Psychology in Australia

Your step-by-step guide to the education, training and registration pathway, from first year to first client.



Is psychology the right career for you?


Psychologists help people change how they think, feel and behave. In Australia, they work across hospitals, schools, workplaces, courts and private practice, applying evidence-based interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing.


With over 37,000 registered professionals and a 13.3% projected growth in positions, psychology is one of the country's fastest-growing and most in-demand careers.


At the 11th HR clinic, we specialise in occupational psychology, where human resources meets human relationships. We see firsthand how much demand there is for skilled psychologists who understand the intersection of work, wellbeing and performance.


The pathway at a glance


Year 1–3: APAC-accredited undergraduate degree


Year 4: Honours year (qualifies you for provisional registration)


Year 5–6: Postgraduate study or supervised internship


Then: Apply for general registration through AHPRA


Already hold a degree in another field? You can enter through a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, typically 1 to 1.5 years, then continue the pathway from Honours.


Step by step


Step 1: Complete an accredited undergraduate degree (3 years) Start with a three-year bachelor's degree with an APAC-accredited psychology sequence. Options include a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Psychology, or a psychology major within a Bachelor of Arts or Science.


Step 2: Complete your Honours year (1 year) Your fourth year includes a supervised research project and is the gateway to provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.


Step 3: Gain provisional registration Apply through AHPRA. This lets you practice under supervision while completing your remaining training.


Step 4: Choose your pathway (2 years) Complete either a two-year Master's or Doctorate with supervised placements, or one year of postgraduate study plus a one-year supervised internship (the 5+1 pathway).


Step 5: Apply for general registration Once your sixth year of training is complete, apply for general registration through AHPRA. If you took the 5+1 pathway, you'll also need to pass the National Psychology Exam.


Step 6 (optional): Pursue a specialisation endorsement Complete a registrar program to gain endorsement in a specific area of practice, such as clinical, forensic or organisational psychology.


Where can you specialise?


  • Clinical: Complex mental health across the lifespan
  • Counselling: Emotional and interpersonal therapeutic support
  • Forensic: Justice system, rehabilitation and risk assessment
  • Organisational: Workplace dynamics, leadership and performance
  • Educational & developmental: Learning, development and behavioural support
  • Sport & exercise: Performance, resilience and stress management
  • Health: Chronic illness, behaviour change and physical–psychological health
  • Community: Social justice, systemic wellbeing and community mental health
  • Clinical neuropsychology: Brain injury and neurodevelopmental conditions


Frequently asked questions:


How long does it take? Six years minimum. Three-year degree, one-year Honours, plus two years of postgraduate study and supervised practice. Bridging pathways may add time.


Can I switch from another career? Yes. A Graduate Diploma of Psychology lets you enter the pathway with any existing bachelor's degree.


What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Psychologists focus on evidence-based psychological therapies. They often work together.


What is APAC accreditation? APAC is the independent body that accredits psychology programs at Australian universities. Only APAC-accredited courses count toward registration.


Can I study online? Several universities offer APAC-accredited programs online. Supervised placements will still require in-person attendance.


What is the 5+1 pathway? Five years of study plus one year of supervised internship, followed by the National Psychology Exam. It leads to general registration but not area of practice endorsement.


Thinking about a career in occupational psychology?


The 11th HR clinic offers supervised placements for provisional psychologists, Master's students and Honours students. If you're passionate about the intersection of work, wellbeing and human performance, we'd be happy to hear from you.


This guide is for informational purposes only. Verify current requirements with the Psychology Board of Australia, APAC and AHPRA.