Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences

The only university-level bachelor’s programme in physiotherapy in the Netherlands

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences at SOMT University of Physiotherapy is unique in the Netherlands. This full-time university programme combines science, healthcare, and human interaction. You will not only learn how to treat, but also how to research, analyse, and innovate — always directly connected to professional practice.

After three years, you will have a solid academic foundation that provides direct access to the Master of Human Movement Sciences (specialisation Physiotherapy) at Maastricht University.

Why choose this bachelor's programme?

  • The only university-level bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy in the Netherlands
  • Scientifically trained and qualified to treat patients, combining academic thinking with clinical skills
  • Alternative to Human Movement Sciences, with direct application in patient care
  • Accredited programme at EQF/EKK level 6 (NVAO)
  • Three-year, full-time study programme, taught in English (with some Dutch-taught modules)
  • Intensive supervision in small groups with a personal approach
  • Suitable for students not admitted to Medicine, with additional modules toward a medical pathway
  • Mathematics A is sufficient for admission (alongside Biology)
  • Direct progression to the Master’s programme at Maastricht University
  • Unique anatomy education using a digital dissection table

University-trained physiotherapists are ideally equipped to analyse complex healthcare issues, collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the healthcare system of the future.

Interested in a medical career pathway?

Within the programme, you can deepen your knowledge through additional medical modules (30 ECTS), including pharmacology, immunology, medical genetics, and endocrinology.

These modules align with various medical follow-up pathways, such as:

  • Clinical Research Physician programmes
  • Competitive entry routes into Medicine

After completing the bachelor’s degree, you will have a strong academic foundation that enables you to progress to the Master of Human Movement Sciences (Maastricht University), continue in healthcare, research, or innovation, or further shape your pathway within the medical field.

Interested in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences?

Want to learn more about the course structure and career opportunities? Download the brochure to discover more about this university bachelor’s degree.

“What I learn here goes far beyond treatment techniques. You learn to observe, think, and reason on an entirely different level.”
Anouk
Student BSc

What will you learn?

The programme is built around Problem-Based Learning (PBL), where you actively develop critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical reasoning skills. Theory, research, and practice are continuously integrated through skills labs, research modules, and clinical placements. You combine scientific knowledge with practical application and develop an academic mindset through themes such as:

  • Anatomy, physiology, and exercise science
  • Clinical reasoning and patient-centred care
  • Evidence-based practice and scientific analysis
  • Epidemiology, statistics, and academic research

You study in small groups, guided by experienced physiotherapists, researchers, and specialists. This approach allows you to develop both scientific depth and strong practical skills.

After completing the programme, graduates are able to:

  • analyse complex movement-related health problems
  • apply evidence-based clinical reasoning
  • integrate scientific research into physiotherapy practice
  • collaborate within multidisciplinary healthcare settings
  • contribute to innovation and quality improvement in healthcare
  • perform physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment at an academic level

Programme overview

Name: Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences
Degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Duration: 3 years
Location: Amersfoort (Utrecht)
Start: September
Language of instruction: English
Admission: Pre-university diploma (VWO) with Biology and Mathematics A or B, or an international equivalent
Location:
Amersfoort (Utrecht)
Progression: Direct entry to the Master of Human Movement Sciences (Maastricht University)

Terms & Conditions: T&C 2026

Education and Examination Regulations (EER): read here

Study progress & guidance: students are supported throughout the programme by lecturers, tutors, and practical supervisors. Study progress is monitored through assessments, feedback moments, practical evaluations, and academic mentoring. The Education and Examination Regulations (EER) describe progression requirements, assessment procedures, and student support structures.

Tuition fees:  Tuition fees 2026-2027

Additional costs: In addition to tuition fees, students should consider costs for books, study materials, accommodation, health insurance, transportation, and personal living expenses.

Accreditation: The Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) and complies with the Dutch Higher Education and Research Act (WHW).

Faculty & practice

You will be taught by a multidisciplinary team of experienced lecturers, researchers, and physiotherapists who combine scientific knowledge with clinical expertise. Teaching takes place in a modern learning environment equipped with:

  • Skills labs – for motor learning and clinical practice
  • Digital dissection tables – 3D anatomy exploration
  • Research facilities – for biomechanical and evidence-based research

Admission & enrolment

  • Pre-university diploma (VWO) with Biology and Mathematics A or B
  • Admission with a higher education (HBO or university) foundation year possible, subject to Examination Board approval
  • Mandatory matching interview to assess motivation and suitability
  • International students must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency before the start of the programme. Accepted language certificates are listed in the Language Test Appendix to the Code of Conduct Higher Education.

Because of our small-scale and personalised approach, we admit a limited number of students each year. We therefore strongly recommend applying early via somt.nl/en/enrolment/

After graduation

After completing this bachelor’s degree, you will have an academic foundation that enables you to continue in research, specialisation, or professional practice. You can directly progress to the Master of Human Movement Sciences – specialisation Physiotherapy at Maastricht University.

With your knowledge and academic skills, you can pursue various paths within healthcare, science, or education. Career opportunities after graduation include:

  • Working as a researcher, policy advisor, or physiotherapist
  • Contributing to innovation in rehabilitation, prevention, and sports healthcare
  • Preparing for international collaboration within multidisciplinary healthcare settings

After completing both the bachelor’s and the subsequent master’s degree, Dutch-speaking students (minimum B2 level) are eligible to apply for registration in the Dutch BIG register.

For international students

Amersfoort is located in the centre of the Netherlands, close to Utrecht and easily accessible by public transport. International students are supported by our International Office with accommodation, registration, and integration into Dutch student life. The programme’s primary language of instruction is English.

Housing in the Netherlands

Please note that finding accommodation in the Netherlands can be challenging due to the national housing shortage. We strongly advise international students to arrange housing before arriving in the Netherlands.

Read more practical information for international students:

Ready to get started?

Visit an open day, apply directly, or download the brochure for detailed information about the Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.

Brochure bachelor of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences request
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Do you still have questions?

Would you like to learn more about the Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences? Then come to one of our open days or walk-in days. You can also always contact us using the form below.

Would you like to learn more about the Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences? Visit one of our open days or trial days, or contact us using the form below.

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You will be taught by a multidisciplinary team of experienced lecturers, researchers, and physiotherapists who combine scientific knowledge with clinical expertise. Teaching takes place in a modern learning environment equipped with:

  • Skills labs – for motor learning and clinical practice
  • Digital dissection tables – 3D anatomy exploration
  • Research facilities – for biomechanical and evidence-based research