Checkout the Masters in Physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 05, 2025 10:53:46
Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (or equivalent, recognized by Saudi authorities)
Transcripts and academic records
English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL – unless the instruction is in Arabic and you're fluent)
Some may require:
Experience in clinical practice
Recommendation letters
Statement of purpose
King Saud University (Riyadh)
King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Dammam)
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (for women)
Many Saudi universities are opening up more to international applicants under government education initiatives.
You may need to apply through the Saudi Ministry of Education scholarship portal or directly to the university.
Some universities offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, housing, monthly stipends, and healthcare.
Some programs are in English, especially at postgraduate levels.
Basic knowledge of Arabic is highly beneficial for living in Saudi Arabia and clinical practice, even if the program is in English.
Collect and verify academic documents (attestation may be needed)
Prove language proficiency
Apply through the university’s admission portal or via a scholarship route
Submit health clearance and passport copies
Wait for university/visa approval
Tuition: Varies by institution but generally affordable compared to Western countries
Cost of Living: Moderate; accommodation may be subsidized in some cases
Scholarships: Many Saudi universities offer scholarships to international students, especially from Muslim countries
One of the top universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers postgraduate degrees in Rehabilitation Sciences, including Physiotherapy.
Home to a well-established College of Applied Medical Sciences.
Offers Master’s programs under the Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences.
Known for having international student programs and scholarships.
Offers postgraduate degrees in Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
Strong clinical training through associated teaching hospitals.
The largest women’s university in the world.
Offers postgraduate programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, including Physiotherapy.
Specialized in health-related programs.
Offers postgraduate degrees in Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences.
Backed by the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs.
Offers postgraduate studies in Physical Therapy.
Located in the western region of Saudi Arabia.
Has a College of Applied Medical Sciences.
Offers programs in Physiotherapy and related fields, with growing interest in postgraduate studies.
Offers programs in Rehabilitation Sciences.
Good option if you’re looking for study near Islamic holy sites.
A Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (or equivalent such as BPT or BSc in Physical Therapy).
The degree must be recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Some universities may require a minimum GPA, often around 2.75/4.0 or equivalent.
If the program is taught in English:
IELTS (typically 5.5–6.5) or TOEFL score is required.
If the program is taught in Arabic:
Proficiency in Arabic is expected or may be tested.
Arabic language knowledge is helpful for clinical placements even if the academic part is in English.
Some programs prefer or require:
1–2 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy.
Valid registration or license from your home country.
You may need to get your academic qualifications evaluated and approved by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
This is to ensure your degree is equivalent to a Saudi bachelor's degree in physiotherapy.
You’ll likely be asked to submit:
Updated CV/Resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2 academic or professional)
Copy of passport
Medical fitness certificate
Academic transcripts & graduation certificate
Some universities may require an interview (in person or online)
Most universities don’t specify an age limit, but applicants are typically under 35 for scholarship purposes.
International students will require a student visa, often processed after official university admission.
2 years (Full-Time)
Most Master’s programs in Physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia are structured to be completed in 2 academic years.
This includes both coursework and a research thesis or clinical project.
Year 1:
Advanced coursework in areas like:
Musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation
Research methodology
Evidence-based physiotherapy
Advanced clinical assessment
Clinical placements or lab-based sessions
Year 2:
Continued specialized coursework
Clinical internships or rotations
Research thesis or capstone project
There are currently no fully online Master's in Physiotherapy programs offered by Saudi universities due to:
The practical and clinical nature of the field.
Requirements for supervised clinical hours, manual therapy training, and patient interaction.
A few universities may offer some coursework online, especially:
Theoretical subjects (e.g., research methods, ethics, basic sciences).
Lectures or seminars in hybrid format.
Clinical skills and practical components are still in-person.
Some Saudi universities offer online or distance programs in related health fields like:
Public health
Health administration
Health education or research
These may appeal to those interested in the academic or research side of physiotherapy.
On-campus program with part-time or evening options (if you're already in Saudi Arabia).
International online MSc in Physiotherapy programs from universities in the UK, Australia, or India (if you’re open to studying abroad or distance learning).
Enroll in a short online certificate or diploma course related to physiotherapy (e.g., orthopedic manual therapy, neuro rehab, sports rehab) while preparing for on-campus Master’s later.
Saudi healthcare licensing authorities (like SCFHS) often require proof of clinical training for degree recognition and licensure.
Universities follow international standards that emphasize hands-on competence.
Fall Semester (September/October)
This is the primary intake for most Master's programs.
Most universities begin accepting applications several months in advance.
Some universities may offer a Spring intake (around February), but this is less common for clinical programs like physiotherapy.
