Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, focuses on helping people improve movement and manage pain after illness, injury, disability, or other health conditions. Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages. Common physical therapy interventions include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, functional training, assistive devices, and patient education.
Physical therapists or physiotherapists are licensed health care providers who examine, diagnose, and treat movement-related conditions. After completing the required professional education and licensure or registration process, graduates may work in hospitals, private clinics, patients’ homes, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other health care settings. In this article, we will take a look at several leading schools for physical therapy in the world!
Top Physical Therapy Schools in the World
1. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware (UD) is one of the USA’s oldest universities and a well-regarded school for physical therapy. Its roots date back to 1743. Presently, the university has more than 24,000 students and more than 4,700 employees. Furthermore, it offers 150+ majors and minors and 250+ graduate and post-baccalaureate programs.
UD’s Department of Physical Therapy offers a 2.5-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, postgraduate residency and fellowship programs, and interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in Biomechanics and Movement Science and Neuroscience. The university states that its DPT program is ranked No. 1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
2. University of Pittsburgh
Situated in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a state-related research university established in 1787. Pitt’s university system includes the Pittsburgh campus and four regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville. The Pittsburgh campus offers programs housed in 16 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.
At Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Department of Physical Therapy offers a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and a combined DPT/Ph.D. in Bioengineering. The DPT program is offered in both residential and hybrid formats and is currently ranked No. 1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, according to Pitt.
3. University of Southern California
Located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) first opened in 1880. Today, USC is home to more than 48,000 students and more than 4,400 full-time faculty members.
USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) pathways, an MS in Biokinesiology, an MS in Biokinesiology with a Sports Science emphasis, and a Ph.D. in Biokinesiology. The DPT program is available in residential and hybrid formats.
4. University of Toronto
Located in Toronto, Canada, the University of Toronto is a public research university founded in 1827. The institution is also known as U of T or UToronto. When it was first established, it was known as King’s College. Today, it is one of Canada’s most prominent research universities.
U of T’s Department of Physical Therapy has a long history. The university states that physical therapy at U of T is the oldest program of its kind in Canada, with classes in remedial exercise first held on campus in 1917 and a two-year diploma program beginning under the university’s official auspices in 1929. Aside from its MScPT and research pathways, the department also offers the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapist Bridging (OIEPB) Program for internationally educated physiotherapists working toward Canadian entry-to-practice requirements.
5. University of Sydney
The University of Sydney (USYD) is a public research university in Australia and a recognized institution for physiotherapy. It was founded in 1850 and is Australia’s oldest university. According to the university, it is ranked in the global top 25 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and first in Australia in the U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025–2026 ranking.
USYD offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in physiotherapy through the Faculty of Medicine and Health. These include the Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) and the Doctor of Physiotherapy, with research pathways including the Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine and Health. The university states that its physiotherapy courses are accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC), which qualifies graduates to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and practice as physiotherapists in Australia.
6. Emory University
Emory University is a private research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia, as Emory College and moved to Atlanta in 1915. Today, Emory has two main campuses: one in Atlanta and one in Oxford, Georgia, where Oxford College is located.
Emory University’s School of Medicine has a Division of Physical Therapy that offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), a dual DPT/Ph.D. with Georgia Tech, DPT/MPH, DPT/MBA, DPT/MA-Bioethics, and residency training programs. Beginning in fall 2027, Emory’s DPT program is scheduled to launch a redesigned curriculum that shortens the time to degree and reduces overall cost.
7. The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a public university in Brisbane, Australia. It was established through a 1909 Act of State Parliament and officially founded in 1910. UQ’s main campus is at St Lucia, with additional campuses and locations including Gatton, Herston, and Dutton Park.
UQ’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences teaches and conducts research in audiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech pathology. In physiotherapy, UQ offers a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), a Master of Physiotherapy Studies, and research higher degree pathways including the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
FAQs about Studying Physical Therapy
What is the Highest Degree in Physical Therapy?
For entry into the physical therapy profession in the United States, physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and must be licensed. Students who want to pursue academic or research careers may also continue into research-focused doctoral pathways, such as a Ph.D., depending on the university and country.
Is Physical Therapy a Good Career Path to Follow?
A career in physical therapy can be a strong choice for people interested in health care, movement science, rehabilitation, and helping others. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that physical therapists had a median annual wage of $101,020 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Physical therapists may work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, home health care, and nursing homes.
We hope that this article on the Best Therapy Schools in the World was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
