Physiotherapy is a growing healthcare field that focuses on helping people recover from injuries, improve movement, and manage pain. It includes techniques like exercise, manual therapy, and rehabilitation plans. Today, physiotherapy is not only respected but also becoming a high-paying job across the world, including in New Zealand. With more people needing help after injuries, surgeries, and health problems, the demand for skilled physiotherapists is increasing quickly. For international students who want to make a successful career in healthcare, studying physiotherapy is a great option. New Zealand offers top-quality education, modern training facilities, and real-world clinical experience through its bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physiotherapy. The country is also known for its beautiful environment, safe lifestyle, and student-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect study destination.
In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about physiotherapy courses in New Zealand. We’ll cover the top universities, course details, tuition fees, entry requirements, and how you can apply for a New Zealand student visa. You’ll also learn about post-study work options, career scope, and how physiotherapy can help you settle in New Zealand. This guide is written under the supervision of a Licensed Immigration Adviser, so you get the most accurate and trustworthy information. Whether you’re looking to study in New Zealand for your bachelor’s or master’s in physiotherapy, this blog will help you make the right decision.
Academic Pathways
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty)- University of Otago
The University of Otago offers a top-rated four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree. To start, you complete the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY), then study anatomy, physiology, and clinical skills. From Year 3, you get hands-on experience in clinical centres in Dunedin, Christchurch or Wellington. The programme mixes lectures, lab work, and real patient care. For international students, entry is competitive, based on HSFY grades or previous university study. You’ll also need to get a New Zealand student visa after receiving your offer. This course equips you to study in New Zealand and apply for the New Zealand study visa. Graduates can register with the Physiotherapy Board and find work in hospitals, sports clinics, or community centres.
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) – Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
AUT offers a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) degree. The first year builds a strong foundation in health sciences, including Maori health principles. From Year 2, you focus on physiotherapy courses with about 1,000 hours of clinical placements across varied settings like musculoskeletal, neurological, and community health. Entry requirements include NZ university entrance or equivalent and IELTS 6.5–7.0 . Upon receiving an offer letter, you can apply for the New Zealand student visa and begin your journey to study in New Zealand. Students consistently highlight the intensive hands-on learning experience . For high-achieving students, Honours is available, providing a pathway to research or academic roles. Successful graduates can register professionally and pursue careers in New Zealand health services.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology)
At Wintec, the four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy offers a community- and culturally focused learning experience in Hamilton. With NZUE or equivalent qualifications, plus IELTS 7.0 with min 6.5 per band, international students must secure an offer first and apply for a New Zealand student visa to study in New Zealand. The curriculum balances classroom theory with hands-on clinical training, emphasising Maori and Pacific health. Students gain real-world experience through locally arranged placements, learning in settings that reflect community health needs. Graduates are eligible to register with the NZ Physiotherapy Board. This programme is well-suited to those driven to build culturally responsive care and serve diverse populations.
Master of Physiotherapy Practice – AUT
AUT’s Master of Physiotherapy Practice is a two-year graduate-entry programme for students with a relevant bachelor’s degree and a B+ average (GPA ≥ 6), plus IELTS 7.0 (each band ≥ 6.5) . The course uses clinical case simulations, role-play, and embedded placements that ramp up from one day a week to full-time clinical weeks. You study on North Campus and sometimes at South or AUT Millennium, with placements across Auckland. After receiving your offer, apply for a New Zealand student visa to study in New Zealand. Upon completion, you can register with the Physiotherapy Board of NZ. This pathway is ideal for international graduates aiming to gain full clinical registration and develop a professional career in NZ’s healthcare system.
Master of Physiotherapy Practice (MPhysioPrac) – University of Auckland
The University of Auckland’s MPhysioPrac is a two-year graduate-entry master’s designed for students who already hold a relevant bachelor’s degree. Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand until at least 2027, it combines evidence-based theory, culturally responsive content, and case-based learning. Teaching includes online, face-to-face, and clinical placements, preparing students to meet registration standards. Entry requirements include a B+ average, police clearance, immunisations, and IELTS 7.0. With a Feb and July intake, international students enroll and obtain a New Zealand student visa to study in New Zealand. Graduates can apply for registration and enter the workforce as qualified physiotherapists in clinical, sports, or community settings.
Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – AUT
The Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at AUT is a one-year, IFOMPT-accredited programme for registered physiotherapists. It totals 120 points and includes core papers such as Advanced MSK Physiotherapy, biomechanics, pain management, and electives in Māori health or public health research. Teaching combines flexible online learning with on-campus block courses. International professionals may apply, and must hold NZ student visa or resident status. This diploma supports advanced practice, upskilling in MSK care, and could lead into master’s-level study. With IFOMPT recognition, graduates are eligible for specialist Clinical MSK roles and leadership positions in NZ and internationally.
University Comparison
| University & Course
|
Level & Duration | Tuition Fees (Approx/Year) | English Requirement |
| University of Otago – Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty) | Undergraduate, 4 years | NZD 41,000 – 48,000 | IELTS 6.5 (overall) |
| AUT – BHSc (Physiotherapy) | Undergraduate, 4 years | NZD 43,000 – 44,000 | IELTS 6.5 to 7.0
|
| Wintec – BPhty | Undergraduate, 4 years | Estimated NZD 38,000 – 44,000 | IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 each band) |
| AUT – Master of Physiotherapy Practice | Graduate, 2 years | NZD 45,000 – 46,000 | IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 each band) |
| University of Auckland – MPhysioPrac | Graduate, 2 years | NZD 52,842 | IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 each band) |
| AUT – PG Dip in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy | Graduate diploma, 1 year | NZD 45,000
|
IELTS 7.0 (recommended) |
Scholarships for Physiotherapy Courses
International students who wish to study in New Zealand for physiotherapy courses can explore a range of scholarships offered by universities and government bodies. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of tuition and living expenses. For example, the University of Otago offers the International Master’s Research Scholarship, which can support students pursuing research-based physiotherapy programmes. AUT and the University of Auckland also provide entry-level and postgraduate scholarships for high-achieving students. In addition, New Zealand’s government offers the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly NZDS), which cover full tuition fees, living costs, and travel for students from eligible countries. These scholarships are competitive, and students are encouraged to apply early. Securing a scholarship not only makes it easier to get your New Zealand student visa, but also allows you to focus more on your studies and clinical training. Studying physiotherapy on a scholarship in New Zealand opens doors to both academic and career success.
Career and Salary Outlook
After completing a physiotherapy course in New Zealand, international students have excellent career opportunities in both public and private healthcare settings. Physiotherapy is listed as a skilled and in-demand job in New Zealand, making it a smart career choice. Once you register with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, you can work and even apply for a post-study work visa, leading to long-term opportunities. Here are five key points about career and salary outlook:
- High Job Demand: New Zealand has a growing demand for physiotherapists, especially in hospitals, aged care, sports rehabilitation, and community health. The aging population and rising awareness about health have increased the need for skilled professionals.
- Good Salary Packages: Entry-level physiotherapists can earn between NZD 55,000 to 70,000 per year. With experience, this can increase to NZD 80,000 to 100,000+, especially for senior or specialist roles.
- Work Settings: You can work in public hospitals, private clinics, sports injury centres, schools, and rehabilitation facilities. Some physiotherapists also work independently or open their own clinics.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: After completing your degree and applying for a New Zealand student visa, you may become eligible for a post-study work visa, giving you 1 to 3 years to work and gain experience.
- Path to Residency: Working in a high-demand job can support your path to permanent residency. Many physiotherapists successfully settle in New Zealand due to the strong healthcare system and immigration support.
Choosing to study in New Zealand for physiotherapy is a great way to build a successful future.
How West Highlander Immigration Can Help?
At West Highlander Immigration, we specialise in guiding international students who wish to study in New Zealand. Our expert team, led by a Licensed Immigration Adviser, helps you choose the right physiotherapy course, apply to top universities, and smoothly complete your New Zealand student visa or New Zealand study visa process. With years of experience and personalised support, we make your journey simple and stress-free. If you’re planning a career in physiotherapy, connect with us to turn your dream of studying in New Zealand into reality.