Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
International class
The study of physiotherapy at THIM in the international class
Are you looking for a versatile study in a congenial atmosphere and an international environment? THIM offers a small scale and hands-on program in English. In small groups and with individual guidance we will train you to be an enterprising and forward-thinking physiotherapist.
This is exactly what THIM wants to impart to its students. THIM is international, with:
- an international class,
- internship opportunities abroad,
- an office in Switzerland and
- cooperation with German schools
Program overview
Our full-time program consists of eight modules: five physiotherapy modules, two internship modules and the minor module. Below you can read what you will learn during each module.
In module 1, you will lay a footing for the further study and practice of modern physiotherapy. You can expect topics to be covered in increasing depth and breadth during the course of your studies. During this module, it is important to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that you can further develop and apply in practice in the following years. We focus on the physiotherapeutic basis in module 1 and you develop a vision on health.
Module 2 builds on the foundation you laid in module 1 and focuses on a deeper understanding of physiotherapy. Topics are explored in greater depth and allow you to develop your knowledge and skills at a more advanced level. During this semester, refining your knowledge and strengthening your practical skills will be key. The solid foundation will prepare you to achieve even greater depth in the coming years to apply these competences in practice. After this module, you will be able to examine and treat patients with various musculoskeletal complaints.
Module 3 is called “rehabilitation” and will enable you to examine rehabilitation patients and make a physiotherapic rehabilitation diagnosis as a result. You will then create a treatment plan in which strategies for motor learning are used in such a way as to lead to effective rehabilitation treatment. Patients covered in this module include patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease, MS, spinal cord injury, cognitive decline with ageing, comorbidities such as heart and lung problems, osteoporosis and oncology.
During module 4, the key concept is: problem-solving abilities. The emphasis is on integrated physiotherapeutic action. A professional physiotherapist communicates at a high level, motivates, makes informed decisions, treats effectively, evaluates and has an eye for the patient as a human being. You will be taught e.g. communication, psychology and clinical reasoning with people with a wide variety of health issues.
After this module, you will be ready to start the major internship. The guide for this module is the physiotherapist’s daily agenda, which is filled with a wide variety of health problems and tasks.
A minor program is meant to broaden and deepen your knowledge. Every year, we check what the current topics in physical therapy are and adjust our minor programme accordingly. In one semester, you follow four minors on four different subjects.
During your first internship, you will put your acquired knowledge and skills into practice, in the Netherlands or abroad. You will also work on assignments that will show that you can increasingly be entrusted with a number of the physiotherapist’s tasks. THIM will help you find a suitable internship.
In the second senior internship, you develop into an independent healthcare professional. You are increasingly independent with patients and work on assignments that demonstrate that you can be fully entrusted with all the tasks of a physiotherapist. You will be guided in this by a teacher and together with your internship supervisor we will follow your progress in this crucial phase of your studies.
Small-scale
We want you to feel at home at THIM and build a strong bond with fellow students and teachers. We are convinced that this increases your enjoyment and motivation in your studies and thus your chances of success. At THIM, you are not another face in the crowd. We work in small groups and know who our students are.
Guidance and Reinforcement Education
Sometimes you need some extra support to reach your goals. THIM offers that support. Our study counsellor monitors your progress and will periodically invite you for a chat.
Each week we organize facultative reinforcement education. Theoretical and practical lecturers are available for you to answer individual questions. You can also practice with your group, and ask for instant feedback. If your class would like to have a more in-depth look at a subject, you can make an appointment for a tutoring session with a lecturer.
You can also ask for help if you suffer from e.g. dyslexia or ADHD. At any time you can come and use our study- and practice facilities.
Do you have any questions?
We are happy to help you! Call +31 (0)30 288 66 70 or send and email to info@thim.nl.
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
Location of study
Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Duration of Study
4 years
Deadline
THIM’s Bachelor’s program starts in September 2025. The registration deadline for EU/EEA/CH students is 15 August. Due to the duration of the visa application, the deadline for all other students is 1 June.
