Requirements & application

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.

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 2024 intake your certificate has to be issued on or after September 1st, 2022). 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.

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.

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

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

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