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I am an international student wanting to undertake postgraduate study in Physiotherapy (or Physical Therapy) at your university.

The minimum requirements for international applicants to be considered for postgraduate study at the School of Physiotherapy are as follows:

  1. A recognized three year qualification in Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy with an overall grade average of 65% or above;
  2. A minimum of 1 year of post-qualification clinical experience in physiotherapy relevant to the proposed area of specialisation (internships not included) [not required for Master of Physiotherapy by research];
  3. English language requirements (http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/postgraduate/index.html#English_Requirements);
  4. Be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and possess an Annual Practising Certificate where appropriate OR be a registered (or equivalent) and currently working physiotherapist in his or her country of practice or residence;
  5. Some courses require students to undertake police vetting in accordance with the Children's Act.

From 2022, the School of Physiotherapy offers on campus programmes of Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Master of Physiotherapy for international students in the endorsed areas of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy, Sports Physiotherapy, and Neurorehabilitation (Coursework programmes). These are predominantly theoretical courses which develop your understanding of how to find appropriate evidence and critically apply this information to your clinical practice.

Students are able to apply for direct entry into the Master of Physiotherapy or can staircase from the Postgraduate Certificate, to Diploma to the Master of Physiotherapy. The Postgraduate Certificate is completed over 6 months of full time study, the Diploma is completed over 1 year of full-time study and the Master of Physiotherapy over 1.5 years and includes 2 research papers. Or the Master of Physiotherapy by research which consists of 2 papers and a thesis.

For more information about these qualifications please visit our website: www.otago.ac.nz/physio/postgraduate

The intake for international students is in February each year with applications closing at the end of October.

For full information about fees, the application and admission process and scholarships for international students, please follow this link: http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/ or submit an enquiry via the online form and a member of the International Team will be in touch with more information: Submit an enquiry online.

In the meantime, visit our Future Students website to learn more about why students from across around the world choose Otago for their tertiary education. Please note that completion of the above qualifications will not guarantee full registration to practice physiotherapy within New Zealand. For information about what is required to obtain full registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand please contact them directly registration@physioboard.org.nz

I am an international student wanting to undertake postgraduate study in Physiotherapy but my grades are below 65%, am I eligible?

Unfortunately, with grades below 65% you would not be eligible for entry into postgraduate study at the School of Physiotherapy. If you would like information about the School's Bachelor of Physiotherapy please contact health-sciences@otago.ac.nz

I am an international student wanting to apply for postgraduate study by distance learning

Students must attend a number of residential blocks on several of the papers. These are in Dunedin, New Zealand (minimum 2 x 3days). These residential blocks are necessary for Terms completion of each paper and will make studying by distance extremely difficult. There are also audioconferences which students must connect to. Students must be practising physiotherapy whilst undertaking these qualifications.

I'm a domestic student (with a current Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate [APC]) with an overseas or New Zealand qualification in Physiotherapy. I want to complete postgraduate study in Physiotherapy, can you please provide me with more information?

The minimum requirements for internationally trained physiotherapists to be considered for postgraduate study at the School of Physiotherapy are as follows:

  1. A recognized three year qualification in Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy with an overall grade average of 65% or above;
  2. We recommend a minimum of one year's relevant clinical experience
  3. English language requirements (http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/postgraduate/index.html#English_Requirements);
  4. Applicable registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Students are unable to take part in postgraduate programmes without registration. Please contact the Physiotherapy Board to confirm registration and current APC (www.physioboard.org.nz or registration@physioboard.org.nz). These documents need to be submitted on an application to a programme.

Further information

To find out more about our postgraduate programmes by coursework please contact: meredith.perry@otago.ac.nz or physio.academic@otago.ac.nz
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