A physiotherapist career in Australia in 2026 is the best New Year's gift you can give yourself. From amazing salaries to job security and career growth, the country has a lot to offer. If you’re an international physiotherapist, the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) is your ticket to success.
The new APEP plan was launched in October 2025 by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC). It replaced the older clinical assessment models and streamlined the way overseas-qualified physiotherapists achieve Australian registration.
This guide explains everything you need to know about APEP fees, stages, benefits, and tips to plan your journey.
What Is the APEP Pathway?
The Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) is the current standard assessment pathway for physiotherapists qualified overseas who want to obtain a license to work in Australia.
Instead of the older multi-stage traditional clinical assessment, APEP includes:
- Eligibility Assessment and Cultural Safety Training
- Written Assessment
- Capability Assessment (Remote Clinical Reasoning)
- Clinical Workshop (In-Person, Australia)
Each stage tests knowledge, clinical reasoning, and the ability to apply physiotherapy practice standards within the Australian healthcare context.
APEP Exam Fees For 2026
In December 2025, the APC announced a 3% fee increase that will be taking effect from 5 January 2026. The estimated updated fees are:
| Stage | New Fee (AUD) | Fee (INR approx.) |
| Eligibility Assessment | $1,170 | ₹64,350 |
| Cultural Safety Training | $235 | ₹12,925 |
| Written Assessment | $2,017 | ₹1,10,935 |
| Capability Assessment | $2,928 | ₹1,61,040 |
| Clinical Workshop | $1,464 | ₹80,520 |
| TOTAL (APEP 2026) | $7,814 | ₹4,29,770 |
If you’re applying near year-end, you can save money by submitting before the increases take effect.
The Four APEP Stages Explained
1. Eligibility Assessment + Cultural Safety Training
This step verifies your education, work history, and basic application requirements. It is essentially checking if you’re eligible to sit the assessments. It also includes Cultural Safety Training to help you understand the Australian healthcare context and cultural expectations.
Tips:
- Ensure all documents are correct before submission. Incomplete files delay processing.
- Allow 2–4 weeks for processing.
2. Written Assessment
This written exam evaluates your clinical knowledge, professional practice understanding, and physiotherapy reasoning across the lifespan and various healthcare settings.
Key points:
- Held remotely or at test centres in cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
- Conducted multiple times per year, with scheduled dates published in advance.
- Fee (2026): $2,017 AUD (₹1,12,952).
Focus on clinical scenarios and Australian practice standards. This isn’t just book knowledge; it’s how to apply physiotherapy principles in real-world contexts.
3. Capability Assessment
The Capability Assessment is a remote clinical reasoning oral exam designed to test your ability to make decisions and communicate key clinical thinking in simulated patient contexts via video call.
Highlights:
- Online and open-book format (remote).
- Includes case discussions and scenario responses similar to what you’d manage in actual practice.
- Fee (2026): $2,928 AUD (₹1,63,968).
4. Clinical Workshop
This is a one-day practical workshop. It is often held in Melbourne, where candidates demonstrate hands-on skills and team performance. It is organised in structured, supervised settings.
- This workshop is designed to be a practical, peer learning environment.
- Fee (2026): $1,464 AUD (₹81,984).
It is important to note that travel and accommodation costs are not included in the APC fee. Plan for flights, lodging, and daily expenses during this stage.
What You Receive at the End
Successfully completing APEP earns you the APC Final Certificate. This is a key requirement for General Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Once registered with AHPRA, you can work independently as a physiotherapist anywhere in Australia. This includes permanent employment opportunities and pathways to permanent residency.
Why APEP Is Better Than the Old Clinical Assessment
The shift to APEP in October 2025 brought critical improvements:
- More remote assessments with only one in-person clinical workshop. This reduces travel and accommodation costs.
- Capability Assessment focuses on clinical reasoning, not just simulation lab skills.
- Provides personalised feedback and structured learning during assessments.
- Shortens overall pathway completion. Many candidates finish in 6 months.
Budgeting And Planning Tips
- Plan ahead. Fees can increase, so submit applications early.
- Add secondary costs. Don’t forget other expenses like AHPRA registration fees, travel, study materials, IELTS or OET, and living expenses if attending workshops.
- Prepare thoroughly. APEP isn’t only about passing exams. It’s about confidently demonstrating clinical competence. Invest in a structured preparation program.
These vary by person but are worth planning for:
| Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) | INR Approx. |
| IELTS / OET | $250–$600 | ₹13,750–₹33,000 |
| Travel to Australia (Workshop) | $1,000–$2,000 | ₹55,000–₹1,10,000 |
| Accommodation (3–5 days) | $400–$900 | ₹22,000–₹49,500 |
| Study materials/courses | $200–$800 | ₹11,000–₹44,000 |
| AHPRA Registration (after APEP) | $860 | ₹47,300 |
Costs like travel, accommodation, and registration depend on city, booking time, and personal choices. So always plan a buffer.
Final Thoughts
The APEP pathway is a great opportunity for international physiotherapists to get into the Australian healthcare workforce. It is structured and transparent. In return for your investment, you will receive a recognised certification that unlocks professional registration and career growth in Australia.
And with Academically’s APEP Preparation Course, your preparation just became 10 times easier. Your journey can be both smooth and cost-efficient. All you need is:
- Early planning
- Targeted preparation
- Clear understanding of fees and timelines
Ready to begin? Plan your APEP application now, factor in the fees, prepare with purpose, and set your sights on a rewarding physiotherapy career in Australia.