Dreaming of working as a physiotherapist in Australia but overwhelmed by the tedious process? There's good news!! A brand-new pathway is here to change that- APEP!
From 1 October 2025, the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) has replaced the older Standard Assessment Pathway. This APEP is faster, more flexible, and mostly remote. It is now easier than ever for internationally trained physiotherapists to qualify for work in Australia.
In this blog, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to APEP. This includes eligibility, assessment stages, updated fees (in both AUD and INR), key dates, and how it compares with the old process.
What is the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP)?
APEP, the abbreviated term for Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway, is the new assessment route designed to make it easier for overseas physiotherapists to qualify for practice in Australia. It’s more flexible, less expensive, and more accessible than the previous system. Most of the steps can be completed from the comfort of your home without having to travel to Australia.
What Makes APEP Different?
| Feature | Standard Pathway (Old) | APEP (New) |
| Remote assessments | Only for Written Assessment | Majority remote |
| Clinical assessment | Yes | No |
| Clinical training | Not included | Yes, in-person workshop |
| Assessment style | Simulations | Oral Scenario-Based |
| Interaction with peers | Minimal | Group sessions and 1-0-1 sessions |
| Cost efficiency | High travel costs | Reduced expenses |
Who Can Apply For APEP?
You can apply if you:
- Have an overseas physiotherapy diploma or degree, and
- Hold an unrestricted registration in your country of training, or
- Can legally practice without restriction (if your country doesn’t have a physio regulatory body).
Do you think you are eligible for the APEP? Let’s check if your qualifications match.
APEP Pathway: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Here’s how the process works from start to finish:
1. Check if you’re Eligible and finish Cultural Safety Training
- You’ll start by submitting your documents to verify that you’re eligible.
- Then, you’ll complete a self-paced online training on cultural safety that is mainly focused on working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- You get awarded with an Interim Certificate.
2. Written Assessment
- You’ll take a multiple-choice exam based on clinical cases.
- It can be taken online (at your home) or at designated test centres.
- Time: Around 4 hours.
3. Capability Assessment (New Format)
- This is a live, one-on-one oral exam, done over video call.
- It's an open-book exam and lasts about 1.5 hours.
- You’ll talk through clinical situations with an Australian physiotherapist to show your knowledge and reasoning.
4. Clinical Workshop (In-Person)
- This is the only part that happens in Australia.
- You’ll spend a full day in Melbourne, training in small groups with experienced physios.
- You can do a little bit of Google search and refer to books to have an idea of what to expect on the test day
- It includes hands-on training, feedback, and skill development.
5. Final Certificate
- Once you complete all stages, you’ll get a Final Certificate.
- This allows you to move ahead with registration and start practicing as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Step 1 → Eligibility Assessment and Cultural Safety Training
↓
Step 2 → Written Assessment
↓
Step 3 → Capability Assessment (1.5h Remote Oral Exam)
↓
Step 4 → Clinical Workshop (Face-to-Face in Melbourne)
↓
Step 5 → Receive Final Certificate → Apply for Registration in Australia
The best way to do this is by enrolling in the best preparation course for the APEP Exam. Well, the best one in town is Academically’s APEP Preparation course. You will get all the resources and guidance you need to pass the exam on the first attempt.
APEP 2026 Fees
| Stage | 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 |
Note: Fortunately, no change in the Fees has been made, making it less expensive as the cost of travel for three clinical exams is reduced, making it user-friendly.
Important Dates to Note For APEP 2026
| Exam dates | Applications open | Application deadline |
| 5 March 2026 | 22 Oct 2025 | 20 Jan 2026 |
| 11 June 2026 | 21 Jan 2026 | 28 Apr 2026 |
| 3 September 2026 | 29 Apr 2026 | 21 Jul 2026 |
| 3 December 2026 | 22 Jul 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 |
Parting Thoughts
For years, international physiotherapists had to navigate a rigid system just to prove they’re competent to work in Australia. Now, with APEP, you get a flexible, fair, and modern route designed to meet you where you are literally.
It doesn’t matter if you’re based in India, Nigeria, the Philippines, or the UK; APEP makes the process more doable and less expensive than before.
Are you ready to take the first step?
Create your profile and apply through the Candidate Portal on the APC website. If you need help, you can reach out to our education advisor from Academically.