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Physiotherapy

  • 4 year(s)
  • English
  • Bachelor
  • Full-time
Eindhoven

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Are you interested in helping people to move without pain? Do you have good decision-making skills and are you solution-oriented? In the Physiotherapy Programme at Fontys, you’ll learn all about all the aspects you’ll encounter as a physiotherapist.

About the programme

Walking, lifting things, participating in sports – these are all things that you may do every day without giving it a thought. Usually, you’ll only visit a physiotherapist if you have suffered an injury, if you’re troubled by a hernia, or if you’re experiencing pain while walking. A physiotherapist helps people to move without pain and investigates how they may be able to prevent any additional complaints in the future.

Why study Physiotherapy at Fontys?

  • We offer a good balance between practical and theoretical study with a strong emphasis on practical work.
  • The classes are small, which provides a supportive and motivating learning environment.
  • We work with real patients so you can interview and assess them, as well as practice on them.
  • The university has excellent facilities for sport activities. The sports centre opposite the Fontys building offers a wide variety of activities.
 

What are you going to learn?

This is a four-year programme. Approximately half of the study time will involve self-study, either at home or at school. The other half of the study time will be dedicated to lectures and practical lessons. The lectures will cover the theory. During the practical classes, you’ll develop physiotherapy skills, such as massage therapy and movement therapy. The medical practical sessions will teach you about the structure and functioning of your own body. Even if you have a perfect command of the theory, your social skills will be just as important for the effective practice of your profession. This is why we devote a great deal of attention to practical training during the course of your studies.

What does a typical study week look like? 
  • You’ll attend classes for 16 hours a week, alongside 4 hours of project work and approximately 16 hours of self-study.
  • The course programme is divided into 40% theory, 40% practical work and 20% independent learning.
  • One academic year is made up of 4 periods, each lasting 10 weeks.
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Physiotherapy

Students about this programme
 

What does your week look like?

Primarily during the first year, you will receive a great deal of study supervision. You will learn how to work independently, to plan your study schedule and to take responsibility. During the first year, you will lay the foundations for the remainder of your course programme. Both theory, including subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Skills will be covered.

 
 

Courses

In the first year, your study weeks are divided as follows:

  • 16 hours of lessons (approx. 40% practical lessons)
  • 4 hours project work
  • 16 hours self-study

In the first year you will learn how your body functions by studying subjects such anatomy, physiology and neurology. Furthermore, you will learn about physiotherapeutic treatments: how you deal with people and how you implement this when you're treating. During the practical lessons, you practice these skills on real patients and on your fellow students.

Study advice

At the latest at the end of the first year (propaedeutic phase), all the first-year students receive study advice: a decision about the continuation of their studies. Students who do not achieve the required number of study points may get a dismissal notification from the university. This dismissal is binding. In the second year, during the practical lessons, you apply the knowledge you acquired. Halfway the second year, you chose a speciality theme; that means that starting from the third year, you approach your studies in a more specific way. The speciality themes are:

  • Enabling People with Technology
  • Value Based Healthcare
  • Empowering Healthy Behaviour

Internship

First year internship is mainly about orientation on the future profession and self-reflection.

You gain your practical experience by working in various institutions, such as in independent clinics, in a general hospital or in other institutions (such as a nursing home, a rehabilitation centre or psychiatric hospital).

Going abroad

The physiotherapy programme also enables you to do your internship abroad. Fontys has excellent contact with a large number of clinics/institutions in the Netherlands and abroad and can help you find a suitable internship or workplace. And that is to your benefit, because nowadays employers consider it increasingly important to see international experience on your CV.

Starting from the third year, you start working within your speciality theme, which you have selected halfway your second year.

You do an internship of 10 weeks and choose a minor, for example, a speciality minor within the speciality theme you have selected. That way you focus on a single speciality in healthcare and you become a specialist in that area. This enables you to develop into a healthcare professional in the future and you also build a wide network in the field.

