Perfect for those aiming to become counsellors, therapists, or clinical mental health workers in various settings.
Diploma
Year 12 or equivalent
IELTS 6.0 (no band <5.5)
Bachelor
Year 12 or equivalent
IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0)
Graduate Diploma
Any Bachelor's degree
IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0)
Master's
Relevant Bachelor's (e.g., health, social science, education)
IELTS 7.0 (no band <6.5)
Ready to begin your journey into the world of psychotherapy?
Book a Free ConsultationFind answers to frequently asked questions about the entry requirements for psychotherapy courses in Australia.
Diploma: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Bachelor: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Graduate Diploma: A recognised Bachelor's degree in any field. Master's: A relevant Bachelor's degree (e.g., health, social science, education).
Most institutions accept IELTS as the standard. Requirements are: Diploma: IELTS 6.0 (no band <5.5) Bachelor: IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0) Graduate Diploma: IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0) Master's: IELTS 7.0 (no band <6.5) Universities may also accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, or equivalent English tests.
Yes. A psychology background is not required for entry into undergraduate programs. However, postgraduate programs (Graduate Diploma or Master's) often require a relevant degree.
Students who do not meet the required IELTS score can take an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program or re-sit the test before admission. Some universities also offer packaged courses combining English and the main degree.
Yes. Postgraduate applicants (Graduate Diploma and Master's) may need to submit: - A Statement of Purpose (SoP) outlining career goals. - A Resume or CV with academic and professional background. - Attend an interview or written task, depending on the course.
In some cases, relevant professional or clinical experience may be considered, particularly for mature-age students applying to postgraduate programs. Each university assesses this individually.
Not all. Some postgraduate programs (especially Master's) may require an interview or written task to assess suitability, while undergraduate courses generally do not.
If your prior qualifications were completed in a non-English speaking country, you will need to provide an approved English language test result such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Yes. Students who do not qualify for direct entry may start with a Diploma or Foundation program and then progress into a Bachelor's or higher degree in counselling and psychotherapy.
It's best to prepare documents such as transcripts, English test scores, SoP, and CV at least 3–6 months before application deadlines to ensure a smooth admission process.