Physiotherapy Licensure Guide for UK Graduates ( Australia )
Thinking about studying physiotherapy in the UK and working in Australia later on? This guide explains what you’ll need after graduation to become a fully licensed physiotherapist in Australia.
Regulatory Authority:
The practice of physiotherapy in Australia is regulated by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, operating under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). General registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia is required to work unsupervised as a physiotherapist. The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) is the appointed authority that assesses overseas-trained physiotherapists’ qualifications and competencies on behalf of the Board.
Recognition of UK Credentials:
Australia offers streamlined pathways for physiotherapists trained in certain countries, including the UK. The APC maintains a list of countries with comparable education standards. As of 2025, the UK is an “Express FLYR” approved country under the APC’s pathways. This means that a UK-trained physiotherapist (with a bachelor-level entry degree and HCPC registration) is eligible for an expedited assessment route. In practical terms, a UK degree is highly regarded and generally recognized as equivalent to an Australian physiotherapy degree. Specifically, the Express FLYR Pathway allows UK degree holders to skip the usual written knowledge exam entirely.
Exams or Additional Requirements:
For UK graduates eligible for the Express FLYR Pathway: they must complete an Eligibility Assessment (essentially a paper-based credential and skills review by APC) and a mandatory online Cultural Safety Training module about practicing in Australia. No written exam is required in this expedited route. Once these steps are successfully done, the APC issues a Final Certificate, after which the candidate can apply to AHPRA for general registration.
Language Requirements:
Since the UK and Australia are both English-speaking, a UK graduate will meet Australia’s language requirement. Once registered, you have full general registration. (Australia does have options for “limited registration” for supervision or training.