I saw this debate pop up again recently, and it immediately took me back to my PhD days in Australia. Back then, one of my closest friends was doing his PhD alongside me: same dreams, same ambitions, same late-night research struggles. But after graduation, our paths split. He accepted a job offer in Canada, packed his bags with enthusiasm, and moved there.
Six months later, he called me with a tone that was somewhere between frustration and frostbite. Canada’s extreme cold wasn’t just uncomfortable. It changed his daily routine, mood, social life, and motivation.
Long, freezing winters meant staying indoors, commuting through ice, and dragging himself through work with little sunlight to lean on.
Not long after, he moved back to Australia. And that experience perfectly sums up why Australia consistently becomes the better choice for healthcare professionals.
Weather: The Big, Icy Elephant in the Room
Canada’s weather isn’t just “cold.” It’s extreme. It affects how you feel, how you work, how easily you integrate into the community, and even how often you leave the house. For physiotherapists, who thrive in active, people-facing environments, this matters.
Australia, on the other hand, feels like home for most Indian physiotherapists.
• Warm weather
• Sunny days
• Outdoor lifestyle
• Beaches and parks that actually invite you out
Your lifestyle plays a huge part in your long-term happiness, and Australia makes settling in feel natural.
Licensing: One Country Makes It Simple, One Makes It Stressful
Canada’s licensing pathway can be quite challenging for internationally trained physiotherapists. The process involves multiple steps, requires thorough preparation, and often takes a considerable amount of time to complete. Many professionals find that it naturally slows down their transition into full-scope practice, simply because the system is more structured and demanding compared to other countries.
Australia’s pathway? Much simpler, more predictable, and far friendlier to international applicants. You complete the APC process, take the exams, and once you pass, you’re ready to step into the workforce.
And the best part?
You can take the exam while sitting in your home country, which saves thousands of dollars and months of travel stress.
Career Opportunities & Demand
Australia has a massive, long-term demand for physiotherapists across:
• Private practice
• Hospitals
• Musculoskeletal rehab centres
• Sports clinics
• Community health
• Geriatric care
This high demand translates into faster job placements, better salaries, and more career growth. Canada also has demand, but not at the same scale, and the licensing process slows you down before you even start working.
Have you ever seen a government-backed body actively advertising for physiotherapists to come to their country?
The Australian Physiotherapy Council is doing precisely that because physios are in a critical shortage, which makes getting PR and settling in Australia easier than ever.
Safety & Quality of Life
Australia is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Whether you are a woman migrating alone, a student, or someone moving with parents, this matters. Public transport is safe, cities are welcoming, and communities are diverse and friendly.
A Clearer PR Pathway
Another advantage is Australia’s transparent and relatively straightforward PR options for physiotherapists. With high demand and consistent immigration pathways, settling down becomes easier and faster.
So, Why Choose Australia?
From weather to licensing, from demand to safety, from PR to lifestyle, Australia simply offers a smoother, happier, and more stable journey for physiotherapists. My friend’s experience wasn’t uncommon. Many healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists who try to immigrate to Canada, eventually face similar challenges and reconsider their options.
To make the journey even smoother, my team of APC-qualified physiotherapists has curated a comprehensive APEP exam preparation course, designed to help you clear the process with confidence and step into your Australian physiotherapy career faster.
If you want a country where you can build your career, enjoy life, stay active, feel safe, and actually see sunlight for most of the year, Australia makes that possible.
And sometimes, one real story is enough to show the difference.