Costs in 2025
€ 9,700 per year / € 833 per month
Before you decide to enrol, we believe it’s important you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. That’s why we would like to invite you for an (e-)intake in which we can answer all questions you might have. The interview is non-binding, so you can decide afterwards whether you’d like to enrol. The interview can take place via Microsoft Teams, phone or in person, if you’re in the Netherlands.
The Program (Curriculum)
Our program consists of eight modules: five physiotherapeutic modules, two internship modules and the minor module.
Details of the program can be found a little further up this page.
The Internships
In your last year of study you complete your internships, where you will put your acquired knowledge and skills into practice - either in the Netherlands or abroad.
THIM's internship network stretches across borders. Last year, THIM students went to China, Australia, South Africa and the Antilles, for example. During an internship abroad, you not only learn about physiotherapy, but also train your self-reliance and social and cultural skills. Employers consider experience abroad to be an assett.
International sites
THIM physiotherapy training in Switzerland
In Switzerland, THIM is located in Landquart, near the city of Chur. Our Swiss branch has 250 students. With it's Bachelor's program in physiotherapy, THIM has been training students and future physiotherapists since 1990. Together, the graduates form a strong network in Switzerland and Austria. They are appreciated for their high level of physiotherapy practice and entrepreneurship.
Click here for more information.
THIM physiotherapy training in Germany
In Germany, we cooperate with several German educators who want to take their students from mbo to bachelor level through THIM. Meanwhile, hundreds of students have already graduated in this way. They are seen as the example for the professionalisation of the profession of physiotherapy in Germany.
Click here for more information.
Erasmus+ and ECHE
THIM participates in the Erasmus+ Programme and has been awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) for this purpose. As a THIM student, you can do a placement or study at a partner institution in a participating country within the Erasmus+ Programme. You will need Erasmus status for this and can thus qualify for an Erasmus scholarship.
Please also read our Erasmus Charter and THIM's Erasmus Policy Statement.
In order to be admitted to THIM, you must meet the diploma- and language requirements.
Diploma requirements
As a Bachelor’s student of Physiotherapy, you must have completed at least senior general secondary education (equivalent to the Dutch HAVO diploma) or senior secondary vocational education (equivalent to the Dutch MBO4). These levels correspond with a European Qualification Framework’s (EQF) level 4. If there’s any doubt whether your secondary school diploma is equivalent to one of the Dutch diplomas, THIM will have your diploma evaluated by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization in education.
If you do not meet this educational entry requirement but are 21 years of age or older, you may be admitted on the basis of the ‘21+ test‘ (21+ toets).
Language requirements
Prospective students should have proof of thorough proficiency in English (spoken and written) by means of one of the following tests:
– IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall band score
– TOEFL iBT Traditional & Paper edition: 80
– Cambridge FCE-Grade B scale 173-175, FCE-Grade C scale 169-172
– TOEIC Listening and Reading: 865, and Speaking and Writing: 335
– LanguageCert Academic 65
- Pearson PTE Academic 61
The English language proficiency must be proven by submitting a test score from IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL or TOEIC, LanguageCert or Pearson. IELTS and TOEFL certificates cannot be older than two years at the start of the program.
Generally speaking, online versions of these language tests are not accepted.
International students who have had their secondary education entirely in English, may be exempt from having to take a mandatory language test. THIM may verify this at Nuffic. Exemption also applies for students with an International Baccalaureate Certificate for English A Language and Literature, as well as for students that obtained a diploma of secondary education in a country listed in the diploma list drawn up on behalf of the associations of institutions of higher education, as published on the website of the Code of Conduct.
Documents for application
The application process will start once you have registered. To assess your eligibility for admission, we need several documents from you:
– a certified copy of your diploma or a preliminary statement of graduation
– a transcript of records
– a copy of your passport
– proof of your proficiency in English
You can directly upload these documents with your registration form or you can send them to us later.
