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

The School of Physiotherapy currently offers a MPhty by thesis (Research Masters) for international applicants or domestic applicants who do not hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) issued by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.

We welcome applications from students with the following:

  1. Hold a recognised at least 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 the thesis (internships not included)
  3. English language requirement
  4. Be a registered (or equivalent) physiotherapist in current country of practice or residence

The MPhty by research is 180 points and involves:

2 papers (PHTY545 and PHTY610) and a thesis (1.5 years of full-time study or part time equivalent)

International students are required to undertake their MPhty by thesis whilst residing in New Zealand.

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

Please note:
The MPhty by thesis programme is not linked to the physiotherapy standards and threshold competencies required for physiotherapy registration in New Zealand under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act).

For information about what is required to obtain full registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, please contact the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand

If you would like to become a registered physiotherapist in New Zealand, please apply for the BPhty

If you are interested in undertaking a MPhty by thesis, please contact us. You will be asked to supply some documents so that your eligibility can be assessed, and supervisory capacity can be determined prior to enrolment.
Email physio.academic@otago.ac.nz

For more information about these qualifications, visit please visit:
Postgraduate physiotherapy study at Otago

For full information about fees, the application and admission process and scholarships for international students, please visit the International website or submit a student enquiry:
International website
Submit a student enquiry

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.
University of Otago – Future Students

I am a physiotherapist 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 email health-sciences@otago.ac.nz

I am an international physiotherapist wanting to obtain a MPhty by distance learning

International students are required to undertake their MPhty by thesis whilst residing in New Zealand.

I'm a physiotherapist with a current Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate (APC), can you please provide me with more information?

The School of Physiotherapy currently offers a MPhty by research (i.e. thesis), MPhty by coursework, and Diploma and Certificate options for physiotherapists who hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) issued by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.

We welcome applications from physiotherapists with the following:

  1. Hold a recognised at least three year qualification in Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy with an overall grade average of 65% or above
  2. Have a current APC issued by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand or are eligible to work in New Zealand as a physiotherapist under the Australian TTMR Pathway
    Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand – Australian TTMR Pathway
  3. A minimum of 1 year of post-qualification clinical experience in physiotherapy relevant to the proposed area of the study (internships not included)

These documents will need to be submitted when applying to a physiotherapy programme.

Some courses require students to undertake police vetting in accordance with the Children’s Act (2014) to proceed with specific papers.

Postgraduate courses on offer at the School of Physiotherapy include the Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (PGCertPhty), the Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (PGDipPhty), and the Master of Physiotherapy (MPhty). These programmes contain coursework only (i.e. no thesis). Students can ‘staircase’ from the certificate and diploma up to the masters.

If you are interested in undertaking a MPhty by thesis, please contact us. You will be asked to supply some documents so that your eligibility can be assessed, and supervisory capacity can be determined prior to enrolment.

Email physio.academic@otago.ac.nz

Further information

To find out more about our postgraduate programmes by coursework, or a MPhty by thesis, please contact us.
Email  meredith.perry@otago.ac.nz or physio.academic@otago.ac.nz

Ready to Apply? Visit How to apply, University of Otago, New Zealand

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