A reform of physiotherapy studies is currently being considered by the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
If the decree is adopted, studies would be organised over five years starting in September 2026.
The reform would be implemented gradually, beginning with the first year.
Students who begin physiotherapy in 2026 would therefore have to complete a five-year course to obtain their academic degree.
In this context, the current Master's 60 (one year) would evolve into a Master's 120 (two years), potentially starting in the 2029-2030 academic year.
Students already enrolled in the first year of a bachelor's degree in 2025-26 or before would have a maximum of five years to complete their entire course.
--
Having completed a bachelor’s degree, the one year training programme for the Master in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation [60] entitles you to the professional status of physiotherapist in the French Community of Belgium.
Practical learning
During the Master, you will continue, in an intensive way, the training begun in the third year of the first cycle. You will do four months of placement in the university clinics and approved UCLouvain and KULeuven centres, under the direction of teachers in physiotherapy and rehabilitation and under the supervision of placement directors. You will be able to match your choice of placement to your interests and preferences: hospital departments, outpatient treatment or private practice.
Specializing
You will be able to develop your knowledge in one of the following areas : technological aids for handicapped people, prevention of pathologies linked with working conditions and adapted physical activities used as additional therapy.
The dissertation that you will do at the end of the course will also enable you to specialize in an advanced area of physiotherapy or rehabilitation. The dissertation may be an account of a particular issue, through bibliographic research, or be centred on experimental research in the laboratory. You will benefit from close collaboration and a privileged learning relationship with your supervisor.