Study Physiotherapy In Austria: A Guide For Foreigners

Austria is a great place for international students to study physiotherapy, offering well-ranked, high-quality universities and incredibly fair tuition fees. To study in Austria, foreign citizens must have either an A-level or high school diploma that can be considered equivalent to an Austrian Matura examination certification, or proof of completion of at least three years of study at a recognised post-secondary educational institution. Additionally, applicants must have sufficient German language skills. Physiotherapy degrees in Austria are typically taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on practical sessions, and cover topics such as human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and movement, sports rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal studies. Graduates of physiotherapy degrees in Austria can usually move straight into a career as a physiotherapist, working in hospitals or providing private care.

Language requirements for admission

To study physiotherapy in Austria, international students must meet certain language requirements for admission. These requirements vary depending on the university and the language of instruction. Here is an overview of the language requirements for admission to study physiotherapy in Austria for international students:

• German Language Proficiency: For programmes taught in German, international students must demonstrate a sufficient level of German language proficiency. This is usually at least a C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Various German language certificates are accepted as proof of language proficiency, including the Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD Certificate C1), Goethe Institute's Goethe Certificate C1, telc's German C1 University, and others.
• English Language Proficiency: For programmes taught in English, international students must provide proof of English language proficiency. Standardised English tests such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and CAE are commonly accepted. IELTS is the most popular option, recognised by over 9,000 organisations worldwide.
• Translation of Documents: All documents submitted as part of the application process must be in German or English. If the documents are in another language, they must be translated by a sworn and court-certified interpreter. The translation must be attached to the original document or a legalised copy.

It is important to note that specific language requirements may vary between universities and programmes. International students are advised to carefully review the language requirements for their desired physiotherapy programme in Austria and prepare accordingly.

Application and admission

To apply to study physiotherapy in Austria, you must meet the relevant admission requirements. These include having a general university entrance qualification, which can be proven by:

• An Austrian secondary school leaving certificate (AHS, BHS, or vocational higher education entrance qualification)
• An Austrian certificate of a limited higher education entrance qualification for the respective group of studies
• An equivalent foreign certificate
• A certificate of completion of at least three years of study with 180 ECTS credits at a recognized domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution
• A relevant professional qualification with additional examinations

Language requirements for admission include having at least a C1 level of German according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Proof of this can be provided through various means, such as a secondary school leaving certificate from a German-language school, completion of at least three years of studies in German, or specific German language tests.

Once you have been offered a place to study, you will need to provide additional proof of suitability, including:

• A first-aid course certificate (at least 16 hours, not older than two years)
• A criminal record check
• Proof of health suitability

The admissions procedure includes a written test, a practical vocational aptitude test, and an admission interview. The written test covers basic intellectual and social-emotional performance requirements in areas such as mathematics, biology, psychology, and knowledge about the profession. The practical vocational aptitude test assesses skills such as capacity for reaction, powers of observation, coordination, and physical awareness. The interview focuses on personal aptitude, including career motivation, performance behaviour, problem-solving abilities, and reflective ability.

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Funding and scholarships

Austria is known for its high quality of life and low crime rate, but it can be an expensive place to live, with Vienna being one of the most expensive European capitals. However, when it comes to studying abroad in Austria, international students are often surprised to learn that tuition is completely free for those from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees vary depending on the type of institution. At public universities, non-EU/EEA students pay around €1,452 per academic year. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) can choose whether to charge tuition fees, and most charge non-EU/EEA students between €727 and €7,500 per semester. Private universities have their own tuition fees, which can range from €3,000 to €23,000 per year, with some business programmes costing over €35,000 per year.

Despite the cost of living and tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, there are several funding options available for international students wishing to study in Austria. Here are some scholarship opportunities to explore:

OeAD Scholarships:

The Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education (OeAD) is the most important provider of scholarships for foreign students in Austria. They offer various scholarship programmes with different eligibility criteria and benefits. The scholarships typically cover monthly expenses and may include accident and health insurance. OeAD also assists in finding accommodation for grant recipients, with monthly costs ranging from €220 to €550. You can find more information and explore the available scholarship programmes on their website (www.grants.at).

University Grants and Scholarships:

Some Austrian universities offer grants or scholarships to international students. It is worth inquiring about these opportunities during the application process or checking the university's website for information on financial aid programmes.

Grants.at Website:

The Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants (www.grants.at) is a comprehensive resource for finding scholarship opportunities. It includes programmes offered by various institutions, and you can search based on your home country and field of study.

Studyportals Scholarship:

The Studyportals Scholarship is another option to consider for funding your studies in Austria.

Country-Specific Scholarships:

There are also country-specific scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for international students from specific countries, such as Argentina, Denmark, Uruguay, and Sudan. These scholarships are typically partial funding opportunities, and you can find more information on the DAAD website.

Local Institutions in Your Home Country:

Don't forget to check with local institutions in your home country, as they sometimes offer scholarships or grants for students wishing to study or conduct research abroad.

Physiotherapy degree programs

Austria offers well-ranked, high-quality universities with incredibly fair tuition fees, making it a great destination for international students. The country's central location in Europe and its amazing scenery and modern, bustling cities also make it an attractive place to live and study.

Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy

FH Salzburg (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences) offers a Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy. The program teaches a combination of theoretical subjects and practical skills from the beginning of the course. The degree will teach you how to assess, diagnose, and treat people with movement problems, restore movement and function, and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Master's Degree in Physiotherapy

Austrian universities offer MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) courses that provide the knowledge and skills necessary to become a physiotherapist. These courses are designed for students who want to work in the field of physiotherapy but may not have the necessary professional accreditation.

PhD Programs in Physiotherapy

Austrian universities offer PhD programs in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, and Physiotherapy. These programs are designed for students who want to enhance their professional training and become experts in the field of physiotherapy.

Career opportunities

There are many career opportunities for physiotherapists in Austria. Physiotherapists are permitted to act as autonomous practitioners, assess patients, offer preventative advice and services, refer patients to other specialists, and treat patients.

To work as a physiotherapist in Austria, you must be registered with the healthcare register. If you have trained outside of Austria, you must apply for recognition or nostrification of your qualifications. Physiotherapists from EU/EEA/Switzerland can use the European Professional Card (EPC) procedure to have their professional qualifications recognised. Physiotherapists from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must contact one of the universities offering physiotherapy bachelor's programs to submit an application for nostrification.

There are many physiotherapy jobs available in Austria, including in Graz, Vienna, and Linz.

Frequently asked questions