Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany for Indian Students
Receive expert guidance and make your dream of studying Masters in Physiotherapy in Germany a reality!
Are you a science graduate with a passion for helping others regain their mobility and well-being? If so, consider a masters in physiotherapy in Germany. This path offers a unique blend of world-class education and promising career prospects. Studying in Germany has become an attractive destination for international students, with many public universities offering low or no tuition fees for a master's degree.
This isn't just about saving money, though. Germany's healthcare system is facing a growing demand for qualified physiotherapists due to an ageing population, creating an excellent environment for foreign graduates to build a successful career.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the masters in physiotherapy in Germany, from programme details and costs to specialisations, scholarships, and job opportunities.
Let's get started!
Overview of Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany
The Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany for Indian students comes with unique specifications, subjects and eligibility requirements. And, here is an overview table of the MPT programme in Germany:
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Programme Length | 1.5 to 2 years (3 to 4 semesters) |
Fees for International Students | Public Universities: Generally, no tuition fees, but students must pay a semester contribution of roughly €150-€350. Private Universities: Tuition can range from €15,000 to over €40,000 per year. |
Subjects Covered | Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics, Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Practice, Specialised Physiotherapy Techniques (e.g., in orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine), Research Methods and Biostatistics, Healthcare Management and Ethics |
Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from a recognised university. Proof of German or English language proficiency, A C1 level for German-taught programme is often required, while English programmes may require an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 or a TOEFL equivalent. Relevant professional experience |
Job Opportunities | Hospitals and rehabilitation centres, private physiotherapy clinics, sports clubs and organisations, research institutions, geriatric care facilities. |
Why Choose to Study Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany?
Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany for Indian students is a great choice; be it the lower cost of studying or the surge in demand, a master's degree from a German university offers multiple benefits, both in terms of learning and professional growth. Let’s list down all the benefits of studying a MPT in Germany:
Tuition fees: Most of the public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. Non EU students only have to pay a semester contribution fee in the range of €150-€350. .
High-Level Education: Germany is home to world’s top universities that are known for its excellent education system. International students studying in Germany can benefit from its quality-bound training and learning methods.
Research opportunities: Providing the students with the opportunity to work on several pioneering projects, Germany stands at the forefront when it comes to physiotherapy research.
Multicultural Environment: With more than 469,485 international students studying in Germany in the academic year 2024/2025, it backs an enriching heterogeneous experience helping students get a world view on life, subject and work.
Work opportunities: An 18-months long post-study work visa in Germany enables international students to stay in Germany after their graduation. This time is best utilised by students to gain work experience and then take the PR pathway.
Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany: Specialisations
Master's in Physiotherapy is a vast subject that covers a variety of topics and specialisations, from sports physiotherapy to ligament repair. There are multiple types of master's in physiotherapy in Germany, and if you are considering the subject, it is important to learn about them all so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your Master's in Germany.
Available Specialisations:
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: For the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
- Neurological Rehabilitation: Specialisation in the treatment of patients with neurological diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's disease.
- Sports Physiotherapy: In sports, it is needed to prevent injuries and rehabilitate athletes in order to improve their skills. This specialty prepares students to work with athletes.
- Paediatric Physiotherapy: Treating and managing children with physical disabilities or developmental problems.
- Geriatric Physiotherapy: Focuses on the care and rehabilitation of elderly patients with physical problems associated with age.
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: It offers holistic care to the patient with chronic diseases. It is concerned with treating patients who have cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany
To study physiotherapy in Germany, Indian students need a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy with a strong academic record. Since physiotherapy is a clinical programme, both German and English proficiency are considered crucial for admission to MPT courses. In addition to these, there are certain sets of admission-related documents required to study a master's in Germany.
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree: Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy or a related field.
- Specific Subject Areas: Relevant coursework in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation is often required.
- Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is generally required.
Language Proficiency
- English Proficiency: IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 overall.
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 (Internet-based).
- German Proficiency (if the program is in German):TestDaF: Minimum TDN 4 in all sections.
- DSH: Level 2 or 3.
Additional Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A good SOP that explains the motivation and goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: All applications should be submitted with 2-3 letters of recommendation, which should preferably come from academic or professional recommenders.
- CV/Resume: An updated CV stating information with respect to academic and professional experience.
- Work Experience: Some programmes may require prior relevant experience in the field of physiotherapy.
- Portfolio: A portfolio of your practical experience and main achievements if required.
How to Apply for Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany as an Indian Student?
