Psychology is one of the most exciting and in-demand fields today, offering deep insight into human behaviour and mental health. Whether you are passionate about clinical care, counselling, research, or organisational psychology, this field opens doors to meaningful and impactful careers worldwide.
Australia is a global leader in psychology education. Its universities are known for practical training, accredited programmes, and strong links to healthcare and research institutions. In 2023, over 13,500 Sri Lankan students chose to study in Australia, drawn by its world-class education, safe cities, and welcoming communities.
If you are thinking about starting your journey in mental health or behavioural science, psychology courses in Australia offer everything you need: international recognition, flexible pathways, and excellent career outcomes. Wondering how to get started? Let's explore your options.
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Why Study Psychology Courses in Australia?
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for psychology education. It offers globally accredited qualifications, hands-on learning, and pathways to registration or further research. For Sri Lankan students, it also offers a multicultural environment and strong support for international learners.
Here's why studying psychology courses in Australia is a smart move:
- World-Class Education: Australian universities rank globally for psychology and mental health sciences.
- Accredited Programmes: Many courses are recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), crucial for professional registration.
- Cultural Diversity: Study in welcoming, inclusive classrooms that reflect global perspectives.
- Practical Experience: Get real-world training through internships, placements, and supervised clinical hours.
- Strong Job Outlook: Australia's mental health sector is expanding, with rising demand for skilled professionals.
- Post-Study Opportunities: Eligible students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485), gaining local experience and PR points.
Top Psychology Courses and Tuition Fees in Australia
Australia offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses, from general degrees to specialised tracks in clinical, organisational, educational, and counselling psychology. Below is a list of popular options along with estimated annual tuition fees for 2025. These are indicative and subject to change by the universities.
Undergraduate Psychology Courses in Australia
|
Course and University
|
Estimated Tuition Fees (AUD)
|
|
Bachelor of Psychology – University of Melbourne
|
AU $39,232
|
|
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – UNSW Sydney
|
AU $50,000
|
|
Bachelor of Psychological Science – Deakin University
|
AU $38,600
|
|
Bachelor of Psychology – University of Queensland
|
AU $43,200
|
Postgraduate Psychology Courses in Australia
|
Course and University
|
Estimated Tuition Fees
(AUD)
|
|
Master of Clinical Psychology – University of Sydney
|
AU $58,800
|
|
Master of Psychology (Organisational) – Macquarie University
|
AU $57,600
|
|
Master of Counselling Psychology – La Trobe University
|
AU $41,000
|
|
Master of Psychology- Western Sydney University
|
AU $45,296
|
Most postgraduate psychology courses in Australia require a relevant bachelor's degree, and clinical programmes often have limited intake and higher entry standards.
Top Universities for Psychology Courses in Australia
Australia is home to several high-ranking institutions offering accredited psychology programmes that are well-regarded globally. These universities offer a balance of academic excellence, practical exposure, and international student support.
Here are some of the top universities offering psychology courses in Australia:
|
University
|
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Psychology
|
Psychology Strength
|
|
The University of Melbourne
Parkville, Australia
|
21
|
Ranked #1 in Australia for Psychology (QS 2025), strong in research and comprehensive programmes
|
|
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Sydney, Australia
|
32
|
APAC-accredited, research-driven programmes, strong industry links
|
|
The University of Queensland
Brisbane City, Australia
|
34
|
Research-intensive, strong focus on psychological science and applied psychology
|
|
The University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia
|
39
|
Strong in clinical training, neuroscience, and broad research
|
|
Monash University
Melbourne, Australia
|
68
|
Known for its Master's in Psychology and mental health focus, strong industry connections
|
|
Australian National University (ANU)
Canberra, Australia
|
88
|
Leading in cognitive neuroscience, counselling streams, and research
|
|
Deakin University
Burwood, Australia
|
101-150
|
Work-ready programmes, practical placements, mental health research
|
|
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)
Sydney, Australia
|
101-150
|
Research in human behavior, mind-brain function, clinical psychology
|
|
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Brisbane, Australia
|
101-150
|
Educational/developmental psychology, clinical training, clinic-based experience
|
|
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Australia
|
101-150
|
Clinical psychology and applied behavioural sciences, strong research outputs
|
Each of these universities offers undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses in Australia, many of which are also listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL), which enhances future PR prospects for Sri Lankan students.
