Thinking about bringing your mental health expertise to Australia? Whether you're an experienced psychologist looking to relocate or an international student considering studying psychology in Australia, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know-from skills assessment to registration and skilled visa pathways.
Australia faces a growing shortage of mental health professionals, making psychologists and counsellors highly sought-after across all states and territories. With multiple visa pathways available and strong demand in both metropolitan and regional areas, 2026 is an excellent time to explore your options.
Understanding Psychologist vs Counsellor Pathways
Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand that psychologists and counsellors have different assessment bodies and registration requirements in Australia.
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Authority | Registration Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 272311 | APS | Yes (AHPRA) |
| Educational Psychologist | 272312 | APS | Yes (AHPRA) |
| Organisational Psychologist | 272313 | APS | Yes (AHPRA) |
| Psychotherapist | 272314 | APS | Yes (AHPRA) |
| Psychologists nec | 272399 | APS | Yes (AHPRA) |
| Careers Counsellor | 272111 | VETASSESS | No |
| Counsellors nec | 272199 | VETASSESS | No |
Psychologists must register with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) through AHPRA to use the title "psychologist" and practise in Australia. Counsellors do not have mandatory national registration but may choose voluntary membership with professional associations.
Skills Assessment for Psychologists (APS)
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the sole national assessing authority for overseas-trained psychologists seeking skilled migration to Australia.
What the APS Assesses
Your qualifications must be comparable to a six-year sequence of study in psychology in Australia. This typically means:
- A four-year accredited undergraduate degree in psychology (Level 1 + Level 2 APAC competencies), PLUS
- A two-year accredited postgraduate degree (Master's or Doctorate) in psychology (Level 3 APAC competencies)
OR
- A five-year degree plus a one-year internship with supervised practice and the National Psychology Exam
The "5-Year Trap": Applicants from countries with a 3-year Bachelor + 2-year Masters system (common in Europe, India, and parts of Asia) are often assessed as having only "5 years comparable" study. This is insufficient for direct General Registration; these applicants must complete the 5+1 Internship Pathway in Australia, adding another year of supervised practice.
APS Skills Assessment Fees (2025-2026)
| Assessment Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Migration (within Australia) | $1,468 |
| Skilled Migration (outside Australia) | $1,335 |
| Skilled Employment History (within Australia) | $980 |
| Skilled Employment Statement (outside Australia) | $891 |
Processing time is approximately 12 weeks. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid electronically in Australian dollars.
English Language Requirements (Updated April 2025)
For skills assessment and registration purposes, psychologists must achieve minimum scores in one of the following tests:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 overall; L 7.0, R 7.0, S 7.0, W 6.5 |
| PTE Academic | 65 in all four components |
| TOEFL iBT | 94 overall with minimum 24 in L, 24 in R, 27 in W, 23 in S |
April 2025 Update: The Writing component requirement was reduced from 7.0 to 6.5, providing greater flexibility for non-native English speakers. You may also combine scores from up to 2 test sittings within 6 months if both achieve 7.0 overall and no individual band falls below 6.5.
The English requirements for psychology remain higher than most other occupations. A score of 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking is still mandatory. Exemptions only apply if you completed both secondary AND tertiary education in English in: Australia, Canada, NZ, Ireland, South Africa, UK, or USA. "Medium of instruction" letters from other countries are not accepted.
Skills Assessment for Counsellors (VETASSESS)
Counsellors (ANZSCO 272111 and 272199) are assessed by VETASSESS as Group A occupations.
Requirements for a Positive Assessment
-
Qualification: AQF Bachelor degree or higher in a highly relevant field
- ✅ Highly relevant: Counselling, Psychotherapy
- ⚠️ Not highly relevant alone: Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Nursing
-
Employment: At least one year of post-qualification work in the last five years, working 20+ hours per week at an appropriate skill level
VETASSESS Changes for 2026
| Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Standard processing reduced to 7 weeks | December 2025 |
| Document submission window reduced to 28 days | December 2025 |
| Priority Processing option (10 business days) | January 2026 |
| LLND Assessment required for Pathway 1 | January 2026 |
If your degree is in psychology or social work (not highly relevant), you may still qualify via Pathway 2-provided you also hold an additional qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy at minimum Graduate Diploma level.
Registering with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
A positive skills assessment from APS allows you to apply for a skilled visa, but it does not grant you the right to practise as a psychologist in Australia. You must separately register with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA.
