Master’s in Physiotherapy (MPT) in Canada is becoming one of the most popular courses in the world. Physiotherapy courses in Canada provide practical and hands-on education about treating joint and muscular impairments.
If you’re a Physiotherapy student, we highly recommend adding a master’s certificate to your portfolio. Completing a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada expands your knowledge and allows you to land high-paying jobs.
Higher studies in Canada are much cheaper than in the USA or the UK. The average tuition fee for MPT in Canada is approximately in the range INR 24,36,315.
The average base salary for a Physiotherapist in Canada is INR 57,14,142 (as per Salary Expert). Given these numbers, it’s clear that pursuing MPT in Canada offers a notably strong return on investment.
At a glance:Â
| Course Name | MSc or MS in Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy (MScPT or MPT) |
| Course Duration | 2-3 Years |
| Accredited by | Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC), CAPR, and CPA |
| Types of Courses | Masters degree, PG Diploma, PG Certificate Courses |
| English Proficiency Tests Required | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 100 |
| Average Fee | INR 24L |
| Average Salary | INR 57L |
| Popular Specialisations | Orthopedics Neurology Sports Cardiorespiratory Paediatrics |
| Career Prospects | Physiotherapist Physical therapist Health and Wellness Specialist Associate professor Senior Professor. |
In this blog, we’ll equip you with everything you need about doing a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada and a full university list you can apply to.
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across Canada
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across Canada
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
5 Best Universities in Canada for Master’s in Physiotherapy 2024
Master’s in Physiotherapy programs in Canada usually span 24 to 30 months. Canadian universities admit students in multiple admission intakes, including:
Physiotherapy courses are available in top universities such as the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. While many other popular universities offer similar courses in Physiotherapy, it’s important to note that some have not made them available for international students.
Note: Before applying to any university, make sure to check for course-specific intakes, eligibility requirements, and admission deadlines!
Below is a list of the best universities in Canada for a Master’s in Physiotherapy.
| University Name | Course Name | Tuition Fee |
| University of British Columbia | Masters in Physical Therapy | INR 27L |
| Dalhousie University | MSc Physiotherapy | INR 36L |
| University of Alberta | MSc in Physical Therapy | INR 26L |
| Western University | Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) | INR 21L |
| University of Toronto | MSc in Physical Therapy | INR 26L |
For your reference: 1 Canadian Dollar = 61.30 Indian Rupee (As of November 2023)
*Please note that the fee may vary depending on semester, year and other reasons. It’s always best to reconfirm the fee with the university before applying.
Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada: Course Alternatives
Physiotherapy is a form of treatment to aid injuries, disabilities and any other form of disformities through movement and manual therapy. Physiotherapists use methods like massages, heat therapy, and exercises to treat patients.
Physiotherapy courses are definitely popular in Canada. However, not all universities offer it. If you have a passion for Physiotherapy, here are a few alternative courses you can consider.
- Kinesiology: This course studies human body movements and delves into how they affect our well-being. Studying Kinesiology can give you deep insights into improving patients’ physical mobility.
- Disability Management: This course helps you understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and explores strategies for their effective management. If you’re interested in community work, this could be a highly fulfilling career path for you.
- Pathophysiology: This course involves observing how diseases or injuries can disrupt the human body’s functions. Pathophysiology is vital in the diagnosis, treatment and management of health conditions.
- Occupational Therapy: This course deals with helping people of all ages engage in activities essential for daily life. Typically, these are individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive problems.
Below are some universities offering courses similar to Master’s in Physiology in Canada.
| University | Course Name | Total Tuition Fee |
| University of Waterloo | Kinesiology | INR 18L |
| Simon Fraser University | Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology | INR 5L |
| Queen’s university | Occupational Therapy | INR 15L |
| University of Northern British Columbia | Disability Management | INR 7L |
| York University | Kinesiology and Health Science | INR 15L |
For your reference: 1 Canadian Dollar = 61.30 Indian Rupee (As of November 2023)
Note: Remember that the duration of these courses, intakes, and tuition fees can vary. It’s always advisable to check the official university website for specific information.
Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada: Eligibility Requirements
Physiotherapy courses require various skills, ranging from language skills, analytical skills, reasoning skills and more. The eligibility requirements for MPT vary depending on the university and course structure.
Some of the standard requirements are as follows.
