It takes a minimum of six years of education and training to obtain general registration as a psychologist in Australia. The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) determines the requirements for registration as a psychologist under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredits courses that meet the requirements.

An overview of the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist is as follows:
Step 1 – Three Year Undergraduate Bachelor Degree or Graduate Diploma

Step 2 – Fourth year accredited psychology studies

Step 3 – Internship pathway* or postgraduate study to general registration

Step 4 – Registrar program for area of practice endorsement (optional area of specialzsation qualification)

*Update in 2014 – please note that the internship pathway may be closing as it is difficult to implement under the national registration scheme for psychologists.

Obviously this is not straightforward, so we recommend you seek further information from:

• Australian Psychological Society
• Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
• Psychology Board of Australia
• Your careers advisor, guidance officer or career development practitioner
• The university or course provider you are considering applying to