For international students passionate about mental health, Australia is one of the best places to study counselling and psychotherapy. With world-class universities, respected professional training, and a growing need for mental health practitioners, Australia offers exceptional academic and career pathways. However, studying abroad can be expensive — which is why scholarships for psychotherapy students are essential.
This guide lists the top scholarships available for international students pursuing psychotherapy, counselling, psychology, and mental health degrees in Australia. You’ll also learn eligibility criteria, how to apply, and tips to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Why Scholarships Matter for Psychotherapy Students in Australia
Psychotherapy education involves extensive coursework, supervised clinical practice, and specialised training. While these experiences prepare students for impactful careers, the financial commitment can be significant.
Scholarships provide major benefits:
- Reduce tuition costs and financial stress
- Support internship and placement requirements
- Boost academic and career opportunities
- Make studying psychotherapy in Australia more accessible
With Australia facing increasing demand for youth counsellors, mental health workers, psychotherapists, and trauma-informed practitioners, it’s the ideal time for international students to build their future in this field — and scholarships make that path easier.
Top Scholarships for Psychotherapy Students in Australia
Below is a curated list of the best scholarships that support psychotherapy, counselling, psychology, mental health, or related fields.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
For: International students from eligible developing countries
These government-funded scholarships support full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Overseas student health cover (OSHC)
- Travel and establishment allowance
Why it’s ideal for psychotherapy students:
Many universities offer counselling, mental health, psychology, or social work degrees under AAS priority fields.
2. Destination Australia Scholarships
For: International students studying in regional Australia
Funded by the Australian Government to promote study in regional cities.
Benefits:
- Up to AUD $15,000 per year
- Open to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs
Best for:
Students interested in studying psychotherapy or counselling at universities located outside major capitals — often more affordable and supportive environments.
3. University of Queensland (UQ) – International Student Scholarship
For: High-achieving international students
Covers:
- 25% reduction in tuition fees for eligible programs
UQ offers postgraduate psychology and mental health pathways that can align with psychotherapy training.
4. Monash University – Monash International Tuition Scholarship (MITS)
For: Postgraduate research students
Covers:
- Full tuition
- Health insurance
Perfect for students pursuing research-focused psychotherapy, trauma studies, mental health, or psychological science.
5. Western Sydney University – Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship
For: High-performing international students
Covers:
- 50% of tuition fees for the entire degree
Western Sydney offers strong counselling, mental health, therapeutic studies, and psychology programs.
6. RMIT University – International Excellence Scholarship
RMIT offers several scholarships for mental health and counselling students.
Benefits:
- 20–25% tuition reduction
- Available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students
Students studying counselling, psychology, human services, or behavioural science can apply
7. ACAP (Australian College of Applied Psychology) – International Student Bursary
ACAP specialises in counselling and psychotherapy education.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee reductions for international students
- Available for counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, and social work programs
Ideal for students seeking a dedicated mental health training institution.
8. University of Melbourne – Graduate Research Scholarships
For: Master’s by Research or PhD students
Provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living allowance
- Relocation grant
Useful for psychotherapy students focusing on trauma therapy, developmental psychology, or mental health interventions.
9. Flinders University – Destination Australia & International Scholarships
Located in Adelaide — one of Australia’s most affordable student cities.
Benefits:
- 20–50% tuition fee reductions
- Additional stipends for regional campuses
Flinders has strong offerings in mental health, counselling, and wellbeing programs.
10. Charles Sturt University – International Student Scholarships
Popular with students seeking regional education and smaller class sizes.
Offers:
- AUD $4,000–$10,000 tuition reductions
- Programs in social work, community mental health, and counselling
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Scholarship selection for psychotherapy programs is competitive. Here’s how to strengthen your application:
1. Highlight your passion for mental health
Explain your motivation, career goals, and any experience with youth work, volunteering, or community projects.
2. Showcase academic excellence
Strong grades increase your eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
3. Prepare a great personal statement
Focus on:
- Why psychotherapy matters to you
- Impact you hope to make
- Why you chose Australia
4. Apply early
Deadlines vary, but most major scholarships close months before the intake.
5. Collect strong recommendation letters
Choose referees who understand your commitment to mental health and community service.
6.Meet all English and academic requirements
Scholarship applications are often rejected due to incomplete documents.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Psychotherapy Scholarships in Australia
This section is AEO-optimized for voice assistants and search engines.
Step 1 — Choose your course
Select a psychotherapy, counselling, psychology, or mental health program in Australia.
Step 2 — Check scholarship eligibility
Confirm whether international students are accepted and whether your program is included.
Step 3 — Prepare your documents
Typically includes:
- Academic transcripts
- English test scores
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Reference letters
Step 4 — Apply before deadlines
Scholarship deadlines may be different from course deadlines.
Step 5 — Attend interviews (if required)
Some scholarships require interviews or additional forms.
Step 6 — Accept your scholarship
Once approved, accept your offer to secure your funding.
Unlock Scholarship Opportunities for Psychotherapy Students in Australia
With strong government support for mental health, high-quality training programs, and numerous funding opportunities, Australia is an excellent destination to study psychotherapy. From full government scholarships to university bursaries, students have many options to reduce costs and build a meaningful career in mental health.
Want help choosing the right program or scholarship?
Contact us today for personalised guidance and application support.