Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP): Complete Guide 2025

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Created On : Aug 08, 2025 Updated On : Aug 08, 2025 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Get to know what APEP is and how it replaces the Standard Assessment Pathway
  • Learn the process to become a registered physiotherapist in Australia
  • Explore the new remote Capability Assessment and in-person Clinical Workshop
  • Check APEP eligibility criteria for international physiotherapists
  • Get the complete fee breakdown in both AUD and INR

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) will replace 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, short 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 wherever you are, except for one workshop in Melbourne.

It’s being rolled out by the Australian Physiotherapy Council, and it’s replacing the older Standard Assessment Pathway from 1 October 2025

What Makes APEP Different?

FeatureStandard Pathway (Old)APEP (New)
Remote assessmentsOnly for Written AssessmentMajority remote
Clinical assessmentYesNo
Clinical trainingNot includedYes, in-person workshop
Assessment styleSimulationsOral Scenario Based
Interaction with peersMinimalGroup sessions and 1-0-1 sessions
Cost efficiencyHigh travel costsReduced 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? Join our upcoming webinar to clear all your doubts and explore global opportunities.

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 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  

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Step 3 → Capability Assessment (1.5h Remote Oral Exam)  

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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 APC Preparation course. You will get all the resources and guidance you need to pass the exam on the first attempt.

APEP 2025 Fees

StageCost (AUD)Approx. Cost (INR)
Eligibility Assessment$1,136₹63,616
Cultural Safety Training$228₹12,768
Written Assessment$1,958₹1,09,648
Capability Assessment$2,842₹1,59,152
Clinical Workshop$1,421₹79,576
Total$7,585₹4,24,760

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

What’s HappeningDate
Candidate resources availableEarly September 2025
APEP officially opens1 October 2025
First bookings for assessmentsFrom 1 October 2025
End of current Clinical AssessmentsLate October 2025

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 official website. If you need help, you can reach out to our education advisor from Academically.

FAQs

Q. What is the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP)?

A. APEP is a new assessment pathway launched by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. It is for internationally qualified physiotherapists to work in Australia. It is replacing the Standard Assessment Pathway from 1 October 2025.

Q. When will APEP start?

A. The Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) will start from 1 October 2025.

Q. Who is eligible to apply for APEP?

A. To apply for APEP, you must have an overseas physiotherapy diploma or degree. You should hold unrestricted registration in your country of training or be legally allowed to practice without restrictions.

Q. Do I need to travel to Australia for APEP?

A. Yes, only for the Clinical Workshop. It is a one-day, face-to-face training and assessment session held in Melbourne. All other stages of APEP are conducted remotely.

Q. What is the Capability Assessment in APEP?

A. The Capability Assessment is a 1.5-hour open-book oral exam conducted live via video call. It assesses your clinical reasoning and communication skills in real-world physiotherapy scenarios.

Q. What are the total fees for APEP in 2025?

A. The total cost for APEP is AUD $7,585 as of July 2025. This includes eligibility checks, cultural safety training, written and capability assessments, and the clinical workshop. Approximate cost in INR is ₹4,24,760.

Q. What happens to candidates already on the Standard Assessment Pathway?

A. Current candidates on the Standard Assessment Pathway will receive an email from the Council explaining transition options. They may choose to complete the current process or switch to APEP.

Q. Is there any advantage of this new APEP pathway?

Yes, the entire pathway of becoming a physiotherapist has become simpler with reduced assessments, that too from the comfort of your home and a 1 day workshop in Australia that brings you closer to the work culture.
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.