The speciality minors are:

  • Exploring Health Behaviour
  • MADE for Allied Healthcare (Measurement, Analysis, Design & Exploration for Allied Healthcare)
  • Healthcare on the Move: time for a new outlook! (NEW MINOR)
  • Thinking Differently, Doing Differently; practical care innovation with practice (NEW MINOR)

Of course, you can also choose to do your minor at another university, abroad or in another study programme of Fontys. You can also do your internship abroad.

In the fourth year you do an internship of 20 weeks. Furthermore, this year is focused on graduating. You choose a final thesis within the speciality theme that you selected. After successfully completing your studies, you are ready to start working as a professional in your professional field.

Most graduates find a job within one year.

During the second year, you’ll need to incorporate more independence into your studies. However, you’ll be provided with advice 
and recommendations when it comes to making your choices. You’ll also choose one of the three focus programmes and a Minor, which you’ll follow in the third year.

During the third and fourth year, you’ll become increasingly independent in relation to your work. You’ll follow a Minor and choose one of the three focus programmes: Healthcare, Self-Management, or Interprofessional Collaboration. You’ll also engage in an extensive internship during these final years. 

It is possible to do internships abroad. Fontys has excellent partnerships with a large number of practical institutions both within the Netherlands and abroad, so we can assist you in finding a suitable internship and/or work placement. 

Year 1 and 2:
Short internship as an introduction to physiotherapy and part of the module “personal and professional development”.

Year 3:
Track A: First semester a 10 week internship combined with the 10 week module “specialisms within physiotherapy”. Second semester minor.
Track B: First semester minor. Second semester a 10 week internship combined with the 10 week module “specialisms within physiotherapy”.

Year 4:
Graduation phase, combination of graduation internship and research project.

 

Entry requirements

Physiotherapy is an intensive study programme. Subjects such as Anatomy, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Physiology all demand extensive knowledge. To be eligible to follow the course programme, there are no specific profile requirements, but knowledge of the subjects Biology, English, and Mathematics are recommended in all cases.

As a prospective student for the Physiotherapy English Stream programme, you must have obtained a diploma of secondary general education or secondary vocational education equivalent to Dutch standards. The diploma and list of grades of your previous education will be evaluated to determine if you are admissible.

In case of disability/handicap 

If you have a physical or psychological disability/handicap (e.g. dyslexia or a chronic disease) which may affect your study performance or professional physiotherapy activities, please do not hesitate to contact the programme.

Language requirements

For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required is explained in the table on this website.

The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.

Validity

An IELTS/TOEFL or TOEIC language proficiency certificate can be no older than 2 years at the start of the academic year (for the september 2025 intake your certificate has to be issued on or after September 1st, 2023). A Cambdrige certificate does not have an expiration date.

Exemptions

Some applicants may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test results:

  • Applicants with a Dutch MBO-diploma level 4/ HAVO diploma / VWO diploma
  • Applicants who have passed one of the secondary education exams (including English as part of the curriculum) as mentioned in the diploma list on the website of the code of conduct
  • Applicants whose prior education was English-taught and who obtained a diploma in one of the following countries: Saint Martin, United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, New-Zealand, Ireland and Canada (English speaking part only).
  • Applicants with an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
  • Applicants with a British General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and General Certificate of Education (GCE).

All other applicants need to submit a proof of English proficiency by means of one of the mentioned certificates.

The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.

Visa

As a non-EU/EEA student, the Netherlands will require an Entry Visa* (MVV) and a Residence Permit. Fontys will apply on behalf of its students for these documents. We recommend you start the process early, i.e. approximately three months before you plan to enter the Netherlands.

More information about Visa
*except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State.

Code of conduct

Fontys University of Applied Sciences will act according to the Code of Conduct

    Entry requirements

    Physiotherapy is an intensive study programme. Subjects such as Anatomy, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Physiology all demand extensive knowledge. To be eligible to follow the course programme, there are no specific profile requirements, but knowledge of the subjects Biology, English, and Mathematics are recommended in all cases.  As a prospective student for the Physiotherapy English Stream programme, you must have obtained a diploma of secondary general education or secondary vocational education equivalent to Dutch standards. The diploma and list of grades of your previous education will be evaluated to determine if you are admissible. 

    Language requirements

    For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required is explained in the table on this website.

    The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.

