AU · Master's
University of Melbourne
Doctor of Physiotherapy
University of Melbourne
Course Overview
University of Melbourne's Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) is a 3-year professional-doctorate-entry programme — the entry-to-practice qualification for physiotherapy registration in Australia, equivalent to a Master's in scope but doctoral in title. The programme is Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) accredited and graduates qualify for AHPRA (Physiotherapy Board of Australia) registration on completion. Melbourne's Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences is ranked #16 globally for Medicine (QS) and #20 for Sports-related Subjects. The DPT includes 1,200+ hours of supervised clinical placements across Royal Melbourne Hospital, Austin Health, Alfred Health, and community / private practice settings.
Sri Lankan applicants choose Melbourne DPT because Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511) is on Australia's MLTSSL — meaning APC-accredited graduates have a direct PR pathway via Skilled Independent (189) or State Nominated (190) visa streams. The AHPRA registration is also recognised by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (under the Allied Health professions register) for direct registration in Sri Lanka, making Melbourne graduates immediate seniors at hospitals like Asiri, Lanka Hospitals, and Apollo.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (any discipline) from a recognised Sri Lankan university — minimum H2A average (Upper Second-Class / GPA 3.5+).
- check_circle Prerequisite coursework: at least 1 university-level subject in Anatomy AND 1 in Physiology — most Sri Lankan applicants from BSc Biological Sciences / Sports Science / Allied Health backgrounds qualify directly.
- check_circle GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test) is NOT required for the DPT (unlike Medicine).
- check_circle Personal statement and CASPer assessment (online behavioural test).
- check_circle Two academic / clinical references.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 7.0 in each section).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 94 Overall (min 24 in each section).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 65 Overall (min 65 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English AND you have lived in an English-speaking country for 5+ years (most Sri Lankan applicants will need to sit IELTS for AHPRA registration regardless).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 67,000 | Rs. 14,070,000 |
| OSHC Health Cover (per year) | AUD 700 | Rs. 147,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 29,710 | Rs. 6,239,100 |
| Student Visa & Setup | AUD 1,800 | Rs. 378,000 |
| AHPRA Registration, Police Check & WWCC | AUD 600 | Rs. 126,000 |
| Clinical Uniforms, Equipment & Textbooks | AUD 1,500 | Rs. 315,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 101,310 | Rs. 21,275,100 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (3 years post-Master's-equivalent under new rules). Physiotherapist on MLTSSL — direct PR pathway via Skilled Independent (189) or State Nominated (190). Top hirers: Royal Melbourne Hospital, Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Olympic Park Sports Medicine, and major NRL / AFL clubs. Graduate Physiotherapist salaries in Melbourne: AUD 75,000-85,000.
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