Eligibility Criteria for Psychology Courses in Australia
To enrol in psychology courses in Australia, students must meet academic and English language requirements. Criteria differ for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and some programmes—especially clinical ones—have stricter prerequisites.
General Eligibility for Sri Lankan Students:- Undergraduate: Australian Year 12 or overseas equivalent.
- Postgraduate: For master's programmes (especially clinical), generally an APAC-accredited four-year psychology sequence (e.g., Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours) with a minimum 70-75% average, completed within the last 10 years.
- English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores. However, for a skills assessment by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for migration purposes (often a step towards PR), generally higher scores apply, such as IELTS 7.0 overall (with no band less than 7.0). Always check the specific requirements of your chosen university and the APS.
- Additional Requirements: Personal statements (typically 500 words), referee reports, and interviews for shortlisted candidates, particularly for competitive postgraduate programmes.
Specific courses may have unique entry requirements, especially clinical psychology programmes, which are highly competitive and require formal qualification assessments by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for international students, usually before application to university.
Psychology Courses in Australia: Admission Process
Applying to Psychology Courses in Australia is a straightforward process. Planning ahead ensures a smooth experience, from choosing your course to securing your student visa. Apply 6–8 months before your intake to leave enough time for processing.
- Choose Your Course and University: Explore undergraduate or postgraduate psychology options based on your goals and academic background.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm the academic and English language requirements for the selected course.
- Prepare Required Documents: Include academic records, English test scores, Statement of Purpose (SOP), references, and passport.
- Submit Your Application: Apply via the university's official portal.
- Receive the Offer Letter: If selected, you'll get a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Accept the Offer and Pay Fees: Secure your seat by accepting the offer and paying the initial deposit.
- Get Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): This is issued by your university after you accept the offer and pay your deposit, and it is required to apply for your visa.
- Apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500): Use your CoE and supporting documents to submit the visa application via ImmiAccount.
Documents Required
When applying for psychology courses in Australia, ensure all your documents are ready and correctly formatted. Non-English documents must be certified and translated.
List of Commonly Required Documents
Essential Documents:- APS Assessment Letter (for international students applying for postgraduate clinical psychology or seeking skills assessment): This is mandatory before university application submission for many clinical programmes, as it confirms your foundational psychology qualification.
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of your previous qualifications, typically showing a 4-year APAC-accredited psychology degree with Honours for master's programmes.
- Passport Copy: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
- English Language Test Scores: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE meeting course requirements.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal statement (typically 500 words) explaining your motivation for studying psychology, your career goals, and suitability for the chosen programme.
- Online Referee Reports: Usually two referees (one academic, one professional) submitted directly through university portals.
- CV/Resume: Detailed work and research experience, particularly if relevant to psychology.
- Psychology Additional Information Form: University-specific supplementary forms, often required for competitive programmes.
Additional for Clinical Programmes:- Research Thesis Evidence: Proof of a completed independent research project (e.g., Honours thesis).
- Clinical Experience Documentation: Relevant work experience, volunteering, or placements in the psychology or mental health field.
Having your documents prepared early improves your chances of a smooth and timely admission.
Scholarships for Psychology Courses in Australia
Scholarships can greatly reduce the financial burden for Sri Lankan students studying psychology courses in Australia. Many universities and the Australian Government offer funding support based on academic merit, leadership, and financial need.
Here are the top scholarships available for psychology students in 2025:
|
Scholarship Name
|
Provider
|
Coverage
|
Eligibility
|
|
Australia Awards Scholarships
|
Australian Government
|
Full tuition, return airfare, and living costs
|
Sri Lankan nationals, academic merit, leadership potential
|
|
Sydney International Scholarship
|
University of Sydney
|
Up to AU $40,000 (tuition fee)
|
UG/PG students, academic excellence
|
|
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
|
University of Adelaide
|
50% tuition fee reduction
|
GPA 6.9/7 or equivalent
|
|
International Excellence Scholarship
|
University of Western Australia
|
Up to AU $24,000 for PG programmes
|
WAM 65–75+, depending on the course
|
|
Destination Australia Scholarships
|
Australian Government
|
Up to AU $15,000 per year
|
For students choosing regional campuses; still available for 2025 at select universities
|
AECC empowers students through scholarship assistance, full-service academic support, and tailored guidance for international students navigating their educational path.
