1.5 year (3 semesters)
MSc / Master of Science
3800 EUR / semester + one time fees
English language
90 credits
Faculty of Health Sciences (ETK)
Entry requirements: Entrance exam: English language and BPT
Application starts: 5 February 2024
Application deadline: 09 Aug, 2024
Notification period: Within 3 weeks after the exam
Physiotherapy MSc

Master’s level physiotherapists develop therapeutic procedures and protocols based on their extensive national and international knowledge and skills, recognise and analyse physical, anatomical, physiological and pathological factors affecting physical ability and capacity. They participate in solving scientific problems in physiotherapy, and finding new skills and knowledge in their expertise. The specialists perform scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic methods, organise and realise clinical research in physiotherapy, publish new scientific results and act as leaders in hospital units of physiotherapy, apply fundamental regulations and quality control principles in the management of health institutions and private enterprises. The promotion of health education on local, community, national and international levels also belongs to the tasks of a physiotherapist.

Career opportunities: In a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, rehabilitation and community health centers, private practice, industrial clinics and specialist facilities. Qualified master physiotherapists may also work in education as a clinical supervisor and researcher.

Graduates of the Physiotherapy MSc can continue their studies at the Ph.D. level. 

Interested? Contact us!

Entry requirements: entrance examination

Semmelweis University puts a great emphasis onselecting outstanding applicants for enrollment and training. Therefore, we persist on undertaking complex entrance examinations composed of written tests, which allows us to reliably evaluate the knowledge, skills, motivation and personality of the applicants.

WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

The written examination for the Nursing Msc program consists of a multiple choice test in the subjects of BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy), and also a specific motivational letter in English that must be based on our given questions about the chosen field (500-1000 word worth motivational letter).

When and where

Exams will be held regularly, two, three times in each month from March to the end of August. The exact dates and times will be provided to the applicants having submitted their application(s) in the University’s online application system SEMAPHOR. Final details and instructions regarding a specific exam will be sent to our applicants having signed up to the particular exam.

The written part of the entrance examination is carried out using the online Sempahor interface and our offical admission e-mail account (admission@se-etk.hu). Applicants can take the online tests using their own computers at home.

Language requirements

We expect students to speak and understand the English language at an upper intermediate level. This means that the applicant should possess the skills to express themselves fluently and spontaneously enough to comfortably communicate with other English speakers and produce clear, detailed text on many subjects and explain a complex viewpoint on a topic, including expressing advantages and disadvantages.

The applicant should submit an English language certificate or equivalent document (which proves English language knowledge). We accept the following results:

  • IELTS 5.5
  • TOEFL 50+
  • CEFR B2
  • Duolingo 85+
  • PTE 45+
  • Cambridge 162+
  • APTIS ESOL CEFR B2 level
  • TOEIC 605+
  • EF SET 51+

The applicant’s proficiency is also gauged through the written test.

Training overview

The first semester focuses on a wide range of topics from clinical science via research methodology to biophysics, while the second semester expends students’ knowledge in the fields of evidence-based interventions (manual therapies and active therapeutic exercises), as well as of differential diagnosis. This semester they will start working on a Thesis. During the third semester, students integrate scientific research into their clinical practice and submit and defend their Thesis.

⇒ See modules and credits (pdf)

Wide range of study fields

Significance of Diagnostic Imaging in Physiotherapy Practice, Pharmacology, Clinical Science of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Clinical Science in Neurological Disorders, Clinical Science of Cardiorespiratory Diseases, Developmental Neurology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Assistive Devices in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Clinical Neuropsychology, Differential Diagnosis in Physiotherapy Practice, Scientific Background and Evidence-Based Practice of Active Therapeutic Exercise, Evidence-Based Manual Therapy in Physiotherapy Practice, Evidence-Based Neurological Physiotherapy in Physiotherapy Practice.

Recognition of the Degree

The Physiotherapy MSc program meets international standards and the educational requirements of the Hungarian Accreditation Committee (MAB). The obtained Physiotherapy MSc degree is subject to automatic recognition in the European Union, so you can start working with it immediately after graduation. Outside of Europe, there may be specific rules for the recognition of qualifications, which are required by individual countries. It is advisable to check what kind of validation the target country prescribes to fully accept the degree.

Why choose Semmelweis University?
  • The training is held in small group classes, and the students' individual progress is supported by the Mentor-system.
  • The Faculty has extensive international connections in the field of physiotherapy.
  • Training takes place at the oldest and most famous medical university and the oldest Faculty of Health Sciences of Hungary.
  • The Faculty is located in the heart of Budapest, in modern educational buildings and in well-equipped skill labs.

