How to become a psychologist in South Africa: Essential steps and tips
Becoming a psychologist in South Africa is a rewarding career choice. Psychologists are reportedly in demand because there are only 0.97 psychologists per 100,000 people in South Africa. HST Senior Researcher Michael Burnett shared in July 2025:
In South Africa, there is a severe shortage of mental healthcare professionals... This shortage leads to long waiting lists and limited access, especially in rural communities.
Source: UGC
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Key takeaways
- One must professionally register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to practice psychology in South Africa.
- Psychology courses in SA are offered at undergraduate (Bachelor's) and postgraduate (Master's and PhD) levels.
- It takes approximately seven years to become a psychologist in South Africa.
- Almost all the universities in South Africa offer psychology at an undergraduate level.
How to become a psychologist in South Africa
The most important thing to do before you can become a professional psychologist in South Africa is to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). You must complete specific steps and requirements.
Discussing the plight of access to adequate mental healthcare services in the country, Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Counselling Psychologist and Head of Academic Programmes at SACAP, once shared on their official website:
There is certainly a shortage of psychologists working in South Africa. The biggest problem that we currently face in our country is the fact that the majority of psychologists are not working for the majority of the people. The majority of the country is therefore left without access to adequate mental healthcare services.
Step-by-step tips on becoming a psychologist in SA
Below are the requirements for you to become a fully registered psychologist in SA:
- First, decide which field of psychology you want to pursue and choose the appropriate matric subjects.
- Select your preferred tertiary institution.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field from the institution.
- Complete an honours degree in psychology (usually a year) and/or get a BPsych degree, which already includes honours in places like The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP).
- Go for a master's degree in a specific field of psychology (example: clinical, educational, or research).
- Gain practical experience through a certified internship in a school or hospital (720 hours or six months full-time or 12 months if you choose to work part-time).
- Complete one year of community service (for some specialisations).
- Finally, register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) by passing their Ethics Board Exams.
Source: UGC
Meaning and types of psychology
According to the American Psychological Association, psychology is the scientific study of the mind, human emotions, cognition, and behaviour. There are various types of psychologists, each with its own specialisation. As shared by the University of North Dakota, some of them include:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Industrial-Organisational Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Counselling Psychology
Where can you study psychology in South Africa?
In South Africa, numerous universities offer psychology programs at the undergraduate level, with degrees such as BA, BSc, or BSocSci.
Some universities also offer specialised training programs in clinical psychology. Here are some top universities for studying psychology in SA.
- University of Cape Town
- University of Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
How much does it cost to study psychology in South Africa?
The cost of studying psychology in South Africa varies by university and program (B.A or B.Sc.). As per Study Portals, bachelor’s degrees range from ZAR 45,000 to ZAR 80,000 per year, while master’s programs cost between ZAR 5,500 and ZAR 63,000 in total.
Source: UGC
What are the requirements to study psychology in South Africa?
To study psychology in South Africa, you will need to meet specific academic requirements. For university admission, a bachelor's pass is required, including:
- 40% in Home Language
- 50% in four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
- 30% in two other subjects
Additionally, here are some specific psychology subjects needed:
- Level 4 for English (Home or Additional Language)
- Level 3 or 4 for Math or Maths Literacy
- Life Sciences (e.g., Biology)
What qualifications do you need to be a psychologist?
There are various psychology degrees needed to become a psychologist in South Africa. These include:
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with psychology as a major;
- Postgraduate honours degree in Psychology (minimum 65% average);
- Professional Master's degree in Psychology (minimum 65% honours average).
Source: UGC
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to become a psychologist in South Africa? It takes approximately seven years.
- Are psychologists in demand in SA? They are, because of the high emotional and psychosocial support needed in the country.
- Can you study psychology overseas and register as a psychologist in South Africa? You can, with qualifications similar to those in SA, and you must be assessed by HPCSA.
- How much do psychologists earn in South Africa? The average salary is about R518,740 yearly, with reported earnings ranging from R256,317 to R3,460,830.
Conclusion
To become a psychologist in South Africa, one must embark on a rewarding yet challenging journey that requires dedication, academic excellence and practical experience.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.
READ MORE: University application dates: Get the full list
As Briefly.co.za published, if you are looking forward to enrolling in an institution of higher learning, you must be aware of the university application dates for 2025.
The application opening and closing dates vary from one university to another. Applying early increases your chances of university admission, but only if you meet the entry criteria.
Source: Briefly News
