How to Become a Psychologist in Australia: Education and Registration

What Does a Psychologist Do?

Psychologists are professionals who study human thoughts, emotions and behaviours. They work in a range of environments, including hospitals, schools, private practices, workplaces and courts. Their goal is to help people manage mental health, improve wellbeing and make positive behavioural changes.

Some common types of psychologists include:

• Clinical psychologists – support people with serious mental illnesses
• Educational and developmental psychologists – often work with children in school or learning environments
• Organisational psychologists – improve workplace dynamics and performance
• Sport psychologists – help athletes with focus, resilience and performance
• Forensic psychologists – work in criminal justice or correctional settings

No matter the area, all psychologists in Australia must follow a structured education and registration process before they can practise. 

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Psychologist in Australia

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Undergraduate Degree (3 Years)

The first step is to complete a psychology degree that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This could be:

• Bachelor of Psychology
• Bachelor of Psychological Science
• Bachelor of Arts or Science with a psychology major

You must complete the required units in psychology for your degree to count towards registration.

Not sure which subjects will best prepare you for psychology? Visit the KIS Academics blog for tips on subject selection and university planning. 

Step 2: Complete a Fourth Year of Study in Psychology (1 Year)

After your undergraduate degree, you need to complete a fourth year in psychology. This can be done through:

• An Honours program
• A Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)

This year includes both advanced psychology coursework and a major research thesis. Entry into this year is competitive and usually depends on your academic results from your first three years.

Step 3: Choose a Pathway to Registration

Once your fourth year is complete, you can pursue one of two main options to become a registered psychologist.

Option 1: Two-Year Postgraduate Degree

You can apply for a two-year postgraduate program such as:

• Master of Clinical Psychology
• Master of Professional Psychology
• Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology

These programs include coursework and supervised placements. After completing your Master’s, you apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Alternatively, you can choose to do a higher, three/four-year Doctorate program. 

Option 2: 5+1 Internship Pathway

This is another option that involves:

• One year in a Master of Professional Psychology (this is your fifth year)
• One year of supervised practice arranged through PsyBA (your sixth year)

This route can be more flexible and affordable, especially for students who do not wish to specialise immediately. However, this will require you to pass the national psychology exam before applying for general registration. 

Step 4: Apply for General Registration with AHPRA

After your sixth year of training (whether through a postgraduate degree of 5+1 internship), you can apply for general registration through AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). This registration allows you to legally use the title “psychologist” and work in the field. 

Step 5: Area of Practice Endorsement (AoPE) – Optional Specialisation

If you want to specialise in a certain field of psychology (like clinical, forensic, or sport psychology), you will need to complete an Area of Practice Endorsement.

Here’s how it works:

• First, you must complete a postgraduate degree in that specific field (e.g. Master of Clinical Psychology).
• After your degree and general registration, you must then complete a Registrar Program, which includes a certain number of hours of supervised practice in that area.
• Once completed, you can apply for an endorsement in your chosen area of practice.

This endorsement allows you to use titles like Clinical Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist, or Forensic Psychologist, and may open up access to higher Medicare rebates and specialist roles.

There are currently nine areas of endorsed practice in Australia:

1. Clinical psychology
2. Counselling psychology
3. Educational and developmental psychology
4. Forensic psychology
5. Health psychology
6. Organisational psychology
7. Neuropsychology
8. Sport and exercise psychology
9. Community psychology

You don’t need an endorsement to be a psychologist, but it is often required for specialised clinical or government-funded roles.

How to Choose the Right University in Australia: A Complete Guide

Choosing a university can feel like trying to find your way through a maze sometimes – exciting but also really overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to consider, from course offerings to campus vibes, so you can make the right decision with confidence.

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

How Long Does It Take?

Here a breakdown of the timeline:

• Undergraduate degree: 3 years
• Honours/Fourth Year: 1 Year
• Postgraduate or 5+1 internship: 2-4 Years
• AoPE Registrar program (optional): 1.5-2 Years

So, to become a general registered psychologist, it takes a minimum of 6 years. For endorsed psychologists, the process takes 7.5 to 8 years total.

Here is a study pathways diagram by the Australian Psychological Society that compasses your route into becoming a psychologist in Australia:

FAQs

Is the Area of Practice Endorsement required to be a psychologist?

No. You can be a fully registered psychologist without an endorsement. However, endorsements allow you to use specific titles and access specialist roles, which can be important for clinical, forensic, or health psychology careers.

Can I study psychology if I already have a degree in another field?

Yes. If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in another area, you can enrol in a Graduate Diploma of Psychology. This allows you to complete the equivalent of an accredited undergraduate psychology major and can lead to Honours or fourth-year entry. 

What if I don’t get into Honours after my undergraduate degree?

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for Honours, you can apply for a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) instead. This still counts as a fourth-year program and can lead to postgraduate study or the 5+1 pathway. Improving your GPA or gaining experience may help strengthen your application.

Are there any government-funded psychology pathways or scholarships for Psychology?

Yes. Some universities offer Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) in postgraduate programs, and there are scholarships for rural, Indigenous, or high-achieving students. You may also be eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loans, depending on the program. 

Need help applying for scholarships? Check out our blog for early entry and scholarship help to get into your dream university. 

Get Early Entry and Scholarships into your Dream Uni

This article reveals the steps and secrets to secure early entry and scholarships at your dream university. Make your aspirations a reality

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

Final Thoughts

Becoming a psychologist in Australia takes commitment, but it’s a rewarding and respected career path. Whether you’re just starting high school or halfway through your degree, understanding the full registration and endorsement process can help you plan ahead.

Need help figuring out your path or to ensure your ATAR is high enough to study psychology? KIS Academics has tutors and mentors who’ve been through it and can help you take your next step with confidence.

Pathways Into Allied Health: Nursing, Physio, Speech Pathology & More

Interested in the medical field but not sure if becoming a doctor is the right fit? This guide breaks down the different pathways into allied health fields like nursing, physiotherapy, speech pathology, and more, including what subjects to take, ATARs, alternative entry options and career prospects.

KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for VCE English and Chemistry, Janice Mak. Janice is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law/Commerce at UNSW and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Janice’s profile here and request her as a tutor.