Who can apply?
To apply for registration as a New Zealand graduate, you must have successfully completed one of the following qualifications:
Auckland University of Technology
- Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
- Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy Honours)
- Master of Physiotherapy Practice
University of Auckland
- Master of Physiotherapy Practice
University of Otago
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours
Waikato Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours
All applications for registration are assessed against the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa | New Zealand.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- *Passport or Birth Certificate
- *Evidence of Name Change (if applicable)
- *Degree or Academic Transcript from your New Zealand qualification
- *† Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) from your university
Applicants who hold an accredited New Zealand physiotherapy qualification, but who have practised physiotherapy overseas prior to applying for registration in New Zealand, must also supply a Certificate of Good Standing from the overseas jurisdiction in which they have practised.
- *† Police Certificates from any country you lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years since the age of 18
* Document must be certified or sent directly to [email protected] by the issuing authority
† Document must be less than three months old on the date you submit your application
What is the assessment process for this application?
Phase 1: Initial Review
After you submit your application, we will review it for completeness. If documents or evidence are missing or we have concerns about your eligibility, we will email you for further information before your application is sent on for processing.
If your application does not meet criteria for any reason, one of the following will occur:
- You are given the opportunity to Withdraw your application.
- Your application is Returned.
- We propose to Decline your application.
If your application meets criteria, it is put forward for Registration.
Phase 2: Registration
Applications deemed to meet the minimum requirement for registration are sent to our Registrar for approval. Once this is completed you will receive an email confirmation.
What happens after registration is granted?
Annual Practicing Certificate
Once you have obtained registration with the Board, you will then need to apply for an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) to be legally allowed to practise as a Physiotherapist in Aotearoa | New Zealand. This includes you advising us when you last legally practised as a Physiotherapist, as outlined in the Recency of Practice Requirements.
You cannot practice until you have received an Annual Practicing Certificate.
First time registered New Zealand qualified applicants receive an APC at no additional cost for the remainder of the practising year in which they completed their course. Applicants who apply after 31st March of the year following successful course completion are required to pay the currently prescribed fee for the issue of an APC.
The Public Register of Physiotherapists
If you are registered, some of your details will be added to the New Zealand Register of Physiotherapists. The register is available for the public to view on the Board’s website and lists all physiotherapists who are registered in New Zealand, whether the physiotherapist holds a current Annual Practising Certificate and any applied conditions.
Health Practitioner Index (HPI) Number
After registration, you will be issued a Health Practitioner Index (HPI) number by the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health. HPI numbers uniquely identify every health professional currently practising in New Zealand.
What does the application cost?
Please refer to our Fees Schedule here. Please note that the application fee is non‐refundable.
How long does it take?
Once all of the correct, required documents are received, New Zealand graduate applications for this pathway are taking on average 1–2 weeks to process. Please note these timeframes are subject to change.
To avoid delays in processing your application ensure you include all the required information. Your application may be declined or returned for further work if it is not complete.
How do I apply?
All applications need to be submitted through the MyPBNZ portal. To use this portal, you need to first create an account and profile. Please see more information in our MyPBNZ guide.
If you have any questions, please see our comprehensive help page.