Assessment for
Skilled migration
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the only national assessing authority approved to conduct skills assessments for overseas trained psychologists. The APS Statement of Qualifications is required by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to include with your skilled migration visa application.
To receive a successful Skills Assessment outcome from the APS, you must demonstrate that your qualifications are comparable to a six-year sequence of study in psychology in Australia, or that you hold unconditional general registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Proficiency in English is essential for migrating to Australia. You will need to demonstrate your English language skills through a recognized test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or other accepted English language tests. The English language proficiency requirements align with the requirements to practice as a psychologist in Australia.
Your qualifications will be assessed against the standards set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), across three levels of competency. It is expected that Level 1 and Level 2 APAC competencies are met followed by:
A postgraduate degree in psychology which may be assessed at Level 3 if it includes:
Or
A minimum three year sequence (Level 1) followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology
This combination also represents six years of psychology training in Australia and may meet the requirements for a successful assessment outcome.
Please review the Study pathways for psychologists in Australia for further explanation.
Important Information Regarding Qualification Comparability
Please note that completing six years or more of study in psychology overseas does not automatically mean your qualifications are comparable to an APAC-accredited six-year sequence. The APAC accredited sequence is defined by:
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A structured progression through the levels of competencies: Foundational, Pre-professional and Professional;
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Demonstrated evidence of exposure to the competencies in each level;
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Minimum requirements for psychological practice hours, supervision and diversity of placement settings
While your overseas qualifications may span six years in duration, the assessment focuses on whether the content, structure and demonstrated competencies are comparable to the APAC accredited sequence - not solely the number of years studied.
For more details on how comparability is determined we recommend referring to the APAC Accreditations Standards.
Registration
If you plan to work as a psychologist in Australia you will need to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This process ensures you meet the required standards for professional practice under the National Law. Please be advised that psychologists with overseas qualifications will need to apply for provisional registration initially before they will be eligible to apply for General Registration after completing a Transitional Program. Please see the PsyBA website for further information.
Visa Requirements
Each visa subclass and pathway might have specific requirements and conditions. It's important to thoroughly research the visa options, eligibility criteria, and application procedures on the official Australian government website or consult with a registered migration agent for guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Remember that migration laws and policies can change, so always check for the most up-to-date information before making any decisions or applications.
APS Assessment Application Form