Meet Sandhya – a skilled and resilient physiotherapist from Nepal. She is now proudly living and working in regional Australia in a physiotherapy private practice clinic.
Her journey spans graduating in Nepal, passing her Australian Written and Clinical Assessments, and earning her Final Certificate to practice as an Australian physiotherapist.
Sandhya’s story reflects not only clinical capability but also the strength, adaptability, and commitment required to thrive in a new environment. She is a valuable addition to Australia’s physiotherapy workforce, bringing cultural insight, global experience, and a passion for patient care.
Read why Sandhya choose to come to Australia, and how she navigated a path to success.
Why did you choose Australia?
I had learned about Australia from my sister who was already here. She encouraged me that it was not only a great country to live in, but that I could also bring my professional physiotherapy capability and work in Australia.
Being a new graduate, I knew I wanted to take the next step in my physiotherapy career.
Can you share a little bit about your assessment journey?
I decided I wanted to sit the Written Assessment in person, rather than remotely.
Taking any exam is extremely nerve wracking, but I passed the Written Assessment the first time, probably because I had recently graduated from my university studies and so my broad knowledge was easy to recall.
After this I received my Interim Certificate from the Council and was able to gain Limited Registration to work under supervision.
Before I came to Australia, I wasn’t aware of Limited Registration and opportunities to work in roles such as a physiotherapy assistant.
What difference did you find working as a physiotherapist in Australia?
In Australia, physiotherapists communicate differently with their patients. We need to be able to explain the patient’s treatment, to educate them on their own health and coach them to continue their treatment plan between appointments.
What are some learnings you can share working as a physio in Australia?
I knew that I needed to secure a job in Australia to help me learn the culture, language and communication techniques needed to interact with and educate my patients.
Finding a job wasn’t easy, especially at the start of the year.
My first role was working in Geelong (large regional city) as a physiotherapy assistant under Limited Registration.
This was pivotal in preparing me for becoming a fully registered physiotherapist by giving me insight into the ways of working of Australian physios.
What tips do you have to anyone wanting to become a physio from overseas in Australia?
- Find a limited registration employer – I was fortunate enough to find a paid job as a physio with an employer willing to supervise me on limited registration, where I’m now working as a full physiotherapist in regional Victoria.
- Get an APC Final Certificate, this will give you the most favourable edge at being a top international candidate to employers.
- Use the Council’s resources, I found the videos, and marking rubric forms Clinical Assessment Marking Criteria very helpful.
- When preparing for exams, it’s important to practice and prepare, but I achieved best results when I didn’t over prepare and was able to keep a calm mindset.
- Try to approach the assessment, not like an exam but as if you were treating a real patient in front of you.
- Be disciplined and committed to becoming a physio in Australia. Stay the course, don’t get discouraged.
- Practice English skills and communication to meet the needs of working in Australia.
- Be mindful that registration (with Ahpra) is needed to work as a physiotherapist in Australia.
- Most international physiotherapists also need to obtain a relevant visa (from Department of Home Affairs), which depends on your circumstances.
