What are the entry requirements for psychology?

You need matric with a degree pass and a good English mark, plus the APS the university asks for. Psychology is popular, so a higher average helps you get in.

What subjects do I need to study psychology?

You need English and a degree pass. Life Sciences helps. You do not need pure Maths for most psychology degrees, but some Maths is useful because psychology uses statistics.

Can I study psychology without maths?

Yes, for most psychology degrees. A BA route usually takes Maths Literacy. But psychology uses statistics, so being okay with numbers helps. Always check the university.

Can I become a clinical psychologist with a BA in Psychology?

Yes. A BA with Psychology is a fine start. After it, you still need Honours, a Master's in Clinical Psychology, an internship, community service, and the HPCSA board exam.

What APS do I need for psychology?

It changes from one university to the next, often around the high-20s or 30. Check each university, or work out your APS.

How many years is psychology at UNISA?

The degree is three years, and can take longer at UNISA because you study part-time by distance. Then you still need Honours and a Master's to become a psychologist.

Psychology requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English
A degree (bachelor's) pass in matric

Also good to have

Life Sciences
Mathematics (helps with statistics)
A second language

Ways to become a psychologist

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

DegreeNQF 9About 7 yearsBest way

Psychologist (Master's route)

To get in: About 30 APS or more. English, A degree pass in matric. You do a 3-year degree with Psychology, then a 1-year Honours, then you must win a place in a Master's. Master's places are very few and very hard to get.

Universities only. After the Master's you do an internship and community service, pass the HPCSA board exam, and register. You register with the HPCSA and work as a psychologist, for example clinical, counselling, or educational.

DegreeNQF 8About 4 years

Registered Counsellor

To get in: A Psychology degree, plus a BPsych or Honours with a practical year. A shorter route in the same field. You do not need the Master's.

Universities and some private colleges. You do a practicum and pass the HPCSA board exam. You register with the HPCSA as a Registered Counsellor. You do basic counselling and support, but not the deeper therapy a psychologist does.

Master's places are very few. Many students train as a Registered Counsellor instead, work in the field, and some apply for the Master's later.

DegreeNQF 8About 4 years

Psychometrist

To get in: A Psychology degree, plus training in psychological testing. Another route that does not need the Master's.

Universities. You do a practicum and pass the HPCSA board exam. You register with the HPCSA as a Psychometrist. You give and score psychological tests.

If you don’t get in yet

Your marks matter, but the hardest step is winning a Master's place. If you do not get in, you still have good options.

Train as a Registered Counsellor

With your degree and a BPsych or Honours plus a practical year, you can register as a Registered Counsellor and work in mental health. Some apply for the Master's again later.

Work and reapply

Many people get work experience, for example as a counsellor or in research, and apply for the Master's again the next year.

Use your degree in a related field

A psychology degree also opens doors in social work, human resources, research, and teaching.

How to sign up to work

You sign up with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

You must register with the HPCSA to work as a psychologist or counsellor. You cannot practise without it.
You register in a category: clinical, counselling, educational, industrial, or research psychology.
You do an internship and pass the HPCSA board exam first.
Clinical psychologists also do a year of community service.
You give a police clearance and pay a fee each year.