    Validity

    An IELTS/TOEFL or TOEIC language proficiency certificate can be no older than 2 years at the start of the academic year (for the september 2025 intake your certificate has to be issued on or after September 1st, 2023). A Cambdrige certificate does not have an expiration date.

    Exemptions

    Some applicants may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test results:

    • Applicants with a Dutch MBO-diploma level 4/ HAVO diploma / VWO diploma
    • Applicants who have passed one of the secondary education exams (including English as part of the curriculum) as mentioned in the diploma list on the website of the code of conduct
    • Applicants whose prior education was English-taught and who obtained a diploma in one of the following countries: Saint Martin, United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, New-Zealand, Ireland and Canada (English speaking part only).
    • Applicants with an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
    • Applicants with a British General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and General Certificate of Education (GCE).

    All other applicants need to submit a proof of English proficiency by means of one of the mentioned certificates.

    The level of English proficiency must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course. Fontys always reserves the right to require a language proficiency test for all categories of applicants.

    Visa

    As a non-EU/EEA student, the Netherlands will require an Entry Visa* (MVV) and a Residence Permit. Fontys will apply on behalf of its students for these documents. We recommend you start the process early, i.e. approximately three months before you plan to enter the Netherlands.

    More information about Visa
    *except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State.

    In case of disability/handicap 

    If you have a physical or psychological disability/handicap (e.g. dyslexia or a chronic disease) which may affect your study performance or professional physiotherapy activities, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Meike van Sambeek

    Code of conduct

    Fontys University of Applied Sciences will act according to the Code of Conduct

      Entry requirements

      Physiotherapy is an intensive study programme. Subjects such as Anatomy, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Physiology all demand extensive knowledge. To be eligible to follow the course programme, there are no specific profile requirements, but knowledge of the subjects Biology, English, and Mathematics are recommended in all cases.  As a prospective student for the Physiotherapy English Stream programme, you must have obtained a diploma of secondary general education or secondary vocational education equivalent to Dutch standards. The diploma and list of grades of your previous education will be evaluated to determine if you are admissible.

      In case of disability/handicap 

      If you have a physical or psychological disability/handicap (e.g. dyslexia or a chronic disease) which may affect your study performance or professional physiotherapy activities, please do not hesitate to contact  Ms Meike van Sambeek

      Language requirements for Dutch students

      For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required. As an applicant with a Dutch MBO-4, HAVO- or VWO-diploma you can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test.

      Code of conduct

      Fontys University of Applied Sciences will act according to the Code of Conduct

        Costs

        The tuition fees indicator helps you to determine the tuition rate for your situation. The information and tuition rates from this indicator are without engagement.

        go to tuition fees indicator 2025-2026

        go to tuition fees indicator 2024-2025


        Statutory tuition fees and institutional tuition fees

        A distinction is made between statutory tuition fees and institutional tuition fees. Only if you satisfy all statutory requirements regarding your nationality and if you have not yet been awarded a degree, will you be eligible for statutory tuition fees. Via the tuition fees indicator, you can secure an indication of the type of tuition fees that will be applicable in your situation. To do so, please make use of the indicator above.

        Distinctions are made between the following types of Institutional Tuition Fees:

        • Low institutional tuition fees
        • High institutional tuition fees


        Different types of tuition fees and Exemption Regulations

        These different types of tuition fees and the Exemption Regulations are fully detailed in the:

            Tuition Fees Regulations 2025-2026

            Tuition Fees Regulations 2024-2025

            The amount to be paid may vary in accordance with the following situations:

            • If you have enrolled in more than one course programme (at Fontys and/or elsewhere), it is possible that you may only be obliged to pay one set of statutory tuition fees.
            • If you believe that you may be eligible to pay only the statutory tuition fees on the basis of information that may be unknown to us, please report this to your Course Department.
            • If it later transpires that you do not meet the requirements for statutory tuition fees, you will be obliged to pay the (higher) institutional tuition fees and if this is the case, you will be notified accordingly.

            Some Fontys study programmes offer the NL scholarship to their students. Check out the link to see if this study programme participates and for more information.

