Frequently Asked Questions: Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy

Alma Mater Europaea is based in Slovenia, with its main headquarters in Maribor and an additional campus in Koper.

At the Maribor campus, classes for the Physiotherapy degree program are conducted in English. This campus was established specifically for Italian students and has an administrative office that provides support in Slovenian and English throughout the entire educational period, from enrollment to licensure, handling bureaucratic matters as well.

Physiotherapy is one of the most in-demand study programs in Slovenia. Numerous studies conducted across Europe and in Slovenia indicate a significant shortage of physiotherapy graduates and numerous job opportunities in Slovenia and neighboring countries. The study program aligns with the needs of the European population, aiming to reduce healthcare and rehabilitation costs while ensuring a solid foundation for effective and high-quality physiotherapy work.

The primary goal of the program is to train candidates to obtain a degree in physiotherapy. The training focuses on acquiring the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to provide high-quality professional services in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of adults and children. Graduates will be able to practice their profession in public and private healthcare institutions at both primary and secondary levels, as well as in community settings.

The Physiotherapy study program is accredited for the education and training of highly qualified professionals in the field of physiotherapy. The accreditation decision is available on the website.

Degrees from all Alma Mater study programs are recognized both in EU member states and worldwide.

The Physiotherapy study program lasts 3 years, awarding 180 ECTS credits. At the end of the program 6 months internship (in your country) must be attended before the state exam.

All classes at Alma Mater begin in October, but exact dates vary by study program.

Yes. Attendance at lectures and exercises is mandatory for Alma Mater students, including online theoretical classes and the required internship hours each year (internship will be attended in your country).

All the program is in English Language. Theoretical classes and exams are conducted online. Practical classes are conducted in person from Thursday to Sunday at the Maribor campus (Slovenia), with 100% mandatory attendance. Practical exams are also held in person at the Maribor campus. Internship is organized in your country.

Classes are conducted in English language.

Alma Mater offers part-time study programs, which are condensed in terms of time and content compared to full-time programs. The university utilizes advanced IT technology (e-student record book, email, SMS messaging), and all lectures are recorded for later review.

Yes, Alma Mater students have student status.

Alma Mater uses modern ICT (e-student record book, online classrooms, email, SMS) combining live lectures, video conferencing, recorded lessons, electronic communication, and electronic study materials.

Yes, Alma Mater has a tutoring system to support new students in their transition from learning to studying.

Students gain competencies to practice physiotherapy independently, document patient conditions, select and apply physiotherapy methods, and contribute to the profession’s development.

Clinical teaching involves active student participation in study groups, integrating theoretical knowledge into practical experience.

Physiotherapy students complete 920 hours of internship in accredited European healthcare institutions. At the end of the 3 years students will attend an additional 6 months internship before the state exams

The awarded title is Licensed Physiotherapist in Slovenia.

No, there is no entrance exam. However, it is advisable to complete the enrollment process as soon as possible to secure a place within the maximum number of students allowed each academic year.

To enroll at Alma Mater, you need to:

  1. Complete the online pre-registration form on the eVŠ portal of the Slovenian Ministry, which is non-binding and completely free.
  2. Wait for a confirmation email from Alma Mater's administration office.
  3. Proceed with the actual enrollment following the instructions contained in the email from Alma Mater with all the details for finalizing the registration.

Yes. The tuition fee can be paid in one, two, or five installments. In the case of installment payments, an administrative fee of €20 is added to each installment. No interests are applied.

In addition to the tuition fee, students must pay an admission fee of €100 for each academic year and a one-time fee of €50 for the issuance of the Record Book of Knowledge and Competences.

Yes. Tuition fees can also be paid by a legal entity.

After graduation, according to the law of the Republic of Slovenia, the professional qualification is acquired after completing a postgraduate internship lasting six months, followed by passing the State Exam with the assistance of an interpreter.

The requirement for a postgraduate internship is regulated by Slovenian law. The healthcare facility where the student will complete the internship submits a request to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia, along with the internship program. Once approved, the six-month postgraduate internship begins, after which the student can register for the State Exam at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia.

The staff and faculty of Alma Mater assist students throughout the application and preparation process for the exam.

Yes, Alma Mater offers a Preparation Course for the Licensing Exam to support graduate physiotherapists in preparing for the exam and submitting the necessary documentation.

The course is not mandatory, and students can prepare for the exam independently (many have done so and passed successfully).

The cost of the course and that of the interpreter for the exam are the responsibility of each student.

The new Article 63.a of May 28, 2020, states:
"Graduates who complete their studies in the Republic of Slovenia in a language other than Slovenian may take the State Exam with the assistance of an interpreter."

The costs of the interpreter are covered by the candidate.

After passing the State Exam in Slovenia, the student must apply for recognition of their qualification in their country.

For specific information regarding the recognition of qualifications in Italy, students must contact the local authorities.

You can find more information about European regulations at this website: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/european-professional-card/index_en.htm

Yes, students must request the recognition of the Slovenian qualification at the other country local authorities.

In countries where the profession of physiotherapist is regulated by law, such as Slovenia, graduates must obtain a professional qualification (not just a degree) to practice. This is in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC.

This link can help you understand the process: https://www.erwcpt.eu/eu-mobility