Bachelor in Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences

Are you fascinated by the human body and eager to work with people? Do you want to learn everything about how that fascinating musculoskeletal system functions? Then, studying physiotherapy is the right choice for you. As a physiotherapist, you will provide care and support to individuals facing health issues related to the musculoskeletal system and movement (dys)functions.

Healthcare delivery is becoming increasingly complex and demands a high level of expertise. University-educated physiotherapists are exceptionally equipped to meet the challenges of a complex and evolving healthcare landscape. They serve as full-fledged partners in integrated and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. This program prepares you through a dual role: both as a practicing physiotherapist and a scientific researcher. This opens doors to broader career perspectives.

From the beginning of the program, we challenge you to think critically and delve into the backgrounds of both professional and academic issues. You are not only trained in the 'what' but also the 'how' and 'why'. This enables you to develop a deeper understanding and the ability to apply both practical and scientific approaches.

The benefits of this program

• You will receive top-level training, with a strong curriculum, taught by passionate teachers who are experts in their field
• You not only study the theory, you also gain many practical skills
• You get the most out of your pre-university education diploma because we challenge you to deepen your knowledge
• You will receive lessons in small work and practice groups, with personal attention. Lectures are incidental
• Thanks to your professional and academic competencies, you have plenty of promising high-level career opportunities

After completing the bachelor's program, you will have acquired a solid foundation to evolve into a competent health professional capable of enhancing the physical well-being and quality of life for patients, while also contributing to the scientific underpinning of the physiotherapy profession. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the certificate: BSc in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences.

After succesful graduation at SOMT in Amersfoort, you can proceed to the University of Maastricht for the linked 1-year master's program in Human Movement Sciences with a specialization in physiotherapy, offered by the Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences. Graduates of the bachelor program are accepted directly into this affiliated master program. With these two degrees one can apply for the Dutch BIG-register, off note is that the BIG-register requires for physiotherapists a Dutch language proficiency at B2 level. The requirements to work as a physiotherapist in a specific country are determined by that country.

Program structure, course overview and progress

Admission requirements

• EU students with a diploma equivalent to a Dutch vwo diploma level (NLQF 4+, EQF 4) are eligible
• Non-EU students with a permanent residence permit within the EU are also permissible
• The diploma must include biology and mathematics, and English *
• A matching interview is part of the admission process. We highly recommend that you attend an (online) open day.

*or English language certificate: IELTS overall score minimum of 6.0; TOEFL iBT minimum score of 80; TOEIC: Listening and Reading 670 & Speaking and Writing 290; Cambridge Assessment English: First (FCE) – Grade B (scale 173-175), first (FCE) – Grade C (scale 169-172)

You can compare your country diploma level with the Dutch vwo diploma level via Nuffic. If you cannot find the level of your diploma, you can request a level comparison via IDW

If you do not meet our above requirements, your application must be approved by our Exam Committee.

Student housing

Amersfoort is a nice little city nearby Utrecht and not too far from Amsterdam. Housing in the Netherlands is severely limited and expensive. We advise you to start your search for housing as soon as possible.

The renovation of student housing on the campus is in full swing, we expect it to be completed by September 2024.

Career opportunities

A physiotherapist addresses a wide range of issues, such as treating athletes with injuries or individuals experiencing back pain, shoulder pain, or osteoarthritis. Other examples include rehabilitation after surgery or a stroke, or working with individuals with COPD, Parkinson's, or MS. With this education, you have diverse career perspectives. In addition to working as an physiotherapist, there are also opportunities as a healthcare researcher, doctoral candidate, educator in healthcare education, and roles within healthcare policy or management.

The institutional tuition fee for the bachelor program is 12,900 euros per year. It is possible to apply for a grant to be supported in an international apprenticeship or as a volunteer. You can find more information on the Erasmus-plus website. Another grant possibility is the Erasmus fund via the European Solidarity corps.

International office

For all your questions about living and studying in the Netherlands you can ask our international office Manager: Eelko Barnhoorn

You must have health insurance when coming to the Netherlands. Find out what applies to you and if you need to take out local Dutch insurance. After your arrival in the Netherlands, it's highly convenient to initiate the process of opening a Dutch bank account. Upon opening such an account, you'll receive a debit card that allows for easy and free-of-charge transactions at supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. All residents in the Netherlands for over four months are required to register with the municipality (gemeente" in Dutch). This straightforward process, conducted at your local municipality office in the town of residence, entails no additional fees. Registration must be completed in person and can only occur on or after the start date of your rental contract, not prior to this date.