International Student Applications

Am I an International Student?
You are an international fee-paying student if you are NOT an Australian citizen (including dual citizens), or a New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens), or a permanent resident of Australia.You are an international fee-paying student if you hold a permit for temporary entry to Australia. For example, if your status is: overseas student, permanent resident of New Zealand, diplomat, temporary resident who hold permits for work purposes, refugee or a dependent of any of the above. For more information contact the International Office.

Am I an onshore or offshore International Student?
On-shore is a student who is currently enrolled at an Australian University. Off-shore is a student overseas.

What is the course code and CRICOS number for the DCP/MSc?
COURSE: LB001 CRICOS: 040243E

What is the closing date?
International applicants: 5pm 1 October 2013

Will the DCP/MSc degree be recognised in my country?
You may contact the Australian Psychological Society and Psychology Board of Australia for further information regarding accreditation and registration. To determine international equivalency for accreditation and registration of the DCP/MSc, students are advised to contact the relevant accreditation and registration bodies in their own country for accurate advice. However, with careful selection of clinical placements and additional clinical placement hours DCP/MSc graduates can meet UK standards. Those students who upgrade to a DCP & PhD, and undertake additional placement hours, may be able to meet Canadian standards and equivalence in the US of the pre-internship PhD program in clinical psychology.

As an International student, how do I apply for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science (DCP/MSc) program?
All information regarding the DCP/MSc program is available from the Clinical Psychology Unit website under Future Students. International students are to submit an online application, uploading the DCP/MSc Supplementary form and supporting documents. Students must contact two referees to agree to be contacted by the International Office and to complete referee report form to support your application.

What is a four year Bachelors degree with honours in psychology?
Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) websites provide information on accredited four year honours degrees in psychology. At the University of Sydney, honours is one academic year in duration and includes: Empirical Thesis (50%); Theoretical Thesis or Special Fields Coursework (30%); Coursework (30%) - Research Methods (15%) and Ethics and Professional Issues (5%).

What is the Australian Psychological Society (APS)?
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the national assessing authority in Australia for assessment of overseas academic qualifications in psychology. For a fee of $AUD640, the APS determines the level at which an applicant’s qualifications are comparable to an Australian program of study that has been accredited by the Society. As it is also a requirement of the Psychology Board of Australia, that all applicants with non-Australian qualifications to have their qualification assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the APS assessment is required as all students must be provisionally or fully registered with the AHPRA's Psychology Board of Australia in order to commence clinical placements. Students will not be permitted to commence the DCP/MSc program without APS assessment and provisional registration.
http://www.psychology.org.au/membership/qualifications/

What is APAC?
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sets the standards for accreditation of Australasian psychology programs. APAC is a body that assesses and approves the minimum qualifications from recognised Schools of Psychology for the purposes of eligibility for registration as a psychologist in Australia and for membership of the Australian Psychological Society. APAC does not conduct assessments, however, you may wish to view their list of Australian accredited qualfications.
http://www.apac.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=1084

How is my degree assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS)?
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the body responsible for assessing the level of overseas qualifications for Australian equivalence by considering overseas qualifications against local accredited psychology qualifications. It is recommended to contact the APS for advice. The APS currently charges $AU640 to assess tertiary qualifications. http://www.psychology.org.au/membership/qualifications/ The APS assessment is also required for application for registration with AHPRA's Psychology Board of Australia. Contact AHPRA for further information http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/Overseas-Applicants.aspx

Will APAC assess my degree?
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sets the standards for accreditation of Australasian psychology programs. APAC is a body that assesses and approves the minimum qualifications from recognised Schools of Psychology for the purposes of eligibility for registration as a psychologist in Australia and for membership of the Australian Psychological Society. APAC does not conduct assessments, however, you may view their list of Australian accredited qualifications

Can you advise if my overseas degree is the same as an Australian degree?
No. The Clinical Psychology Unit can not provide any information on overseas degree equivalency. You must contact the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for information regarding the assessment of degree equivalency or Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for a list of all Australasian accredited courses. Alternatively, you may contact the International Office for advice.

