Hallo Fyzzio :

Within your post , you concluded that is high standard . Usually the basic undergraduate curriculum is the same in case of 4 years training . The real problem is the English communication Standard requried from countries where English is not the native language.

If we give a look at past history we find that in UK ,The score of IELTS 6 was acceptable by some Competent authorities . In Australia , 7 score was acceptable 3 months ago by Physio.Council Authorities and now they get it up to 7 every band of the score .

Meaning if NZ physio.Board has such number of British physio.applications ( if you give a look at the Board letters ) , surely it would get that IELTS score boom( high) . It is just matter of need . If you need you can negotiate . However , I do not believe in negotiation , and I really believe in rights for setting standards , it is just policy of quality .

From other point of view , it is better to be objective in our critical discussion .This reminds me of a discussion with Australian Physiotherapist regarding AECOP examination in Australia overseas physiotherapists , she stated objectively that many Australian-based trained physiotherapists would not pass these exams . In spite of that , I can understand your view .I like NZ system and the Board trends to improve Physiotherapists standard and competency of practice

cheers
Emad