Registration Pathway for Overseas Psychologists
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Key Registration Requirements
- Criminal history check
- English language proficiency (same as skills assessment)
- Professional indemnity insurance ($588-$1,720 annually depending on coverage)
- Recency of practice (practised psychology within past 5 years)
Supervised Practice Requirements (5+1 Pathway)
If assessed as requiring supervised practice, the minimum requirements include:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total supervised practice | 1,500 hours minimum |
| Direct client contact | 750 hours minimum |
| Supervision with Board-approved supervisor | 80 hours minimum |
| Individual supervision (of 80 hours) | 75% minimum (60+ hours) |
| Face-to-face individual supervision | 50% minimum (30+ hours) |
| Professional development | 40 hours minimum |
9 Areas of Practice Endorsement available: Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic, Health, Community, Organisational, Sport & Exercise, Educational & Developmental.
Registration Fees (2025-2026)
| Fee Type | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| PsyBA Overseas Assessment Fee | $718 |
| Annual Registration Fee | $473 |
| National Psychology Exam | $450 per sitting |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance (annual) | $588-$1,720 |
The National Psychology Exam (NPE)
Most overseas-qualified psychologists must pass the National Psychology Exam before obtaining General Registration.
- Format: 150 multiple-choice questions over 3.5 hours (computer-based)
- Key Domain (2026): Cultural Safety - demonstrating competence in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is now mandatory
- Failure Policy: Candidates who fail 3 times may be refused renewal of provisional registration
December 2025 Reform: The PsyBA removed the mandatory case study submission requirement for the 5+1 internship pathway. This significantly reduces administrative burden and accelerates the pathway to registration.
Supervision Costs (Budget Planning)
Finding a Board-Approved Supervisor is the single greatest practical barrier. Supervision is rarely free-expect to pay private rates:
| Supervision Type | Cost per Hour (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Individual (5+1/Registrar pathway) | $190-$315 |
| Group supervision | $90-$150 per session |
| Total supervision investment | $8,000-$15,000 |
Psychologists from the United Kingdom (British Psychological Society) and Ireland (Psychological Society of Ireland) may have a streamlined pathway as their qualifications are recognised as substantially equivalent.
Visa Pathways for Mental Health Professionals
The Occupation List Divide
Understanding which skilled occupation list your profession is on determines your visa options:
| Occupation | List | 189 Eligible? | Key Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist (272311) | MLTSSL | ✅ Yes | Access to all skilled visas |
| Psychologists nec (272399) | MLTSSL | ✅ Yes | Access to all skilled visas |
| Educational Psychologist (272312) | MLTSSL | ✅ Yes | Access to all skilled visas |
| Psychotherapist (272314) | STSOL | ❌ No | State/employer sponsored only |
| Counsellors nec (272199) | STSOL | ❌ No | State/employer sponsored only |
Critical Difference: Psychologists on the MLTSSL have access to the "Golden Ticket"-Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa with no sponsor required. Counsellors and Psychotherapists on the STSOL are excluded from 189 and must rely on state nomination or employer sponsorship.
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa (Psychologists Only)
- No state nomination or employer sponsorship required
- Points-tested (minimum 65 points; competitive rounds ~80-85 points for Clinical Psychologists)
- Direct pathway to permanent residency
- Eligible occupations: Clinical Psychologist (272311), Psychologists nec (272399)
Unsure of your points score? Use our GSM Points Calculator to estimate your eligibility.
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa
- Requires state or territory nomination
- Grants 5 additional points to your points test score
- Direct pathway to permanent residency
- 2-year commitment to the nominating state
- Psychologists: Widely available across most states
- Counsellors: Very limited availability; check individual state lists
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional Visa
- Requires state nomination or family sponsorship in a regional area
- Grants 15 additional points
- Provisional visa leading to Subclass 191 (PR) after 3 years in regional Australia
- Strong demand for psychologists in regional and rural areas
DAMA Pathways for Counsellors: Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory offer counsellors PR pathways with age concessions up to 55 years. See our complete DAMA guide for details.
Professional Accreditation for Counsellors (PACFA & ACA)
While counsellors don't require mandatory AHPRA registration, professional accreditation is essential for credibility, insurance, and employment opportunities.