Visa for Psychology Courses in Australia
To study Psychology Courses in Australia, Sri Lankan students must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa permits full-time study and limited work rights in Australia.
Key Visa Information for 2025:- Visa Name: Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Visa Fee: AUD 1600 (subject to change)
- Eligibility Includes:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
- Valid IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores
- Proof of funds (minimum AU $29,710 for a single applicant to cover living costs, plus tuition and travel costs for at least one year)
- Genuine Student (GS) statement
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study
- Full-time during scheduled course breaks
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) available for graduates of 2+ year CRICOS-registered courses.
- This allows you to stay in Australia for up to 2 or 3 years, depending on your qualification level (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's by coursework, Master's by research/PhD). Additional time may be granted if you studied at a regional campus.
- Successful graduates of clinical psychology courses in Australia may also qualify for skilled migration pathways, depending on occupation lists and visa updates.
Job and Salary After Psychology Courses in Australia
Psychology is a field with growing relevance across healthcare, education, business, and community services. While some roles require postgraduate study and registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), others are open to bachelor's graduates.
Popular Roles and Average Salaries
Here are a few common roles and estimated typical salary ranges (AUD) for psychology professionals in Australia. These figures can vary significantly by experience, location (major cities like Sydney/Melbourne typically higher), and company size.
|
Job Title
|
Estimated Typical Salary Range (AUD/year)
|
|
Clinical Psychologist
|
AU $105,000 – $130,000+
|
|
Counsellor
|
AU $85,000 – $105,000+
|
|
Organisational Psychologist
|
AU $100,000 – $150,000+
|
|
HR or Behavioural Officer
|
AU $70,000 – $90,000+
|
To work as a registered psychologist, students must complete an APAC-accredited degree and meet AHPRA registration criteria. Explore more at the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Studying psychology courses in Australia offers more than academic credentials—it provides global exposure, real-world skills, and life-changing career opportunities. With top-ranked universities, multicultural campuses, and supportive learning environments, Sri Lankan students can thrive both personally and professionally.
Whether you're starting your first degree or advancing your career, Australia is a smart, future-ready destination. Ready to begin your journey? Talk to AECC's expert advisors today and start shaping your future in psychology!
Psychology Courses in Australia FAQs
Which psychology course is best in Australia?
The best psychology course in Australia depends on your interests and career goals. Clinical Psychology is ideal for those wanting to work in therapy or mental health care. For research or academic careers, Psychological Science (Honours) is highly valued. Top universities like Melbourne and UNSW offer APAC-accredited courses with global recognition.
Is Australia good for studying psychology?
Yes, Australia is a top destination for psychology studies. It offers accredited psychology programmes, strong mental health initiatives, and excellent academic support. Students gain practical skills through placements, and many courses are aligned with Skilled Occupation Lists, enhancing job and PR prospects for international students, including those from Sri Lanka.
How much does a psychology course cost in Australia?
Tuition fees for psychology courses in Australia range from AUD 30,000–60,000 per year, varying significantly by university and course level (undergraduate or postgraduate). Scholarships are widely available to help international students manage these expenses.
How long does it take to complete a bachelor's and master's in psychology in Australia?
A bachelor's in psychology usually takes 3 years, with an additional Honours year (a crucial 4th year for those aiming for postgraduate study). A master's in psychology in Australia typically lasts 2 years full-time. Clinical programmes may require additional supervised practice to meet registration requirements.
Is a psychology degree from Australia recognised internationally?
Yes, a psychology degree in Australia is recognised globally, especially if accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates can pursue international licensure, postgraduate study, or work opportunities in countries like the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, depending on local registration rules and any additional requirements by professional bodies in those countries.
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Nidhi Mehrotra, with extensive experience in Australian education, has helped countless students achieve their dreams of studying in Australia. Known for her expertise in visa applications and course selection, her guidance ensures success. Outside work, she enjoys reading and exploring new recipes, adding a personal touch to her mentoring.