            Information about NL scholarship

            You might also be eligible for other scholarships not provided by Fontys. These can be found on the Study in NL website.

            Go to StudyinNL

            Paying in instalments

            Collection will occur in a maximum of ten equal instalments on or around the 26th of the month. Depending upon the processing time required after your enrolment, the direct debit may need to be moved to the following month. If so, the amount outstanding will then be divided and added to the remaining instalments to be executed until and including the June instalment.

            If paying the full sum in a single payment

            If you commence your studies on 1 September, the direct debit pertaining to your Tuition Fees will be executed on or around 25 September. If you commence your studies after 1 September, the direct debit will be executed on or around the 26th of the month in which you commence your studies.

            Non-EU students

            Incoming non-EU students will receive a payment letter from their study department, which must be paid before the deadline. In the following academic years, payment can be made by direct debit.

            Non-SEPA

            If you have a Bank account number of which the bank is not situated in one of the SEPA countries, and you are a national of a country outside the EEA without an address in The Netherlands, then you will receive a payment letter from Fontys via your course department.

            The Dutch currency unit is the Euro (i.e. abbreviated to ‘EUR’ or ‘€’).

            The average living expenses per month for a foreign student living and studying in Holland are between EUR 1,100 and EUR 1,500 per month. These living expenses cover rent, insurance, food, public transportation, books, clothing and other general costs. 

            Dutch Immigration Service (IND) requires non-EEA students to proof they have access to € 14.641 per year (€ 7.320 per semester)

            Costs within the first months upon arrival will be higher than all other months due to a housing deposit, intro week and books. Study books are usually bought at the start of the semester and therefore it is wise to reserve and have direct access to an amount at the start of the semester which can cover the price of all study books and the living expenses for the first two months. 

            Before starting your study at Fontys, you must find suitable housing. Unfortunately, it is not easy for international students to find accommodation in the Netherlands due to the housing crisis. Start your accommodation search early. Please be aware that finding a place to live is your own responsibility. However, we are happy to assist in any way we can.

            More information about accommodation

             


            Career opportunities

            After the successful completion of your studies, you’ll find that there are many opportunities available for pursuing a career as a physiotherapist. You may choose to work at a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation centre, a school for disabled children, or at a physiotherapy practice. You may want to start your own practice. The profession of physiotherapy is under development within the preventive sector. You could work for a company, at a fitness centre, or for a sporting association.

            The degree programme Bachelor Physiotherapy at Fontys Allied Health Professions is of EQF level 6 according to the Dublin descriptors bachelor level. To get your Physiotherapy degree qualified please contact the official qualification agency of the country you want to work.

             

            Placeholder for Fontys video
            "You work with real patients so you can interview, assess, and practice on them!
            Student Lia Smagin about the programme

            How to apply

            All applications for our programmes have to be conducted via www.studielink.nl. Studielink is an online portal that allows applicants to apply and maintain their registration whenever they want to. You can apply for academic year 2025-2026 as from October 1st.

            The application process may differ for EU and Non-EU students, please read below what applies to you.

            The Physiotherapy programme only starts in September.

            Application deadlines

            September intake
            If you want to apply for accommodation 15 June
            If you arrange accommodation yourself 1 August

            Start your online application

            • Log in to Studielink: www.studielink.nl.
            • Submit your personal details (please ensure that you enter your names as stated on your passport and/or identity card), ensuring that all details are entered correctly, i.e. capital letters where required.
            • Add 'New Enrolment Application': mind you choose the correct intake (September 2025).
            • Add your previous education and answer the supplementary questions.
            Educational institution Fontys Hogescholen
            Location of educational institution Eindhoven
            Programme B Physiotherapy English Stream

            Application deadlines

            September intake
            If you want to apply for accommodation 1 June
            If you arrange accommodation yourself 1 June

            Start your online application

            • Log in to Studielink: www.studielink.nl.
            • Submit your personal details (please ensure that you enter your names as stated on your passport and/or identity card), ensuring that all details are entered correctly, i.e. capital letters where required.
            • Add 'New Enrolment Application': mind you choose the correct intake (September 2025).
            • Add your previous education and answer the supplementary questions.
            Educational institution Fontys Hogescholen
            Location of educational institution Eindhoven
            Programme B Physiotherapy English Stream

            Application procedure step 1

            The application procedure consists of two steps.First, you have to apply for the Physiotherapy programme through Studielink. The full name of the programme in Studielink is B Physiotherapy English Stream. You must choose 1 September 2025 as start date of the programme.

