If you have a diploma in physiotherapy (or other qualification or certificate allowing the practice of the profession of physiotherapist) obtained outside a Member State of the European Union, you can apply to the Institutes through a special procedure and obtain exemptions from schooling.

To do this, you must submit an application to the institutes of your choice. You will find the list of required documents by clicking here .

Here you will find the list of training centers. You will need to visit the center's website to:

• check whether a registration procedure exists for people with a non-EU diploma.
• find out about registration dates,
• then download and send the registration form.

The training is divided into two cycles of two years:

• the first cycle is devoted to the fundamentals, to the engineering of physiotherapy and to transversal knowledge (English, methodology, for example)
• the second is more professionalizing (in-depth study of the previous themes and preparation for the practice).

At the end of the state diploma, you will obtain 240 credits from your institute training and 60 credits from your previous university year.

Funding: there are several scholarships to fund your studies:

• Scholarships can be requested from the local Mission if you are under 25 years old.
• If you have already worked, you can get help from Pôle Emploi.
• The Region can also fund a monthly grant for paramedical professions. For Île-de-France, you will find the necessary information here.

Funding for training by the region

The training can be funded by the Region, particularly for certain groups such as RSA beneficiaries or job seekers, according to the rules specific to each region.

Regional funding is usually paid directly to the training provider. To find out if you are eligible for this funding, it is important to contact the training institute directly.

France Travail Assistance

In certain situations, France Travail can provide various forms of assistance to people who have worked and contributed for at least six months. The programs and amounts may vary depending on the region.

You can find information on allowances and training assistance from France Travail here.

Costs to expect

Even when the training is funded, you may still have some costs to pay:

• University registration fees: €175 for undergraduate studies, €250 for graduate studies (2024-2025 rates)
• CVEC (Student and Campus Life Contribution): €105 (2025). Refugees are exempt from this fee. Some universities also offer tuition fee waivers.

After obtaining your physiotherapy degree, several possibilities are open to you.

You can work as a freelancer or as an employee and specialize in areas such as sports or thalassotherapy. In a solo or shared practice, or in a public or private healthcare center, physiotherapists often work with other healthcare professionals (doctors, educators, occupational therapists, etc.).

In hospitals, after four years of professional experience, you can prepare for the health management diploma in one year or the director of care diploma in two years.