Visa requirements
To work as a psychologist in Australia, you need to apply for and be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (the Board). You may also need to apply for a visa issued by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (Australian Immigration Department).
These two application processes are separate and success in one does not automatically guarantee success in the other.
If you require a skills assessment to apply for a visa, you need to contact the skills assessing authority, the Australian Psychological Society (APS), directly.
More information on visa applications, including skills assessments and assessing authorities is available on the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
New Zealand applicants
Psychologists who have current registration and a current practising certificate that allows them to practise as a psychologist in New Zealand can apply for registration as a psychologist in Australia under the Commonwealth Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.
Applicants for registration under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition must also ensure they are familiar with the Board’s registration standards, code of ethics, guidelines and policies.
Applicants with qualifications and/or practice experience from New Zealand but who do not currently have the right to practise in New Zealand cannot register under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition must meet the requirements for other overseas applicants.
Application fees
Applicants are required to pay an overseas assessment fee and a registration fee. All the Board’s fees are published on the schedule of fees.
Employment as a registered psychologist in Australia
You must hold registration with the Board prior to taking up practice or employment as a registered psychologist in Australia. We recommend that you do not apply for work or set up a practice until your registration eligibility is assessed and confirmed. Please note AHPRA and the Board cannot assist you in seeking employment or influence employment outcomes.
Recommended pathway to registration in Australia for overseas qualified psychologists
Assess your ability to meet the registration requirements
The Board will assess whether you meet the registration requirements
Receive advice that you need to complete a specified period of supervised practice and the National Psychology Exam
Use relevant form to submit a plan for your specified period of supervised practice to the Board for approval
Receive approval of your supervised practice plan and granted provisional registration
Complete specified period of supervised practice in accordance with your approved plan
Pass the National Psychology Exam
Apply for general registration
Granted general registration
More information