Physiotherapy Licensure Guide for UK Graduates ( Hong Kong )
Thinking about studying physiotherapy in the UK and working in Hong Kong later on? This guide explains what you’ll need after graduation to become a fully licensed physiotherapist in Hong Kong.
Regulatory Authority:
The Physiotherapists Board of Hong Kong, under the Supplementary Medical Professions Council (SMPC), regulates physiotherapy practice. To practice, one must be listed on the Register of Physiotherapists (Part I or II) maintained by this Board.
Recognition of UK Credentials:
A UK physiotherapy degree can be recognized in Hong Kong if it meets local standards. The Board requires an entry-level physiotherapy degree (undergraduate ≥3 years or postgraduate ≥2 years) from a tertiary institution recognized by the local governing body (ie.UK), including ≥800 hours of supervised clinical practice.
UK programmes accredited by the HCPC and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) typically satisfy these criteria. In addition, the applicant must hold current registration and practice rights in the country of training (e.g. HCPC registration in the UK) and provide a recent letter of good standing from their university, employer, or professional body.
Exams or Additional Training:
If the UK curriculum fully aligns with Hong Kong’s requirements (e.g. sufficient clinical hours and content), the degree may be accepted outright and the graduate can be added to the register. If there are gaps, the Board will invite the applicant to sit a Physiotherapists Board Registration Examination.
This exam has two parts: a written test and a practical assessment. Only those who pass the written portion may proceed to the practical, and passing both confers qualification for full registration. In practice, most UK degrees (with ≥800 clinical hours and HCPC/CSP accreditation) enable registration without exam, but each application is reviewed case-by-case.
Language Requirements:
Hong Kong’s official languages are Chinese (Cantonese) and English. The Board does not mandate a separate language proficiency test for registration, especially since many UK degree holders will already be proficient in English. The application is in English, and UK-trained candidates are expected to communicate effectively. (Note: While not an official requirement, in practice, Cantonese fluency is advantageous for patient care in Hong Kong.)