Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor in Physiotherapy
Enschede, Netherlands
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,694 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* For non-EU/EEA students tuition fee: € 9360/year
Key Summary
Do you think movement is important? And do you like working with all sorts of people? Does it appeal to you to motivate and stimulate others to make exercise a regular part of their lives so they stay fit and healthy as long as possible and can continue to participate in work, sports, and society? Then physiotherapy is the program for you!
Internships from the very first year
Put the theory you learn during your training into practice straight away. In that way, you see the true value of all you are learning!
The latest technology
At Saxion we have an ultra-modern Health and Wellbeing Lab. It provides the opportunity for you to work with the latest 3D motion analysis systems, trace your muscles and tendons with ultrasound, and test your condition in the physical exertion lab.
Go international!
With at least 32 nationalities in the first year, you get an international perspective on the profession. Moreover, by working together with Dutch students, you gain a broad perspective on the profession and learn to deal with diversity as a physiotherapist.
Meet Saxion online, on campus or in your home country
We are proud to offer scholarships to talented non-EU/EEA students that apply for a bachelor’s or master’s programme for the September intake.
For first-year students
NL Scholarship (NLS)
A scholarship meant for non-EU/EEA students who pay the full institutional tuition fee, and meet the specific requirements: a GPA of 80% or higher and an IELTS 7.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to € 5,000. You will receive this in the first year of your studies.
Saxion Talent Scholarship (STS)
A scholarship meant for non-EU/EEA students who apply for a Bachelor programme, pay the full institutional tuition fee and meet the specific requirements: a GPA of 75% or higher and an IELTS 6.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to € 2,500. You will receive this in the first year of your studies.
First Year
Introduction to the human body and patient care
The first academic year includes a lot of theory, including the Latin names for muscles and bones. That means quite a bit of rote memorization. You also have practical lessons in which you begin investigating and treating a client, and you do an internship for half a day per week. So there's plenty of variety!
Practical lessons
You probably understand that you will be very busy during the physiotherapy program. With the theory, of course, but above all spending a lot of time practicing. The best way to do this is physically, which means on each other! By playing each other's patients, you help each other and yourself. So don't be surprised to find yourself walking around in your underwear during some of the practical lessons!
Important Themes
During your training, you will attend lectures and seminars, and you will carry out research assignments on the following themes:
Prevention
Living a healthy lifestyle with sports
Participation
Staying healthy at work
Vitality/chronicity
Resilience in aging
First-year courses
- Pathology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Communication
- Biomechanics
- Psychology skills training: Investigation and treatment
- Promoting health
- Internship
Second Year
Theory and practice
In the second year, you will begin to apply the theory more and more in practice. You will work on projects in groups and do an internship one day a week.
Second-year courses
- Orthopedics
- Central neurological disorders
- Entrepreneurship
- Applied research
- Skills training: Investigation and treatment
- Heart, vascular, lung, and internal disorders
- Promoting health
- Innovation project
- Internship
Third Year
Your minor and more!
During the third year, you will work on your minor for half a year and spend half a year taking classes. The education in the third year takes the form of a serious game. Real-world work in this field will be simulated, and you will complete interdisciplinary assignments, working with students from other programs, such as Nursing and Podiatry.
Fourth Year
Internships and graduation project
This is the last year of your program of study. Time to graduate! You will complete two practical internships and work on your graduation project, which will involve a client from the professional practice. Your final assessment is based on innovativeness and research.
This study programme is officially accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), ensuring recognised quality and academic standards across Europe.
The broad field of work
Physical therapy is a broad field, and therefore you can work for various types of organizations: nursing or care homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clubs, or occupational health and safety services. Of course, you can also start your practice, or perhaps you will choose to work abroad.
Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions you will make. At Saxion University of Applied Sciences, students from all over the world come together to learn, grow and prepare for their future careers. But what makes Saxion stand out?
Practical education that prepares you for real life
At Saxion, learning goes beyond the classroom. Every study programme is built around real-world experience. You will work on projects with companies, complete internships, and apply theory to practical situations. This hands-on approach helps you develop the skills employers look for and prepares you for a strong start in your career.
Personal attention and support
Saxion is known for its personal and supportive learning environment. Teachers and staff are approachable and genuinely care about your progress. From the first day, you will be part of a close community where you can easily ask questions, get guidance and connect with others.
Smooth landing in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but Saxion helps you every step of the way. Our onboarding programme helps international students settle in quickly, make friends, and understand Dutch culture. From practical help with housing to fun introduction activities, you will feel at home in no time.
Career counselling and future opportunities
Your future starts here. Saxion offers free career counselling to help you prepare for life after graduation. You can attend LinkedIn workshops, get a free professional photo taken, and learn how to present yourself to employers. With strong links to companies across the Netherlands and Europe, many students find work placements and job opportunities through Saxion’s network.
Affordable housing and save cities
Saxion’s campuses are located in Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn, friendly cities with affordable housing and plenty of opportunities for student life. Whether you enjoy a lively nightlife or peaceful nature, you will find both here. Enschede has even been voted one of the best student cities in the Netherlands.