Clinical Psychology Masters Philippines → Australia (APS Accreditation)

mracle

Filipino psychology students who’ve graduated undergrad in the Philippines and plan/chose to continue masters in Australia, can I ask what your experiences were?

I’ve been made aware of the process of getting your degree assessed and accredited by APA (Australian Psychological Society). As a requirement in applying for Clinical Psych Masters in Australia, your degree program needs to be accredited to be equivalent to a 4-year tertiary program.

I heard from some experiences from acquaintances that it’s usually considered 3-years only instead of 4 (which would definitely be a big change in my planning as I would have to apply for a 1yr honours program in psychology prior to applying for masters)

To those who’ve had their degree assessed, how was it? If you’re an international student studying Clinical Psychology Masters in Australia, how is the process and experience?

I’m really trying to plan ahead and get some advice and guidance as I’m just awaiting to graduate and planning to take my masters early next year. Thank you in advance!

JennyInAU23

mracle I went through something similar.

I finished my Psych degree in the Philippines, then moved to Australia after graduating. When I had my degree assessed, it was considered a 3-year equivalent, not Honours level.

Because of that, I had to take an Honours year in Australia before I could apply for Clinical Psych Masters.

The Honours year was very different from what I was used to in PH — a lot more research-focused, big emphasis on your thesis, and much more independent learning. It was also quite intense academically.

After finishing Honours, I applied for Clinical Psych Masters. One thing I noticed during that time is how competitive it is — even among local students, not everyone gets in right away.

mracle

JennyInAU23 Hello! Thank you for this information. Were you able to get into clinical psych masters? May I also ask where you took your Honours year? Thanks!

JennyInAU23

@mracle Hey! No worries 🙂

I did apply for Clinical Psych Masters after Honours, but didn’t get in on my first try — it’s really quite competitive, even for local students.

I took my Honours at Monash University.

mracle

JennyInAU23 I see, thank you! May I ask if it's okay po to pm you to ask some questions? I really have a handful of questions regarding the psych pathway in Australia + visa concerns, if that's okay with you 🙂 Thanks again!