English Proficiency Requirements for MPT in Canada 2024
In Canada, English and French are the two predominant languages. The majority of the universities in Canada conduct courses in English due to a significant international student population.
To actively communicate and engage during the classes and blend in with the locals, it’s important to have some English language knowledge before you move to the country.
IELTS and TOEFL are the two most common English proficiency tests accepted by Canadian universities, with some institutions also recognising Duolingo and PTE scores.
Remember that the minimum scores required may change depending on the university you’re applying to. For instance, top-ranking universities may expect a score of 7+ in IELTS, while most mid-ranking universities will be happy with a score of 6.5.
The average minimum scores for English proficiency tests are given below.
Admission Requirements for MPT in Canada 2024
A Bachelor’s degree is mandatory for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada. While most universities prefer a 4-year undergraduate degree, some may accept 3-year degrees as well.
Having a degree closely related to Physiotherapy is advantageous for your application. Many universities appreciate students who have studied subjects such as:
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Humanities
- Human Movement
- Social Science
In rare cases, universities may also accept degrees like Engineering, considering you have an exceptional profile otherwise. Since this is highly subjective, confirming with a study abroad expert or the university is best.
Want to confirm your Eligibility for a Master’s in Physiotherapy? Talk to our experts!
Universities also value any volunteering or work experience you have that’s closely related to Physiotherapy.
Documents Required for MPT Admissions in Canada
The following documents may be required for Master’s in Physiotherapy admissions in Canada. It’s best to recheck with the university for any additional requirements.
Make sure the documents you submit are valid and updated.
Here’s a checklist.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- SOP or an essay outlining why you should be considered for admission
- Proof of funds (covering all expenses)
- Canada Study Permit
- Work Experience or Work Placement Documents
Visa Requirements for MPT in Canada 2024
As an international student, you must secure a student visa/study permit to pursue a degree that is longer than 6 months in Canada. You can apply for a student visa once you have a confirmation letter from the university.
Overview:
| Canada Study Permit Fee | INR 9,158 ($150) |
| Processing time | 11 weeks |
A few things you’ll need to apply for a permit to study in Canada
- Proof of Identity
- A valid passport
- Sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living expenses
- Official Acceptance letter from the university
- Statement of Purpose
- Health Certificate
How to Apply for MPT in Canada?
Applications for MPT in Canada open at least 3-4 months before the semester commences. As mentioned, MPT in Canada is offered in multiple intakes, including January, September and May. It’s best to keep an eye on the deadlines. Applying early is always a good idea.
Remember that the application process may vary slightly depending on the university you’re applying to.
To apply for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada, follow the steps below.
- Visit the university’s official website and look for the course you’re interested in
- Confirm course-specific requirements
- Download/visit the application page.
- Fill out the application
- Cross-verify and submit all the documents required
- You may have to pay an application fee (Typically below CAD 100)
- Track the progress of your application
- If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email
Salary of Physiotherapists in Canada 2024
Canada boasts a thriving economy filled with diverse job opportunities, making it an excellent location for launching a career.
CBIE Survey states that more than 60% of international students who move to Canada for higher studies plan on becoming permanent residents.
Physiotherapy can lead to many career opportunities, with diverse roles and good pay. As someone with a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada, you can work with government organisations and private companies or try your hand at Entrepreneurship.
Fun Fact: Physiotherapists are in demand in Canada, which is expected to continue until 2028. As per the Canadian Government, there are expected to be 13,600 job openings between 2019 and 2028. This makes a great opportunity for international professionals to pursue job opportunities in the field!
Physiotherapists’ salaries are paid per hour or fixed per month. You can apply for part-time or full-time roles, depending on where you work. Numerous people work part-time hours but at multiple facilities.
Based on the Canadian average, the hourly rate is INR 1.5K to INR 3.1K ($25 to $50) per hour.
You could make INR 29L To INR 59L per year in a full-time role. Salary can vary based on experience, specialisation, location, and other considerations.
Below are some popular professions you can consider, along with their average salaries.
| Profession | Average Salary per year |
| Sports Physician | INR 1,30,22,514 |
| Physiotherapist | INR 57,29,366 |
| PE Teacher | INR 26,23,723 |
| Chiropractor | INR 46,54,831 |
| Kinesiologist | INR 30,60,766 |
Top Employers for Physiotherapist Jobs in Canada
Physiotherapists in Canada are normally employed at hospitals, health care centres, industry and sports organisations, and rehabilitation centres. However, there are numerous opportunities for those wishing to set up private clinics.