The application process for a master's in Germany as an Indian student is a multi-step process starting from researching and gathering documents to the actual application process. All the steps require careful consideration and information. In most cases, students opt for professional help like AECC counsellors to ensure a successful application process.
Let’s list down the step-by-step process to apply for a master's in physiotherapy in Germany as an Indian student:
- Research your preferred universities and programmes properly.
- Check through for the specific admission requirements of each of these programmes.
- Doing preparations with regard to the documents that will be necessary in the application process.
- Application can be done via the online portal belonging to your university of choice or uni-assist.
- Apply for the German student visa application upon admission.
Most German universities have two intake periods: the winter semester (October) and the summer semester (April). Application deadlines typically fall several months before the semester starts.
Cost to Study Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany
Germany stands out as one of the most budget-friendly study destinations in the Western world. Unlike other countries where tuition fees can be exorbitant, the cost of studying in Germany is relatively lower. Here is the breakdown of the cost of studying a master's in physiotherapy in Germany.
- Public Universities: Many public universities charge low or no tuition fees for international students. Students may need to pay a semester contribution, which typically ranges from EUR 150 to EUR 350 which is about INR 13,500 to INR 31,500 per semester.
- Private Universities: Tuition fees at private universities range from EUR 15,000 to EUR 40,000 INR which is about 15,50,000 to INR 40,00,000 per year
It is important to consider living costs when calculating the cost of studying in Germany. As per the German student visa, all applicants must have a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) to show financial stability. To set it up, applicants must deposit €11,904, from which they can only withdraw €992 monthly after arrival to cover living expenses. This is an important financial commitment to consider when planning to do a master's in Germany. Below is the list of all the essential living costs associated with studying in Germany as an international students.
| Expense Category | Cost (EUR per month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 300 – 700 |
| Food and Groceries | 150 – 250 |
| Health Insurance | 110 – 120 |
| Transportation | 30 – 100 |
Top Universities in Germany for Master's in Physiotherapy
Germany has a slew of top universities to pursue MS in Physiotherapy. The country's ageing population makes it an in-demand profession, and that has led to a previously popular vocational physiotherapy programme becoming a full-time degree course.
Here is the list of top universities to study a Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany:
| University | Courses Offered | Rank (QS 2026 General) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | MSc in Sport and Exercise Science | #11 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | MA in Dance Movement Therapy | #18 |
| Universität Heidelberg | MSc in Sport Management | #21 |
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | Sports Science: Physical Activity and Health | #43 |
| KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | MA in Movement and Sports Science | #59 |
Scholarships to Study Master's in Germany
Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany is an expensive study abroad journey for Indian students, be it the living costs, private universities' tuition fees or the moving costs. Studying in Germany comes with a heavy price, but there are several scholarships to study master's in Germany offered either by the government, universities or private organisations.
- DAAD Scholarship: The German Academic Exchange Service offers several DAAD scholarships to international students. The selection of these scholarships is based on applicants' academic merit and financial needs. The details can thus be found on the DAAD website.
- Erasmus+ Programme: Erasmus Mundus Joint offers multiple master's programmes in several higher education institutions in Germany, known as EMJM. International students can check about their master's programmes and scholarships to study master's in Germany.
- University Scholarships: It is important that international students check with the desired universities about their institute-specific scholarship programmes. However, this needs to be done much prior to the start of the academic session.
- Deutschlandstipendium: This is non-merit financial help offered to students who demonstrate personal achievement and take responsibility, and a reward of EUR 300 is offered to them monthly to support their educational journey in Germany.
Career after Master's in Physiotherapy in Germany
A master's in physiotherapy in Germany is a highly career-driven educational path for Indians. Based on a study from the Competence Centre at the German Economic Institute (IW), there were roughly 47,400 vacant jobs in Germany's healthcare sector during 2023 and 2024.
Let's look at the average salaries and job opportunities for Indian students after studying master's in physiotherapy in Germany:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary in Euros |
|---|---|
| Senior Physiotherapist | € 45,000 |
| Research Physiotherapist | € 50,000 |
| Sports team Physiotherapist | € 55,000 |
| Physiotherapy Lecturer | € 60,000 |
The job market for physiotherapists in Germany is robust, with opportunities in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions, and sports teams.
Master's in physiotherapy in Germany for Indian students is a unique opportunity to gain world-class education with top-in-class campus facilities. In addition to this, the relatively lower cost of studying in Germany compared to top western study destinations, the shortage of physiotherapy professionals and a welcoming and diverse community of international students make Germany a perfect place to study a master's. You can learn more about the courses, application process and other requirements through AECC counsellors. Contact them today!