Physiotherapy studies: how to choose the right course abroad?

According to a report published on August 31, 2017 by the Ordre des masseurs kinésithérapeutes, almost 1,000 French students cross the borders of France every year to follow a physiotherapy course in a European country. When asked about their motivation, students largely cite the absence of numerus clausus in other European universities, as well as the quality of the teaching offered, the proximity to France, and the benefits of expatriation.

Destinations and admission conditions

Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and the UK are favorite destinations for French students wishing to study physiotherapy abroad. Admission requirements vary from country to country, and even from school to school.

Physiotherapy study in Spain

Physiotherapy studies in Spain last four years, and most universities require an intermediate level of Spanish (B1) for admission. Tuition fees start at around €8,000 or €9,000 a year (at Nebrija in Madrid or UEMC in Valladolid) and can rise to almost €14,000 a year for a French-language course at UEM in Madrid.

The diploma is recognized in France, although you may have to complete an additional six months of training before you can work there.

Physiotherapy study in the Netherlands

At most Dutch universities, enrolment is carried out via Studentelink, an online application platform that enables national and international students to apply easily and remotely. A major advantage of this platform is that it centralizes applications for both enrolment and scholarships. So even if you want to apply to different universities in the Netherlands, you’ll only need to design one application.

The application process for a physiotherapy school in the Netherlands is a two-stage process. First of all, you’ll need to go to the Studielink platform before mid-May to create your profile and specify the course you wish to follow, i.e. physiotherapy english stream, in the case of physiotherapist studies.

As an applicant, you then have around a month (i.e. until mid-June) to complete your online application, which must include: your baccalaureate results, your score on a standardized test such as TOEFL or IELTS, and a passport photo.

Depending on the school you are applying to, you may be asked to add additional documents to your application file, which you can scan or download to add to your file: cover letter, CV or resume, letters of recommendation from teachers or employers, depending on your background…

If your application is not deemed sufficiently convincing by the recruitment committee, the school may ask you to take an aptitude test (DAT), which generally takes place around May-June.

If the school you’d like to attend isn’t listed on the Studielink platform, you’ll need to apply directly to the university in question.

Physiotherapy studies in Portugal

Admission to private universities in Portugal is generally by application and interview. Applicants are awarded a weighted grade based on their Baccalaureate average, their Baccalaureate average in science subjects and their performance at the final admission interview. Applicants are ranked according to their results, and admissions are based on the number of places available at the schools.

For the cadidature calendar, a first session is open from January 1 ^to May 31 (interviews in June in Paris). A second session may be opened depending on remaining places.

Fabien, a second-year physiotherapy student at Lisbon’s Egas Moniz University, tells us about his experience: « After two years of PACES in Marseille, I was lucky enough to be able to pursue a physiotherapy course in Portugal. Portugal is attracting more and more French students to study healthcare: last year, there were around 70 French students at my university, this year there are over 120! And it’s easy to see why: it’s a good place to live, it’s warm, it’s close to the beach, the study conditions are very pleasant and the tuition fees are relatively affordable!

The first year at my university in Lisbon was entirely in French, which made it easier to adapt. We also had five hours of Portuguese lessons a week, so that from the second year onwards we could follow the courses in Portuguese.

There are six to eight French students in a class of 25. The practical aspect is emphasized throughout the physiotherapy curriculum, and we even start clinical placements at the beginning of the second year.

For example, I joined the university soccer club, which enabled me to meet members of the physiotherapy association and then join it. At last year’s student awards ceremony, I was nominated for Best Foreign Student! At last year’s student awards ceremony, I was nominated in the Best Foreign Student category! Going abroad is a real experience and, as well as having a physiotherapy diploma recognized in France, I’ll be bilingual in Portuguese. After my studies in Portugal, I’d still like to come back to Marseille, but it will have been a very good experience. Some of my friends want to move to Brazil or Portugal. My dream is to become a physio at Olympique de Marseille! »

Physiotherapy study in the UK

French students wishing to follow a physiotherapy course in the UK can apply directly to the universities via the UCAS portal before January 15 (for European nationals). Your application must include your baccalaureate results and your score on a standardized English test (TOEFL, IELTS), to assess your suitability for an English-speaking course.

As each university has its own requirements, we strongly advise you to contact the institutions concerned to find out about their admission procedures.

Training and qualifications

Training to become a physiotherapist takes four years in Portugal and the Netherlands, and three years in the UK. Before applying to any of the establishments offering a physiotherapy course, make sure that the diploma awarded complies with European directives. Otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise when you return to France. Also, make sure that the training provided gives you the necessary and sufficient practical, theoretical and clinical knowledge to be able to practice in France without having to submit to compensatory measures to make up for any shortcomings.Interesting information: since the start of the 2018 academic year, the CESPU university establishment has been offering to combine training as a physiotherapist and osteopath over a six-year period. In France, this highly sought-after dual qualification is achieved in two stages: two five-year cycles are required to obtain this double diploma.

Language and tuition fees

English-language courses are offered in the UK, the Netherlands and Portugal. In the latter country, some universities (notably CESPU near Porto, and EGAS MONIZ near Lisbon) offer a first year of training in French, during which students take intensive Portuguese courses, essential for access to the rest of the curriculum.

Tuition fees vary from country to country, and from university to university. Find out more from the institutions concerned.

Study kinesiology abroad: Discover new professional opportunities

When considering studying physiotherapy abroad, there are a number of important points to bear in mind. First of all, you need to find out about the various courses of study available, whether a degree in the physical sciences, professional training in the medical field or specific training to become a masseur-physiotherapist. These courses provide a solid foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge that is indispensable to the practice of this profession.

By opting to study kinesiology abroad, you have the opportunity to discover new countries in Europe, such as Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal or the UK. These destinations offer renowned healthcare establishments where you can acquire advanced skills in rehabilitation and patient care, whether in the medical, sports or other fields.

Another important consideration is the practical aspects of enrolment and training. It’s essential to find out about admission procedures, tuition fees and language requirements. Each country and institution has its own admission criteria, and it’s essential to find out everything you need to know before applying.

It’s also a good idea to find out about the practical training courses on offer. Internships enable you to gain hands-on experience and put into practice the theoretical knowledge you’ve acquired in the classroom. Find out more about the internship opportunities offered by partner schools and clinics.

By obtaining an internationally recognized diploma in physiotherapy, you increase your chances of practicing your profession in different countries, including France. Make sure that your foreign diploma is recognized by the relevant authorities in France, to facilitate your professional integration.

Finally, it’s important to note that each physiotherapy school abroad has its own academic calendar. Find out about registration dates, training periods and any specificities linked to the organization of the academic year.

To sum up, studying physiotherapy abroad offers many advantages, such as a wide range of training courses, an opening onto Europe, the acquisition of specialized skills, the exploration of new professional opportunities and the possibility of obtaining an internationally recognized diploma. Don’t forget to gather all the necessary information on enrolments, fees, courses, schools and diplomas to make an informed choice and succeed in your future career as a physiotherapist.

Find all the answers to your questions about studying abroad. our book “Etudier à l’étranger après le Bac” (Studyrama Editions).

Vous souhaitez bénéficier d’un soutien plus personnalisé pour concrétiser votre projet d’études à l’étranger ? N’hésitez pas à contacter contact the Your Dream School team!