Costs
For students, starting in academic year 2025, the tuition fees are:
- € 9,700 per year
- € 833 per month
Study materials are included in the tuition fee. THIM charges a registration fee of € 250.
You can pay the tuition fee per year or in monthly installments. If you pay in installments, an interest rate of 3% will be charged. Click here for the terms and conditions for registration, deregistration, payment, etc. If you’re a Dutch citizen, or if you have the same rights, you’re entitled to study financing or the lifelong learning credit (levenlanglerenkrediet) through DUO. Excluding any visa fees.
Funding options
Several funding options are available to foreign students in the Netherlands:
- Some governments offer financial support to residents who want to study abroad, either directly through a grant or a loan, or indirectly via tax benefits. Check with your own government which funding opportunities are provided.
- A range of scholarships is available to EU and non-EU students. Find out which scholarship you qualify for.
- You might be eligible for the student finance programme provided by the Dutch government via “Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs”, commonly known as DUO.
The Program (Curriculum)
Our program consists of eight modules: five physiotherapeutic modules, two internship modules and the minor module.
Details of the program can be found a little further up this page.
The Internships
In your last year of study you complete your internships, where you will put your acquired knowledge and skills into practice - either in the Netherlands or abroad.
THIM's internship network stretches across borders. Last year, THIM students went to China, Australia, South Africa and the Antilles, for example. During an internship abroad, you not only learn about physiotherapy, but also train your self-reliance and social and cultural skills. Employers consider experience abroad to be an assett.
International sites
THIM physiotherapy training in Switzerland
In Switzerland, THIM is located in Landquart, near the city of Chur. Our Swiss branch has 250 students. With it's Bachelor's program in physiotherapy, THIM has been training students and future physiotherapists since 1990. Together, the graduates form a strong network in Switzerland and Austria. They are appreciated for their high level of physiotherapy practice and entrepreneurship.
Click here for more information.
THIM physiotherapy training in Germany
In Germany, we cooperate with several German educators who want to take their students from mbo to bachelor level through THIM. Meanwhile, hundreds of students have already graduated in this way. They are seen as the example for the professionalisation of the profession of physiotherapy in Germany.
Click here for more information.
Erasmus+ and ECHE
THIM participates in the Erasmus+ Programme and has been awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) for this purpose. As a THIM student, you can do a placement or study at a partner institution in a participating country within the Erasmus+ Programme. You will need Erasmus status for this and can thus qualify for an Erasmus scholarship.
Please also read our Erasmus Charter and THIM's Erasmus Policy Statement.
In order to be admitted to THIM, you must meet the diploma- and language requirements.
Diploma requirements
As a Bachelor’s student of Physiotherapy, you must have completed at least senior general secondary education (equivalent to the Dutch HAVO diploma) or senior secondary vocational education (equivalent to the Dutch MBO4). These levels correspond with a European Qualification Framework’s (EQF) level 4. If there’s any doubt whether your secondary school diploma is equivalent to one of the Dutch diplomas, THIM will have your diploma evaluated by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization in education.
If you do not meet this educational entry requirement but are 21 years of age or older, you may be admitted on the basis of the ‘21+ test‘ (21+ toets).
Language requirements
Prospective students should have proof of thorough proficiency in English (spoken and written) by means of one of the following tests:
– IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall band score
– TOEFL iBT Traditional & Paper edition: 80
– Cambridge FCE-Grade B scale 173-175, FCE-Grade C scale 169-172
– TOEIC Listening and Reading: 865, and Speaking and Writing: 335
– LanguageCert Academic 65
- Pearson PTE Academic 61
The English language proficiency must be proven by submitting a test score from IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL or TOEIC, LanguageCert or Pearson. IELTS and TOEFL certificates cannot be older than two years at the start of the program.
Generally speaking, online versions of these language tests are not accepted.