How to apply?

Application criteria and Required documents

The following documents are required to be uploaded to the University's online admission platform: Semaphor (you may reach it through the apply online now button). We accept the original or as attested copies, in English or the original language with an authorized English translation.

  1. BSc diploma in Physiotherapy.  This document is a necessary prerequisite of starting the studies (original/attested copy + copy). 
  2. English language certificate or equivalent document (which proves English language knowledge)
  3. Medical report for application – signed by a GP (download the sample for the Medical Fitness Certificate pdf →)
  4. Photograph - One passport size photo
  5. CV in English
  6. Copy of Passport/ID card with the applicant's personal data and the expiry date of the passport/ID card.
  7. Letters of Recommendation. Letters in English from a university professor or science instructor are welcome, but not obligatory.
  8. Payment Certificate about the payment of the 320 EUR admission procedure fee if the applicant chooses not to use the online payment system.
Fees and costs of the application and enrollment procedure

Admission procedure fee: EUR 475

Payable at the time of application and covers the entrance examination.

The admission procedure fee shouldbe paid online by credit card through a secure payment channel from the online application portal, or by wire transfer directly to Semmelweis University.

Enrollment fee: EUR 230

Payable at the beginning of studies, together with the 1st semester's tuition fee.

Tuition fees payable by students establishing student status for the upcoming Academic Year: the tuition fee of the first semester has to arrive to the University's bank account at the latest by the date indicated in the acceptance letter (together with the enrollment fee). The tuition fees of the following semesters have to be paid until the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar of the Faculty.

Read more about how and where can you settle your payments →

Enrollment procedure step-by-step

STEP 1. Enrollment (student registration)

In person at the Faculty’s student service office (called: Foreign Students Secretariat) in late August.

Documents to be presented at registration:
  • passport/identity card,
  • original High School Diploma /Secondary School Leaving Certificate and a copy of it or the validated English translation if applicable.

Please note that the tuition fee must be paid before registration.

At the registration the followings will take place:
Health Insurance

A special insurance is provided for our students, and its fee is included in the tuition fee. The service includes an English-speaking call centre, GP-service and treatment at the Polyclinics and Clinics of Semmelweis University. With the paid tuition fee of the semester and the active student status, the insurance is automatically renewed until the suspension/end of your studies.

Student Card
  • With the student card, students are entitled to buy students’ monthly tickets for the public transport, railways or long-distance bus tickets at a reduced price, access a number of services and discounts (e.g. library services, sport facilities, cultural and commercial discounts, etc.).
  • Students need to activate their current semesters in Neptun. Without semester activation, the student card application cannot be started.
  • After the semester activation, students need to go to the Office of Government that Issues Documents (short term: Registration Office; in Hungarian: Kormányablak) and apply for a ‘NEK’ document for student card. Passport is required. A photo will be taken of you and your main data will be registered. Please return the document to the student service office (Foreign Students Secretariat) and the Registrar’s Office will finish the application.
  • The Secretariat will inform the students if the plastic student card has arrived.
  • Please bear in mind that student discounts can only be claimed in the possession of a temporary or permanent card, so you will need to use regular fare tickets in the first month.

STEP 2. Opening Ceremony and the Freshmen’s Oath

You will receive an e-mail with the detailed information of the ceremony.

STEP 3. Introduction to Higher Education course

 In early September, with personal participation.

Step 4. Subject registration

In late August / early September, according to the Faculty’s Academic Calendar.

Why Semmelweis?

1 / 13

"I’ve known since elementary school that I was going to be a doctor, so there was no question that I wanted to study at the country’s most prestigious medical university. I am proud to be able to learn from the best in the profession, without having to forgo the joys of music or sports in the meantime. I almost immediately joined the Medic Orchestra, where I play the flute, but I would also like to perform well in the university’s basketball team."

Félix Takács, Faculty of Medicine
2 / 13

"Semmelweis University offers lots of opportunities for students, including research, working in the Students’ Scientific Association or volunteering. I learned a lot and made a lot of progress in the years I spent here, and I believe that everyone can get something out of this university. I am proud to have gotten my diploma here."

Jennifer Adeghate, Faculty of Medicine
3 / 13

"Dentistry for me is a lifestyle. It combines healing with engineering science. I can design and create something while at the same time helping people. It fills me with pride that during my studies I came across many articles, books and publications linked to the university. It was the most defining five years of my life."