Medicare Exclusion: Counsellors remain excluded from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access initiative). Clients cannot claim rebates for counsellor sessions, unlike psychologist sessions. Counsellors predominantly work in NDIS, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), NGOs, and salaried roles rather than private practice.
PACFA vs ACA Comparison
| Aspect | PACFA | ACA |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor's degree | Diploma or higher |
| Membership Size | Smaller, academic focus | ~5,500 members, broader scope |
| Recognition | Stronger in clinical/academic settings | Strong in community/private practice |
| Supervision Required | 10-15 hours/year | Varies by level |
| CPD Required | 20 hours/year | Varies |
| Annual Fee | $300-$426 | $280-$340 |
Both PACFA and ACA registrants are listed on ARCAP (Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists), enhancing professional credibility.
Pathway for International Students
If you're considering studying psychology in Australia as an international student, here's what the pathway looks like:
Standard Pathway to Registration
| Year | Study/Activity |
|---|---|
| Years 1-4 | Complete APAC-accredited Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) |
| Year 5 | Complete APAC-accredited fifth-year program |
| Year 6 | Master's/Doctorate OR 5+1 Internship with National Exam |
| Final Step | Apply for General Registration with PsyBA |
Benefits of Studying in Australia
- No skills assessment required if you complete an Australian-accredited program and obtain general registration
- Graduate visa (Subclass 485) available after completing your degree-see our Graduate Visa 485 Guide for the latest changes
- Direct eligibility for 189/190/491 skilled visas without needing APS assessment
- Strong employment prospects during and after study
Entry Requirements for Psychology Programs
Most Australian universities require:
- IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for admission
- Strong academic background in sciences
- Personal statement demonstrating interest in psychology
If you have overseas psychology qualifications and want to enter an Australian postgraduate psychology program, you must first have your qualifications assessed by the APS for comparability to Australian academic standards.
International Student Limitation: The government-funded Graduate Psychology Internship Program (GPIP) is restricted to Australian permanent residents and citizens. International students must arrange their own supervised practice placements, which may be competitive and unpaid.
Estimated Total Costs (International Students)
| Cost Category | Estimate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (6 years) | $300,000-$500,000 |
| Living expenses (6 years) | $170,000-$290,000 |
| Registration & assessment fees | $2,700-$3,500 |
| Total Investment | $500,000-$700,000 |
State Demand: Where Are Psychologists Needed Most?
Mental health professionals are in demand across Australia, but some states offer priority processing and additional incentives:
| State/Territory | Priority Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | ✅ High demand | Psychologists on 190/491 occupation list |
| Victoria | ✅ High demand | Strong metro and regional opportunities |
| Queensland | ✅ High demand | Growing regional need |
| South Australia | ✅ Priority | State nomination available |
| Western Australia | ✅ High demand | Priority processing for health professionals |
| Tasmania | ✅ Regional priority | 491 pathway strongly supported |
| Northern Territory | ✅ Critical shortage | Extra incentives for remote placements |
| ACT | ✅ Limited spots | Competitive nomination process |
Timeline: From Assessment to Registration
Here's a realistic timeline for an overseas psychologist:
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Gather documents and apply for APS skills assessment | 2-4 weeks preparation |
| APS assessment processing | 12 weeks |
| Apply for visa (189/190/491) | Variable (EOI + invitation) |
| Visa processing | 6-12 months |
| Apply for PsyBA provisional registration | 2-4 weeks |
| Complete transitional/supervised practice | 6-24 months (varies) |
| Obtain general registration | Upon completion |
Do not assume that a positive skills assessment means you can immediately practise. The registration process with PsyBA involves supervised practice that can take 1-2 years, depending on your background and the board's assessment of your qualifications.
What You Should Do Now
- Check your eligibility: Review whether your qualifications meet the six-year psychology sequence or VETASSESS counsellor requirements
- Prepare English test: Book your IELTS or PTE test early-aim for the 7/7/7/7 benchmark
- Gather documents: Academic transcripts, employment references, registration certificates from your home country
- Calculate your points: Use our GSM Points Calculator to estimate your score
- Consider your options: Study pathway vs skilled migration pathway based on your current qualifications
How First Migration Can Help
Navigating the complex intersection of skills assessment, professional registration, and visa applications can be overwhelming. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in guiding mental health professionals through every step of the process.
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
MARA Registered Agent
Registration No. 1569835
Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
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