            Application procedure step 2

            Secondly, after registering via Studielink, we wish to receive the following documents:

            1. A copy of your valid passport (pdf files only)
            2. A copy of your diploma and list of grades (pdf files only)
            3. If applicable: proof of English language proficiency (pdf files only)
            4. Only for non-EU students: a motivational letter and your curriculum vitae (pdf files only)

            You can upload these files, after you have registered in Studielink, through this link

            In case you have not graduated yet, please inform us when you will receive your diploma and send us your certified grade lists with the grades which you received up until now/your predicted grades (pdf files only) to admissions-fahp@fontys.nl.

            In some cases it is possible to do an enrolment application after the deadline has passed, but we can't guarantee anymore to do the diploma evaluation on time (or apply for a residence permit in case you are a non-EU student). Please always contact admissions-fahp@fontys.nl first if you want to apply when the deadline has passed.

            For more information see 'Requirements'.

            Application procedure step 3

            Thirdly, we wish to receive the following documents by regular post:
            Original certified hard copies of your diploma and list of grades (including sworn translations of these documents, if they are not in English, German or French).
            An original certified hard copy is a copy of your diploma and list of grades with a stamp and signature on it. Please send us the 
            original certified hard copy and not a copy or scan of the certified hard copy.

            Please send your documents to:

            Fontys University of Applied Sciences
            Fontys Allied Health Professions
            P.O. Box 347
            5600 AH Eindhoven
            The Netherlands

            If your postal service provider doesn't ship to P.O. boxes, you can use the address below:

            Fontys University of Applied Sciences
            Fontys Allied Health Professions
            Rachelsmolen 1
            5612 MA Eindhoven
            The Netherlands

            Student accommodation

            If you want to be eligible for student accommodation, please make sure your file is complete by June 15th.You have to be fully enrolled before June 15th to be eligible for accommodation, which means:

            • your diploma and list of grades is evaluated and you are admissible with your diploma;
            • if applicable, you have handed in your English language proficiency certificate;
            • for EU-students (or non-EU students with a Dutch residence permit): you have digitally authorized your payment details in Studielink;
            • for Non-EU students who apply for a student visa: you have paid the tuition fee and visa costs.

            For more information on student accommodation and how to apply for student accommodation, please visit this site.

            Available student housing is limited. Please be aware that finding a place to live is your own responsibility. If you are unable to secure suitable accommodation by the beginning of the academic year, we strongly advise you not to come to the Netherlands.

             

            Agenda

            Sign up for one of our events. There's no better way to find out if this study programme is right for you! Visit a webinar from the comfort of your home or meet us live on campus. Whichever you choose, we hope to meet you soon.

            Experience Day Physiotherapy | Eindhoven
            27 Jan 2025 12:00 - 16:30 CET
            Programme
            At the trial study days, you step into the shoes of a physiotherapist in training. You will receive information about the training program, an impression of the environment where you might be studying, and we will show you what a lesson might look like.

            Program:

            12.00 - 12.15 P.M. | Arrival at R12
            12.15 - 13.00 P.M. | Lunch
            13.00 - 13.30 P.M. | Introduction lecture regarding our program
            13.30 - 14.30 P.M. | Practical lesson Physiotherapy
            14.30 - 15.15 P.M. | Tour around the buildings
            15.15 - 16.30 P.M. |  FAQ’s and visit from a teacher
            Open Day
            January 26, 2025
            Programme

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            Contact and location

            Do you have a question?

            For questions regarding the content of your program, Canvas, Progress, your schedule, etc, you van contact the team assistant of your program at the email address: ondersteuningfysiotherapie@fontys.nl.

            If you have questions about your enrollment, you can get in touch with admissions-fahp@fontys.nl. The student desk at the location Rachelsmolen 1 is open by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, you can visit this website.