Applications Open: February to April
Deadline: April to June
Admission Decisions: June to August
Classes Start: September or early October
Applications Open: September to November (of the previous year)
Deadline: November to December
Classes Start: January or February
University |
Estimated Tuition Fee (Per Year) |
Total Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
SAR 40,000 – 60,000 |
2 years |
Offers limited seats; scholarships available through government channels. |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
SAR 30,000 – 50,000 |
2 years |
Often offers full scholarships to international students. |
|
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) |
SAR 35,000 – 55,000 |
2 years |
Includes clinical training; strong academic reputation. |
|
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) |
SAR 25,000 – 40,000 |
2 years |
Women only; potential for government-funded seats. |
|
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) |
SAR 40,000 – 65,000 |
2 years |
Advanced facilities; tied to Ministry of National Guard. |
|
Taif University / Jazan University / Others |
SAR 20,000 – 40,000 |
2 years |
Fees vary by specialization and funding availability. |
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost (Per Year) |
2-Year Estimate |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
SAR 30,000 – 60,000 |
SAR 60,000 – 120,000 |
Varies by university; scholarships may reduce this significantly. |
|
Accommodation |
SAR 10,000 – 20,000 |
SAR 20,000 – 40,000 |
University dorms are cheaper; private housing is costlier. |
|
Food & Groceries |
SAR 6,000 – 10,000 |
SAR 12,000 – 20,000 |
Depends on lifestyle and location. |
|
Transportation |
SAR 3,000 – 5,000 |
SAR 6,000 – 10,000 |
Public transport is affordable; cars are common in Saudi Arabia. |
|
Books & Study Materials |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000 |
SAR 2,000 – 4,000 |
Digital resources can reduce this cost. |
|
Health Insurance |
SAR 2,000 – 3,000 |
SAR 4,000 – 6,000 |
Mandatory for international students. |
|
Personal Expenses |
SAR 4,000 – 6,000 |
SAR 8,000 – 12,000 |
Leisure, clothing, mobile plans, etc. |
Without Scholarship:
SAR 112,000 – 212,000 (~USD 30,000 – 56,500)
With Scholarship:
Can be significantly lower or even free, depending on scholarship coverage.
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend (SAR 800–1,200)
Free accommodation or housing allowance
Health insurance
Airfare (initial and return ticket)
Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent (BPT, BSc PT)
Minimum GPA (usually 2.75/4.0 or equivalent)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), if the program is in English
Some programs may require clinical experience (1–2 years)
King Saud University (KSU)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU)
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS)
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s degree certificate |
Must be in Physiotherapy or closely related field |
|
Academic transcripts |
With GPA clearly mentioned |
|
Passport copy |
Valid for at least 6 months |
|
English proficiency test score |
IELTS/TOEFL (if applicable) |
|
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
Academic & clinical background |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Why you're applying + career goals |
|
Recommendation letters (2–3) |
From academic/professional sources |
|
Medical fitness certificate |
From a recognized medical center |
|
Recent passport-size photos |
As per university guidelines |
Visit the university’s official admission portal.
Create an account and fill out the online application form.
Upload all required documents in the specified format.
Some universities may charge an application fee.
The admissions committee reviews your application.
Some programs may include:
Online interview
Written test (rare)
Credential evaluation
Apply for a student visa
Begin enrollment procedures
Arrange for housing and travel
Apply for a Saudi student visa at your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
Submit required documents including passport, medical test results, police clearance, etc.
Once in Saudi Arabia:
Complete on-campus registration
Attend orientation
Start your classes (usually in September/October)
Scholarship Name |
Coverage |
Eligibility |
Offered By |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Saudi Government Scholarship (KSA Grant) |
Full tuition |
Outstanding academic record |
Saudi Ministry of Education (via universities) |
|
King Abdulaziz University Scholarship |
Full tuition |
Open to many nationalities |
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah |
|
King Saud University Graduate Scholarship |
Tuition waiver |
International students with strong GPA and English skills |
King Saud University, Riyadh |
|
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Scholarship |
Tuition fee coverage |
International students (especially from Muslim countries) |
IAU, Dammam |
|
Princess Nourah University Scholarship (Women Only) |
Tuition + housing |
Female international students |
PNU, Riyadh |
|
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship |
Tuition |
Citizens of IsDB member countries |
External (can be used for Saudi studies) |
Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy or equivalent (recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education)
Good academic record (usually GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if program is in English)
Age limit: usually 30–35 years for Master's
Medical fitness
Clean criminal record
Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Neurological Rehabilitation
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Sports Physiotherapy
Work Settings:
Government hospitals (e.g. King Faisal Specialist Hospital, MOH hospitals)
Private hospitals and clinics
Physical rehab centers
Sports medicine clinics
Home healthcare services
Average Salary: SAR 8,000 – 15,000/month (can be higher with experience + certifications)
Lecturer or Teaching Assistant in health sciences universities or colleges
Clinical Educator for physiotherapy students
Requirements:
Strong academic record
Research or thesis experience during your MSc
University research centers
Medical research institutions
Collaborative international research projects
Focus areas may include rehabilitation innovation, chronic pain, stroke recovery, etc.
Rehabilitation Unit Supervisor
Clinical Operations Manager
Rehab Program Coordinator in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers
A Master’s from a recognized Saudi university can also help you:
Apply for licensing exams abroad (e.g. DHA, HAAD, MOH UAE, HCPC UK, CAPR Canada)
Enroll in PhD programs internationally
Work with international hospitals or sports teams
You can:
Open your own physiotherapy or rehabilitation clinic
Offer home-based physiotherapy
Launch a mobile or digital rehab service
Note: You’ll need a license and commercial registration in Saudi Arabia.
To work in Saudi Arabia, you must be licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS):
Pass the Prometric exam for Physiotherapy
Complete DataFlow verification
Register and obtain your Professional Classification & License
Title |
Sector |
|---|---|
|
Senior Physiotherapist |
Hospitals, clinics |
|
Specialist Physical Therapist |
Specialty departments |
|
Rehab Center Manager |
Private sector |
|
Academic Lecturer |
Universities, colleges |
|
Research Assistant/Scientist |
Academic institutions |
|
Sports Physiotherapist |
Sports clubs, athletes |
