“Healthcare is not just about treating illness; it is about restoring dignity, function, and quality of life.”
— Dr. Atul Gawande, Surgeon, Author, Public Health Researcher
Many physiotherapists trained outside Australia feel the idea of working there is distant. Sometimes they feel it is even unrealistic. Not because they lack skills. But it is due to how the pathway seems from afar. Confusing, expensive, and mentally exhausting.
Sameena’s journey proves that it is possible and practical when approached the right way.
Trained in Pakistan, experienced in women’s health physiotherapy, and having worked across different healthcare systems, Sameena recently cleared the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) after completing focused APEP preparation.
Her story reflects what thousands of international physiotherapists go through and what they often misunderstand about Australia, the exam, and the profession itself.
Keep reading because in this blog, we have uncovered everything you need for the APEP exam preparation, how to work as a physiotherapist in Australia, and registration details.
Background of a Physiotherapy Student Who Wants to Settle Abroad
Sameena completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in physiotherapy in Pakistan. She went on to work for several years, mainly in women’s health. She is handling cases related to post-delivery rehabilitation, gynaecological conditions, and manual therapy.
Clinically, she was confident. Professionally, she was committed.
But like many physiotherapists in South Asia, she began to notice a pattern:
- Salaries were low, regardless of experience
- Working hours kept increasing
- Physiotherapy was not taken seriously as a clinical profession
- Career growth required sacrificing personal life
Even in Gulf countries, where systems are more advanced, physiotherapy often remains heavily dependent on electrotherapy. Limited emphasis on exercise-based, evidence-led care would crop up. That contrast pushed Sameena to look towards Australia.
Why Australia is the Best Place to Work for International Physiotherapists
Australia offers something many physiotherapists never truly experience: professional respect combined with balance.
In Australia:
- Physiotherapists follow updated clinical guidelines
- Patient safety and ethics
- Work hours are fixed and respected
- Taking leave does not feel like a favour
Sameena explains that the biggest shift is not just financial. It is the culture shock. Physiotherapists are viewed as clinicians who reason, assess, and make decisions. However, getting there requires clearing the APEP. Let’s get to know.
Is APC Exam’s New Physiotherapy Entry Pathway to Australia Tough?
The APEP is not a memory test. It does not reward advanced jargon or rare conditions. Instead, it tests:
- Fundamentals
- Clinical reasoning
- Patient safety
- Decision-making under pressure
The written exam consists of 120 scenario-based questions and the capability assessment evaluates how safely and logically a candidate manages patients. Sameena had already cleared multiple international licensing exams. Still, she realised quickly that Australia thinks differently. Here, you are expected to:
- Identify red flags early
- Understand why a treatment should not be done
- Communicate clearly with patients
- Follow structured assessment frameworks
Biggest perk? You can complete almost the entire registration process online, sitting at the comfort of your home.
Many candidates do not get it because they go for “advanced topics” while ignoring basics like anatomy, pathology, contraindications, and outcome measures.
APEP Preparation Tips 2026: Prepare for the Australian Physiotherapy Registration Exam
Sameena was not preparing in ideal conditions. She was:
- Managing family responsibilities
- Handling relocation planning
- Carrying the pressure of exam costs
- Aware that failure would mean lost time and money
Random studying was not an option. What worked for her was a structured APEP preparation course, where:
- Topics were broken down logically
- Depth was clearly defined (what is enough, what is unnecessary)
- Clinical scenarios were practised repeatedly
- Exam thinking was trained, not just the content covered
She focused heavily on:
- Musculoskeletal fundamentals
- Neuro and cardiopulmonary basics
- Red flags and patient safety
- Australian-style clinical reasoning
That approach helped her clear the APEP on her first attempt.
Written Exam vs Capability Assessment: Where Candidates Panic
Sameena points out an important difference. In the written exam, you can rethink answers. In the following assessment, you cannot. The capability assessment is time-bound and reaction-based. You must:
- Recognise red flags instantly
- Educate patients clearly
- Show safe clinical judgement
This is where many experienced physiotherapists struggle, not because they lack knowledge, but because they are not trained to think the Australian way.
Life After Clearing APEP: The Reality of Working in Australia
After clearing APEP, Sameena noticed immediate differences in professional life. Work culture in Australia values:
- Boundaries
- Ethics
- Documentation
- Team communication
Overtime is not casually expected. Leave is normal, not questioned.
She also highlights that female physiotherapists are safe in Australia. They plan sensibly, choosing the right area, housing, and social circle. Australia is multicultural, and international healthcare professionals are common across hospitals and clinics.
Can I Clear the Australian Physiotherapy Registration Exam Easily?
Sameena strongly advises against shortcut routes. Many candidates try to:
- Bypass exams
- Enter through indirect registrations
- “Figure it out after landing.”
According to her experience, this leads to:
- Low salaries
- Job insecurity
- Poor confidence
- Difficulty surviving in the system
Her belief is clear:
“The proper pathway may take longer, but it protects your career, dignity, and confidence.”
Sameena’s Message to Future APEP Aspirants
Australia does not reward shortcuts. It rewards preparation, patience, and professionalism. The APEP is not just another licensure pathway. It is a filter that ensures physiotherapists entering the system are safe, ethical, and competent.
If you are willing to build strong fundamentals and follow the correct path, Australia offers a career that is stable, respectful, and sustainable. Sameena’s success is not luck.
It is the result of doing things the right way.
Want to settle in Australia as a licensed physiotherapist?