Máté Tóth, Faculty of Dentistry
4 / 13

"The country’s best, world-renowned pharmacist training is here, where in addition to high-quality education there are also opportunities for individual research. I am a member of the Frigyes Korányi College for Advanced Studies and in my second year I joined the students’ scientific association program of the university, thus I was able to get a look at the profession before my resident training or PhD studies. The research projects give you an opportunity to acquire a lot of added skills, which provide a competitive edge on the job market."

Márk Fábián, Faculty of Pharmacy
5 / 13

"My mother is an obstetrician and due to her influence I have been interested in how the human body works since I was child. I flipped through the anatomy atlas frequently, I was curious all the time. There was no question that I would choose the medical field, and within that, it was the physiotherapy program that immediately appealed to me. As I near the end of my studies, I remain sure I made the right decision: the high quality of the education and the family-like atmosphere of the Faculty of Health Sciences convinced me."

Aliz Zsótér, Faculty of Health Sciences
6 / 13

"I was always interested in how the health care system worked. I would like to contribute to improving the quality of patient care in Hungary, that is why I chose the Faculty of Health and Public Administration. I am very satisfied, the professors here are helpful and despite this being a small faculty, the training is very high quality. My plan is to gain a few years of professional experience before starting the Master’s program, also at Semmelweis."

Melitta Molnár, Faculty of Health and Public Services
7 / 13

"Until the end of the eighth grade I was just drifting aimlessly, I wasn’t interested in anything just playing football all day. The turning point came when I had knee surgery in my teens. The empathy and professionalism of the doctor who operated on me impressed me immensely, and I felt this was what I had to do as well. The University of Szeged would have been a more logical choice, but to my immense luck, the Roma Medical Education Program was just starting at Semmelweis University, so I had an opportunity to get into an internationally renowned elite institution. The training program is very difficult, we have to study a lot, but my plan is to become a family doctor once I get my diploma. I would like to help in areas where Roma live, where medical care is limited or entirely missing."

Gusztáv Rostás, Faculty of Medicine
8 / 13

"In high school I got to like biology and chemistry but I didn’t want to go too deep into pharmaceutical sciences. I am going to be a public health supervisor and my career is taking clearer shape from day to day. Semmelweis University is an elite higher education institution, which is definitely an advantage on the job market. Whenever people ask me, I am proud to say the name of the institution, and it feels good to see the appreciation in their eyes. In addition to my studies, I am also the president of the faculty’s students’ union, and I am also active in the Instructor Self-Active Group. For me, it was important that the university I choose to go to should have a very active community life."

Cintia Szabó, Faculty of Health Sciences
9 / 13

"Semmelweis University is a world-class institution, I loved studying here. In addition to gaining extensive knowledge and comprehensive skills in the medical field, I became a real adult while I was here in Hungary, while I also made lifelong friends within the walls of the university."

Ernest Adeghate, Faculty of Medicine
10 / 13

"I’ve always wanted to work someplace where I can help people, and I was immediately interested in the András Pető Faculty’s conductor training program. I like that I can help others using a Hungarian method that is sought-after and well-known worldwide. The faculty’s training is very practice-oriented, as we applied the skills that we learned in theory already in the first week of the first year. The fact that I can be assured in my professional skills gives me self-confidence."

Dóra Dénes, András Pető Faculty
11 / 13

"The past three years have proven that I made the right choice after graduating high school. Semmelweis was a good choice not only because of the institution’s name and reputation but also because of the exceptionally strong and high-quality practical training it provides. The knowledge I gain here will allow me to practice my profession with confidence once I get my diploma. I am primarily interested in oral surgery, which is an exciting field full of challenges, plus I will have an opportunity to perform operations, which is something that I have always wanted to do."

Bence Áron Benedikti, Faculty of Dentistry
12 / 13

"I originally wanted to be an actress but when I had to finally decide I realized that it is health care that I am interested in. From there it was a simple choice, as for me being an obstetrician is one of the best professions among those that help people. It is a job where I can definitely be a useful member of society and one that will be in demand in the decades to come as well. I like studying at Semmelweis University, I love the atmosphere of the Faculty building, and it is good feeling going to classes here. I am very excited to start my clinical practice."

Anna Lili Szirmák-Valent, Faculty of Health Sciences
13 / 13

"Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve gotten along well with the kids who lived near me, but a career as a traditional teacher never really appealed to me. However, at the András Pető Faculty of Semmelweis University I can get a special diploma that only few people in the world have. Within conductor training, I chose a specialization in kindergarten education, because I believe it is in this life stage that I can help disabled children most effectively. During my practice I witnessed marvelous improvements, which is an indescribable feeling that always gives me new momentum to continue my work."

Emese Pongrácz, András Pető Faculty