Here are some major employers for Physiotherapist Jobs in Canada.
- Island Health
- Unity Health Toronto
- Oak Valley Health
- Alberta Health Services
- ATI Physical Therapy
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Fraser Health
In Brief
Some final things to consider:
- Canadian universities are valued worldwide. As per sources, over 3L Indian students moved to Canada to pursue their higher education in 2023.
- A single person’s living cost in Canada is around INR 84K per month (source: Numbeo). However, this may vary depending on your lifestyle. For your comparison, this amount is cheaper than the USA.
- Canada’s job market has opened many opportunities for Indians in the past year. Plenty of job vacancies are available in Canada, with starting salaries of 30L-50L per year.
In short, deciding to do a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada has many benefits. You can expect higher salaries and a positive return on your investment, supported by the thriving job market in Canada.
Want to understand how you can start your journey? Talk to our counsellors to develop an affordable plan for your study journey in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long is the Master of Physiotherapy in Canada program?
A. The course duration varies depending on the course structure and university. However, on average, it lasts 2 to 3 years if you pursue a full-time course. Online courses may be shorter. Part-time courses are typically much shorter than full-time courses. If you opt for a part-time course, you may be able to finish your studies in less than a year.
Q. Which MPT course is the best in Canada?
A. The most popular Master’s courses in Physiotherapy are Master’s in Physiotherapy & Physical Therapy. However, some good alternatives include:
-Master’s in Kinesiology
-Master’s in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology
-Disability Management
Q. Can I pursue MPT in Canada after completing BPT (Bachelor in Physiotherapy) in India?
A. Yes. You can pursue a Master’s of Physiotherapy in Canada after completing BPT in India. However, you cannot register as a physiotherapist and start practising before completing MPT in Canada. You will need the degree and then register to acquire the required licenses to begin practising professionally.
Q. Is Physiotherapy a good career in Canada?
A. Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy is one of the most popular courses in Canada for those in the healthcare and wellness sector. Physical therapists are in high demand and earn good salaries. Additionally, Canada’s job market is full of opportunities, and it’s quite easy to get permanent residence there compared to the USA and UK.
Q. What are the typical admission requirements for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada?
A. Admission requirements may vary but commonly include:
-Bachelor’s degree
-Letters of recommendation
-A resume/CV
-Relevant clinical or volunteer experience. Proficiency in English is also assessed through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Q. What is the average fee for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada?
A. Tuition fees will vary depending on the university you apply to. The average tuition fee for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada is INR 24,36,315. The fee tends to also vary based on whether you’re opting for a full-time or part-time course. Part-time courses are generally
Q. Is it necessary to have work experience before applying for a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada?
A. Work experience can make a valuable addition to your profile. Universities appreciate that you have relevant experience; however, admissions are not mandatory. Volunteer work and Internships in the relevant field can also boost your application. It’s best to check with university-specific requirements before you apply.
Q. What is the average salary of Physiotherapists in Canada?
If you practice as a Physiotherapist in Canada, you can earn a base salary of INR 57L. Physiotherapy courses can lead to diverse professions, including:
-Chiropractor
-Sports Coach
-PE Teacher
-Kinesiologist
Q. Can Indian students work in Canada during or after completing their Master’s in Physiotherapy?
A. As an Indian student in Canada, you can work up to 20 hours (part-time) and full-time during the semester breaks. Post your graduation, you are free to apply for full-time jobs in Physiotherapy. However, make sure you check the visa requirements for working in the country, as well as the licenses required to practice there.
Q. Are campus placements offered to international students after a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada?
A. No. There is no concept of placements in Canada, but the universities offer job fairs and volunteer/internship opportunities through industry partnerships. Additionally, some courses in Canada follow a co-op model, allowing students to participate in practical work with partner organizations as part of their academic curriculum.
Q. Are Physiotherapists in Canada considered doctors?
A. No. As per the regulations in Canada, you are not commonly referred to as a ‘Doctor’ if you’re a Physiotherapist. A doctor in a medical context is usually referring to a healthcare professional with an MD degree. However, if you pursue an advanced degree in Physiotherapy (PhD), you are entitled to the title ‘Doctor of Physiotherapy.’