International students who have had their secondary education entirely in English, may be exempt from having to take a mandatory language test. THIM may verify this at Nuffic. Exemption also applies for students with an International Baccalaureate Certificate for English A Language and Literature, as well as for students that obtained a diploma of secondary education in a country listed in the diploma list drawn up on behalf of the associations of institutions of higher education, as published on the website of the Code of Conduct.
Documents for application
The application process will start once you have registered. To assess your eligibility for admission, we need several documents from you:
– a certified copy of your diploma or a preliminary statement of graduation
– a transcript of records
– a copy of your passport
– proof of your proficiency in English
You can directly upload these documents with your registration form or you can send them to us later.
Costs
For students, starting in academic year 2025, the tuition fees are:
- € 9,700 per year
- € 833 per month
Study materials are included in the tuition fee. THIM charges a registration fee of € 250.
You can pay the tuition fee per year or in monthly installments. If you pay in installments, an interest rate of 3% will be charged. Click here for the terms and conditions for registration, deregistration, payment, etc. If you’re a Dutch citizen, or if you have the same rights, you’re entitled to study financing or the lifelong learning credit (levenlanglerenkrediet) through DUO. Excluding any visa fees.
Funding options
Several funding options are available to foreign students in the Netherlands:
- Some governments offer financial support to residents who want to study abroad, either directly through a grant or a loan, or indirectly via tax benefits. Check with your own government which funding opportunities are provided.
- A range of scholarships is available to EU and non-EU students. Find out which scholarship you qualify for.
- You might be eligible for the student finance programme provided by the Dutch government via “Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs”, commonly known as DUO.
Studying in the Netherlands
If you’re a student from outside the EU, you need a visa and/or residence permit to study in the Netherlands. However you cannot apply for this personally – THIM is authorised to apply for these documents on your behalf.
When you have been admitted to THIM’s Bachelor’s program, we can start the application process. To that end, you need to submit a number of documents and forms, such as a copy of your passport and evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. Once you’ve been admitted, we’ll contact you to start the visa application procedure. Since the application might take some time, starting the process early is recommended.
There is a shortage of student housing in Utrecht. That’s why THIM has its own student residences. Depending on availability, we offer students the option to live in one of our student residences. The THIM residences are located in Utrecht and have a communal living room, kitchen, bathroom and outdoor space. Sizes run from 6 to 20 m2. Rental fees vary between €250 and €500, depending on size. Utilities, TV and Wi-Fi are included in the rent. Here, you live together with fellow physiotherapy students from different years. Not only is this fun, it’s also practical with a view to your studies.
THIM University is located in Nieuwegein, a city very close to Utrecht and within easy reach of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague. At the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht is a bustling university town with 70,000 students, trendy bars, restaurants and shops, various festivals and loads of atmosphere. A cosmopolitan city with a medieval city centre small enough to explore on foot.
We want our students to feel at home on campus. That’s why we have modern buildings, with bright and spacious classrooms. Because THIM specialises in physiotherapy our facilities are specifically designed for this purpose. Our study and practice centre sports a fully equipped gym, a library and all the necessary equipment to study the theory and practice your clinical skills. During your breaks you can relax indoors or outdoors.
You need to make sure that you are properly insured during your stay. By law, you must have healthcare insurance. The type of healthcare insurance you need, depends on your personal situation. As a THIM student, you’re also required to have a liability insurance policy.
The bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. There are cycling lanes on almost every road and other road users are used to cyclists. You can cycle from Utrecht to THIM in under 30 minutes. If you need to go a little further, public transport will take you almost anywhere you want to go. The Netherlands have a dense railway network that offers frequent service and the train is the quickest way to travel between city centres.
Although you can speak English with practically anyone in the Netherlands, learning Dutch helps you to get to know the country and its culture and society. Understanding and speaking the local language makes everyday activities a little easier. In addition, when you’d like to do your senior internships in the Netherlands, knowing Dutch is a must. If you want to register in the Dutch BIG register for healthcare professionals after your graduation, you must prove you’re proficient in Dutch. To this end, you can participate in Dutch language classes in THIM’s language minor or through THIM’s partner Babel.
