Overseas qualifications
For students
For information and advice
APAC’s remit extends only to the accreditation of programs of study offered by Australian Higher Education Providers at specific campuses.
If you have gained an overseas academic qualification in psychology and you are seeking to register to practise as a psychologist or continue further studies in an APAC accredited program in Australia, the appropriate course of action is dependent on the advice you are seeking.
You must have your qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), who is the national assessing authority for the assessment of overseas qualified psychologists applying for migration to Australia under the Skilled Migration categories, assessment for entry to an Australian higher education provider or for employment purposes.
Following the APS’ assessment of overseas academic qualifications process, contact the prospective higher education provider directly about its individual admission processes and requirements.
Under National Law, you must be registered with the Psychology Board Australia to work as a psychologist in Australia.
Please visit their website for more information on how to apply for registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
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I need advice regarding registration as a psychologist. Who can I speak to?The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) is responsible for developing and endorsing the Registration Standards for psychologists in Australia, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency manages the processing of applications to the PsyBA for registration as a psychologist. As such, please contact the PsyBA directly for information and advice regarding registration requirements.
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Why is there a difference of 6 months for three-year bridging programs that are estimated at 12-18 months? Do the 18 month programs offer more units?The Accreditation Standards are set to ensure bridging programs meet the requirements of an APAC accredited three-year sequence, including that education providers have robust processes in place to ensure students graduate acquiring the Level 1 Foundational Competencies. It is up to the education provider to decide how it structures its programs ensuring that robust processes are in place to meet the Accreditation Standards and students have the ability to acquire the Level 1 Foundational Competencies upon the completion of their studies. Please contact the education provider directly for more information.
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Which is the best program of study or education provider?As an accreditation authority, APAC is unable to provide any recommendations regarding programs of study or education providers. APAC’s role is to assure the compliance against the Accreditation Standards of each accredited program, however we do not rank programs or education providers. It’s recommended that you contact your prospective education provider for further information regarding its programs to make an informed decision.
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Do I automatically become registered as a psychologist if I complete an accredited program?Upon completion of the required psychology program of study, graduates are required to gain provisional or general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) in order to practice as a psychologist within their scope of practice in Australia. Please note, the PsyBA develop the registration standards, codes and guidelines for the psychology profession including the requirements for registration, as well as assess individual suitability for registration. For further information, please refer to the PsyBA website.
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Do I automatically gain membership of the Australian Psychological Society if I complete an accredited program?As APAC is a separate organisation from the Australian Psychological Society (APS), you need to apply directly to the APS if you choose to seek membership of that professional association. The same is true if you choose to join an alternate professional psychological association.
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Video transcript