternatively, you can pick up your transcripts and mail them to OzTREKK, as long as they remain in their original, sealed envelopes.

You will need to submit final transcripts (showing your degree/diploma is completed) from every institution you have attended. We only require one copy of each transcript, even if you apply to multiple universities or programs.

OzTREKK educational services
301-1 Sherbrooke St. E.
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 CANADA

Alternatively, your high school, college and/or university can email them to transcripts@oztrekk.com.

P.S. Try sending your documents via FedEx and Purolator, especially when you need your documents to arrive at our office ASAP. If you use Canada Post’s courier Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature, as this can add unexpected delays!

As soon as your transcript arrives, we’ll let you know!

You don’t meet the University of Melbourne’s physio prerequisites

The University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Physiotherapy prerequisites require you to have approved courses in human anatomy (1 semester) and human physiology (1 semester) to be eligible to apply.

1. Check Melbourne’s prerequisites
To see if your courses meet the prerequisites, please go to the University of Melbourne’s prerequisites page. Go down to “List of assessed subjects,” select your program’s dropdown menu, and click “International” to download the current list of subjects. Please note this list is updated regularly.

2. Have your courses assessed
If the anatomy and physiology courses that you have completed are not on this chart, you must have your courses assessed by submitting filling out Melbourne’s pre-assessment form and by submitting the required subject syllabus. Visit the prerequisites page and go to “How to apply,” where you’ll find the form under your program’s dropdown. You’re encouraged to submit this form well in advance of applying.

3. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s)
Melbourne will allow students to take non-award courses during the application season to make up the prerequisites they are missing. This means you can submit your application by the initial deadline with your interim transcript and proof of enrollment for the prerequisite course. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, check with OzTREKK or the university to make sure the course will satisfy the prerequisite. Usually, Melbourne requires students to complete the course(s) by November of the application cycle.

If you haven’t completed the prerequisite course by the time offers are issued, then the university will issue a conditional offer. When you have successfully completed the required anatomy / physiology course(s), your final transcript can be submitted, and the conditions will be lifted.

You don’t meet the physio prerequisite requirements

Many Australian graduate-entry physiotherapy programs require you to have completed specific undergraduate subjects.

1. Find out if you have the right combination of prerequisite courses
Contact us! We can help you find out which physiotherapy programs might work for your prereqs, and it helps us process your application(s) much faster!

2. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s)
Most Australian universities will let students take non-award courses during the application season to make up the prerequisites they are missing. This means you can submit your application with your interim transcript and proof of enrollment into the prerequisite course. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, we advise checking with either your admissions officer or the university to make sure the course will satisfy the prerequisite.

If you haven’t completed the prerequisite course by the time offers are issued, then universities may issue a conditional offer. Please note that not all universities will issue conditional offers and it may vary for each program. It’s always best to check with your admissions officer to see if you course of interest will give conditional offers.

#OzTREKKTip: With our years of experience working with physiotherapy programs, we have found students sometimes lack a qualifying anatomy prerequisite. The best anatomy courses to consider deal with musculoskeletal or gross human anatomy components. BIOL 3701 at Thompson Rivers University is a good online course to take. If you have specific questions about which courses to take, please email rehabsci@oztrekk.com.

Your undergraduate degree isn’t in a relevant discipline

Some graduate-entry Australian physiotherapy programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as kinesiology, health sciences, or human kinetics. Ask us to find out which universities don’t require prerequisites (but they do expect you to have extensive previous knowledge of at least anatomy and physiology) or that will allow you to apply with non-award courses/credits to supplement your knowledge base and prerequisites.

Take an undergraduate physiotherapy program
If you haven’t completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, you may be eligible to apply to a 4-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy program. Have a look at our physiotherapy programs page for more information. If you have questions about this option, please email rehabsci@oztrekk.com.

How do I know if I have enough qualified physio clinical hours?

To begin the process of certification, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) requires that the applicant show evidence of having completed 1,025 hours of supervised clinical education with at least 100 of these hours in musculoskeletal, 100 in neurological, and 40 in cardiorespiratory conditions.

As long as you graduate from one of the Australian university programs that OzTREKK features, it is expected that you will fulfill your 1025 clinical hours as they are worked into the program; however, we still encourage all students to keep track of their hours because it is ultimately your responsibility to record and report.

A good start would be to speak with your faculty advisor to inquire about clinical hours; they will have resources to help you. For more information, please visit our Practicing physiotherapy in Canada page.

How long does it typically take after graduation to start practicing physiotherapy?

The process can take up to two years as the timing of the exams can make the process very protracted; however, you are permitted to work under supervision between the written and clinical portions of the PCE exam. Get more information about the process on our Practicing physiotherapy in Canada page.