Psychologists assess and treat mental health conditions, conduct research, and help people improve their wellbeing. In South Africa, becoming a registered psychologist requires a BA/BSc in Psychology (3 years) + Honours (1 year) + Master's degree (2 years) + 1 year internship. Counselling, clinical, educational, and industrial psychologists are all in high demand.
Psychologists conduct therapy sessions, administer psychological assessments, write reports, consult with schools or businesses, and may lecture. Clinical psychologists work with serious mental health disorders; educational psychologists focus on learning difficulties.
English (Level 5+), Mathematics or Math Literacy, any other subjects
Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to calculate your exact score for each SA university.
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- North-West University (NWU)
Programme names and requirements vary by institution. Always verify directly with the university before applying.
Achieve APS 26+ with strong English. Complete a 3-year BA/BSc Psychology degree and Honours (1 year). Honours is highly competitive — top academic marks are needed.
Complete a 2-year Master's degree in your chosen specialisation (Clinical, Counselling, Educational, or Industrial). This includes supervised practical work.
Complete a 1-year supervised internship and register with the HPCSA as a Registered Psychologist. Open a private practice, work for a school, hospital, or corporate organisation.
How long does it take to become a psychologist in South Africa?
What APS do I need to study Psychology?
What do psychologists earn in South Africa?
Salary ranges are indicative for South Africa 2026 based on market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.