In September 2024, at AQ Austria, Univerza Alma Mater Europaea successfully completed the notification procedure for the study program, valid until 2030. In December 2025, an additional location for the study program was notified, valid until 2031. The decision regarding the notification of the study program does not establish equivalence with Austrian studies or corresponding Austrian academic degrees. The studies and academic degrees are recognized as those of the country of origin or the institution’s base state. In the event of revocation of the decision regarding the notification by the AQ Austria Board, the study program may no longer be conducted in Austria.
Additional Steps Required to Obtain Professional Qualification in Slovenia and work in Austria
We are publishing:
– Clear communication that additional specific steps are required under Slovenian law to obtain professional licensure.
– Clear communication that even after completing all these steps, authorization to practice as a physiotherapist in Austria still requires recognition by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection.
1. Pathway to Professional Qualification for Physiotherapy Graduates in Slovenia
Graduates of the Physiotherapy program at Univerza Alma Mater Europaea must complete specific steps to practice independently in Slovenia and Austria. Below is a detailed guide outlining these requirements.
In Slovenia, physiotherapy is a regulated profession under the oversight of the Ministry of Health. To obtain full professional qualification and licensure, graduates must:
a. Complete a Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy
A minimum of 180 ECTS over three years (six semesters) is required.
b. Complete a Six-Month Supervised Internship
After graduation, candidates must complete a six-month internship in a licensed healthcare facility, gaining practical experience under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist.
c. Pass the State Professional Examination
Upon completing the internship, graduates must pass a state-administered professional qualification exam, organized by the Ministry of Health in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Students may take this exam with a translator in their language (German, Italian, Hungarian, etc.).
d. Professional Qualification
Once a candidate passes the exam, they receive from the Ministry an official document confirming that they hold Professional Qualification.
> Note: Graduates who have not yet obtained full professional qualification may work under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist.
2. Practicing as a Physiotherapist in Austria
After obtaining full professional licensure in Slovenia, graduates wishing to practice in Austria must take an additional step:
e. Obtain Authorization from the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection of Austria
Candidates must submit their Diploma and Professional Qualification document to the Ministry to obtain official authorization to practice independently as physiotherapists in Austria.
