A shortage in qualified physiotherapists in NZ means you’ve got a pathway to PR.

New Zealand needs physiotherapists. With an aging population, and simply not enough qualified people in NZ to fill roles, there’s an urgency to train recruits now. NZ’s health system tends to focus on wellness rather than treatment after illness, and this means physiotherapists are in demand to keep older people active and healthy, disabled people appropriately encouraged to be fit and healthy within their abilities, as well as traditional treatment after injury from sport or work. Studying physiotherapy in NZ means you get a degree that’s internationally recognised. A physiotherapist with a qualification gained in NZ can work in Australia, and other countries with no further study required. However, most who study in NZ do so with the intention of remaining there. There are a number of areas of specialisation or pathways into other careers.

  • Physiotherapist salary range from NZ$60,000 to $86,000

  • Senior physiotherapist salary range from NZ$87,000 to $119,000

  • Acupuncturist salary range from NZ$55,000 to $77,000

  • Hand therapist salary range from NZ$65,000 to $85,000

  • Neurological rehabilitation physiotherapist salary range from NZ$70,000 to $90,000

  • Cardiovascular rehabilitation physiotherapist salary range from NZ$65,000 to $85,000

  • Occupational health therapist salary range from NZ$65,000 to $85,000

  • Aged care physiotherapist salary range from NZ$65,000 to $85,000

  • Paediatrics physiotherapist salary range from NZ$65,000 to $85,000

  • Musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation physiotherapist salary range from NZ$65,000 to $85,000

  • Sports physiotherapist salary range from NZ$60,000 to $86,000

As well as a qualification that equips you with a bright future, it also paves your way to permanent residency in NZ. Especially if you are willing to work in remote or rural areas, the demand is high.

Essential Skills Required to Become a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is a career where you can make it what you want it to be. You can specialise in a range of different types of people, problems, or where in the health ecosystem you work. You can work in a way that is evidence based, yet lets you tailor it to the individual. But it can be demanding, needing energy, creativity, and patience.

You’ll need:

  • Communication skills with a range of cultures and abilities

  • Ability to interact with others, meeting them where they are, forming strong relationships

  • An understanding and interest in science, particularly physiology, anatomy, and biology

  • Having physical awareness of movement, and empathy when asking others to complete movements they may struggle with

  • Being open to new treatments, new research, and creatively thinking through treatment or injury problems

  • Observing others; verbal communication is only a small part of how people give information

  • Patience. People may not stick to treatment plans, their injuries may not be straightforward or predictable, and you’ll need patience and empathy. Recovery is not always linear.

Physiotherapy Programs Available in NZ

There are only four institutions who can offer accredited physiotherapy courses in NZ.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Wintec, Te Pūkengais

This four year, level 7 course qualified you to practice as a physiotherapist in NZ. The degree at Wintec has been created with engagement with Māori and/ or Pacific health at the forefront. There is education across injury, disability, and health conditions that affect people. With work integrated clinical placements, students will be well equipped to start their working life upon completion of the degree.

You will be expected to have an IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band below 6.5. The annual tuition fee is $25,000. They also offer a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours.

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) at AUT, Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau

This four year degree at AUT provides a broad understanding across general healthcare, anatomy, physiology, and working within NZ’s cultural guidelines. As you progress through the degree, there are opportunities to focus on interests such as ethics, Māori health, specialised physical needs, or laws around health.

It costs NZ$42,146 per year. You’ll need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher.

They also offer a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy Honours) and Master of Physiotherapy Practice.

Master of Physiotherapy (MPhty) at Otago University, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

The foremost medical university in NZ, Otago has a reputation for high quality physiotherapist graduates. They focus on assessment, treatment, and prevention of physical dysfunction across all life stages. Their Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHARR) is breaking new ground in biomechanics and fall prevention.

This degree requires completion of a relevant undergraduate degree, and will take approximately 1.5 years to complete, depending on workload. It costs around NZ$47,095 per year. You’ll need an IELTS score of no less than 6.5 across all bands and no individual score below 6.0.

They also offer a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours.

Pathway to PR in NZ After Completion of Degree

Physiotherapists in NZ need to be registered with the NZ Physiotherapy Board, and have a current practising certificate. You must have an IELTS score of 7 for listening, reading, and speaking, and 6.5 for writing. The cost to register for NZ graduates is $354, and can take around two weeks to process.

The role of physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511) is on the NZ long term skill shortage list. It is also on the ‘green’ list, as a tier one role eligible for straight to residence.

Once you’ve completed your degree and registered with the physiotherapy board, apply for a post-study work visa. This gives you three years to live in NZ while you find the job you want.

Straight To Residence Visa

This visa takes you straight from your post study work visa to this indefinite stay straight to residence visa. Once you’ve been in NZ on this visa for two years, you can apply for permanent residency.

You must:

  • Have a permanent employment offer from an accredited employer, in an appropriate physiotherapy role that falls under ANSCO 252511

  • Provide proof of identity

  • Show you are of good character

  • Be in good health

  • Be under 55 years old

  • Include your spouse/ partner and children in your application

  • Speak English and have your spouse and children learn if they do not

Contact IDP For More Information of Physiotherapy in NZ

If you want to work with people, love the idea of bettering someone’s physical health, and are passionate about wellness, then a physiotherapy career might be for you. If you want to study in NZ, contact us at IDP. We’ve had years of helping people find their perfect courses, visas, and future—and we can help you too.