NZ · Bachelor's
University of Otago
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty)
University of Otago
Course Overview
University of Otago's School of Physiotherapy is New Zealand's oldest and largest physiotherapy school — the only one offering all four physiotherapy training streams (musculoskeletal, neurology, sports, cardiorespiratory). The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhty) is fully Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand (PBNZ) accredited, with reciprocal recognition by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The 4-year programme begins with a competitive Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) — a foundation year shared with Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Medical Lab Science applicants — followed by 3 years of professional physiotherapy training including 1,000+ hours of clinical placements.
Sri Lankan applicants choose Otago BPhty because Physiotherapy is on New Zealand's Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) — meaning graduates qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa and can apply for residence after 2 years of skilled employment. The PBNZ registration is also recognised by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (Allied Health register) and the AHPRA (Australia), giving graduates a portable healthcare qualification across three high-income markets.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels: ABB minimum with Chemistry plus one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics — for HSFY entry.
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 As in Biological Science or Physical Science stream (must include Chemistry plus Biology / Physics).
- check_circle IB Diploma: 32 points with HL Chemistry + one HL Science.
- check_circle HSFY entry is by application; progression to Year 2 BPhty is competitive based on HSFY GPA — only ~85 places per year.
- check_circle Online application via the Otago International Apply portal.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 7.0 in Speaking and Listening, 6.5 in Reading and Writing) — PBNZ-mandated.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 95 Overall (min 22 in each section).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 65 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from Edexcel/Cambridge International streams qualify for HSFY; full BPhty placement still requires PBNZ-mandated English level).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | NZD 50,000 | Rs. 9,500,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Dunedin) | NZD 18,000 | Rs. 3,420,000 |
| Health Insurance (StudentSafe-Inbound) | NZD 700 | Rs. 133,000 |
| Student Visa & Setup | NZD 750 | Rs. 142,500 |
| Clinical Uniforms, Equipment & Textbooks | NZD 1,500 | Rs. 285,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | NZD 70,950 | Rs. 13,480,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 3-year Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) on completion. Physiotherapist on the LTSSL — direct pathway to residence via the Accredited Employer Work Visa + Skilled Migrant Category after 2 years of skilled employment. Top hirers: Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora), Dunedin Hospital, Auckland City Hospital, Crusaders rugby franchise, Otago Physiotherapy clinics. Graduate Physiotherapist salaries in NZ: NZD 65,000-75,000.
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