Helping you succeed at university and beyond
Study smarter with free APA student membership support.
What does it mean to be a student member?
From day one, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is here to support you throughout your studies and into your career.
Your membership gives you access to support that grows with you. From learning resources that complement your studies to insights from physiotherapists working across diverse settings, the APA helps you build confidence and capability at every stage.
Student member benefits
Networking opportunities: Whether it's through PhysioHub or at in-person events, we're here to connect you with professionals who share your passion for physiotherapy.
Learn from the best: In-person and online events aim to supplement what you're learning from university, including lectures on physiotherapy career pathways and how to achieve academic success.
Access to specialised resources: World-class medical and allied health research databases at your fingertips, which is a lifesaver for assignment crunch time.
Practical advice and insights: No stone is left unturned. From study tips to real-world insights, we've got the advice you need to get your physiotherapy career off on the right foot.
Driving advocacy: Your membership powers our advocacy. Together, we push for fair funding, stronger models of care and recognition of physiotherapy’s value in Australia’s healthcare reform.
Scholarships and bursaries: Ranging from academic achievement to rewarding leadership capabilities, the APA offers a variety of opportunities to outstanding APA student members.
Events in 2026
Career Connect
Our premier national career event for students and recent graduates to informally discuss employment possibilities with potential employers. Hosted at various locations across the country, APA's Career Connect provides an excellent chance to broaden your professional network, explore new career opportunities and connect with industry leaders in your local area.
Details are released mid-year. Watch this space!
Professional development
Student members also get free access to 10 member-only online eTalks. Also, as you progress towards your future career, we have more than 800 courses and events on offer.
Interested in attending or organising a state event? With your student committees, contact your state branch to see what activities you can run for your community.
State and national committees
National Groups
Throughout your physiotherapy career, it's important to stay informed, connected and engaged. By joining one or more of the 21 APA National Groups, you have access to tailored opportunities including free or discounted education, events and research to help you strengthen your expertise and continue growing throughout your career. Networking with like-minded colleagues in meaningful ways through PhysioHub, the APA's member-only platform, makes it easier to keep up-to-date with the latest news, research and events in your area of interest.
Student and Early Career representation
Your voice matters. Help shape the profession’s future by taking a leadership role. By joining your state student committee, you will connect and work with student representatives nationwide to help shape future APA student activities. This would include providing suggestions for professional development that will help you and your cohort to excel in your studies, and contributing to student networking and career information events.
State branches offer a variety of face-to-face opportunities for student members to network, grow and be inspired by physiotherapists within their state/territory. There are opportunities to join your state’s Branch Council or a national group committee. For more information, reach out to your APA state branch.
Your national representatives
Benjamin Ong, Student representative
Final-year Physiotherapy student at the University of Queensland and the 2025 APA Board of Directors Student Prize winner. He serves as a student representative and advisor within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences and the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, supporting curriculum development, student experience, and student employability initiatives university-wide.
Jianqi Li, Early Career representative (2025’s student rep)
Recent Physiotherapy graduate at the University of Queensland and was the 2024 APA Board of Directors Student Prize winner. In 2026, he plays an active role as the Early Career Representative on the APA National Advisory Council, driving national initiatives to enhance professional development and advocacy for early career physiotherapists.
An APA student member chosen by the Board of Directors to represent the interests of physiotherapy students on a national level.
They are required to make themselves available for up to three (3) APA appearances within 12 months to promote the APA. Appearances can include talks at student information evenings and at university. Times and dates for appearances are mutually agreed upon.
Towards the ends of each year, the APA calls for nominations for the APA Board of Directors student prize.
The APA student member that is awarded the prize, is provided with the opportunity to be a member of the APA National Advisory Council the year following their award where they will represent student physiotherapists and our future leaders of the profession.
The ideal nominee would apply in their second last year of university and commence the position during their final year.
Be inspired by APA Members – InMotion articles
Physiotherapist flying high
January 2026
Combining research with astronaut training is a passion for new graduate Celene Meraz-Benavente. Her recent experiences include doing research in microgravity conditions.
From sport to specialisation
June 2025
After an unexpected pivot early in her career, Dr Alicia Rayner has become one of Australia’s Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists. She talks to Marina Williams about mentoring, regional outreach and reshaping how complex care is delivered.
Shifting pathways: the future of physiotherapy education
December 2024
For people considering studying physiotherapy in Australia, there is more choice than ever. We look at how physiotherapy training has changed and where it is headed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
PhysioHub is our main communication channel for members and all current APA members will automatically be set up with an account.
Participation is completely up to you and we think you’ll love what PhysioHub has to offer. It’s the easiest way to stay connected and informed with the APA and the membership community.
All registered physiotherapists in Australia are required to have professional indemnity, public and product liability insurance.
Students are automatically covered by the APA Member Insurance, provided that you are working within your scope of practice and are under supervision.
For further information check out APA Member Insurance FAQs for students.
Graduate at the end of the year? You can change your membership during the APA Renewals period: November – March.
Graduate after April? Contact our friendly Member Support team and they can help set up your APA Graduate membership.
Unfortunately, students cannot participate.
Applying to the APA Mentoring program is only available when you transition to a graduate membership.
APA Advocacy: shaping the future for the next generation of physiotherapists
In 2024 the APA released the Next Generation White paper, which presents a vision for a profession that is inclusive, future-ready and built to last.
Supporting new graduates isn’t the responsibility of a single sector, it’s a shared commitment. Educators, employers, policymakers and professional bodies must work together to create environments where graduates feel seen, supported and empowered.
To help lead this change, the APA has embarked on developing a structured, targeted transition program that accelerates readiness for graduates entering private practice and hospital settings. Through this program, graduates will identify their strengths, collaborate with experienced mentors, and build the clinical, professional and personal skills that matter. This marks a significant step forward.
The APA is proud to lead the way by driving advocacy, education reform and workforce development. This white paper offers thoughtful insights and practical steps to help shape a stronger future for physiotherapy.