Is my degree comparable to an Australian four year Bachelors degree honours in psychology?
It is a requirement for admission to the DCP/MSc and for provisional or full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia that all non-Australian qualifications are assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the national assessing authority in Australia for assessment of overseas academic qualifications in psychology. For a fee of $AUD 640, the APS determines the level at which an applicant’s qualifications are equivalent to an Australian program of study that has been accredited by the Society. Alternatively you may contact the International Office for questions regarding degree equivalency.

Do I need to have my degree assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS)?
It is a requirement for admission to the DCP/MSc program at the University of Sydney, that all non-Australian qualifications, including qualifications from New Zealand, are assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). It is also a requirement of the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) that all non-Australian qualifications, including qualifications from New Zealand, are assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Students must be eligible for provisional or full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) in order to commence the DCP/MSc program and supervised clinical placements. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the national assessing authority in Australia for assessment of overseas academic qualifications in psychology. For a fee of $AUD 640, the APS determines the level at which an applicant’s qualifications are equivalent to an Australian program of study that has been accredited by the Society. The APS assessment processing time is approximately six to eight weeks. The APS assessment must be completed before applying for the DCP/MSc program. As the APS assessment is required for admission to the DCP/MSc program and for provisional or full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) any applications submitted without evidence of the APS assessment will not be considered.

What is an upper second class 2.1 honours degree?
At the University of Sydney, an upper second class honours is considered as 75% or above, overall for the fourth honours year. In some cases this may be equivalent to a GPA of 3 out of 4. However, for international qualifications this is not always comparable, therefore the Clinical Psychology Unit relies on the APS assessment of qualifications for equivalency to an Australian four year Bachelors degree with honours. The School also assesses the research content of overseas degrees for comparability and asks students to provide the degree name, thesis title and thesis abstract, including information on methods used and whether the project was theoretical or conducted with methods consistent with an Australian fourth year honours degree.
At the University of Sydney, honours is one academic year in duration and includes: Empirical Thesis (50%); Theoretical Thesis or Special Fields Coursework (30%); Coursework (30%) - Research Methods (15%) and Ethics and Professional Issues (5%).

How do I provide evidence of an individually (or group) conducted research project and thesis?
All qualifications, in particular qualifications obtained from a non-Australian University, must include a major research project and thesis as an essential part of the degree. Upload evidence of an individually (or group) conducted research project and thesis, if not detailed on your academic transcript, particularly for non-Australian qualifications. Provide degree name, thesis title and thesis abstract. Including information on methods used and whether the project was theoretical or conducted with methods consistent with an Australian fourth year honours degree.

If I am currently completing honours at an overseas university, can apply for DCP/MSc this year?
If you are currently completing honours at an overseas university and your qualification will not be awarded prior to the application closing date, you will not be eligible to apply until the following year. As all applicants with non-Australian qualifications must have their qualification assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) before submitting an application for the DCP/MSc and the APS assessment of qualification may take up to 6-8 weeks to process following the award of your qualification. Applications submitted without the APS assessment of non-Australian qualifications will be rejected as not having met the minimum admission requirements for the DCP/MSc.

Does my degree meet requirements in terms of psychology coursework content?
Please provide details of all coursework undertaken in psychology. As your degree must be assessed to be deemed equivalent to an Australian four year honours degree in psychology. Please note the Faculty of Science, International Office and Clinical Psychology Unit are unable to assess qualifications. It is a requirement for admission to the DCP/MSc that all non-Australian qualifications are assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Does my degree meet the research requirements?
Please provide details of all research components of your degree eg. research thesis. As your degree must be assessed to be deemed equivalent to an Australian four year honours degree in psychology. Applicants are required to have completed an individually conducted research project and thesis in their fourth year equivalent. Please note the Faculty of Science, International Office and Clinical Psychology Unit are unable to assess qualifications. It is a requirement for admission to the DCP/MSc that all non-Australian qualifications are assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Upload evidence of an individually (or group) conducted research project and thesis, if not detailed on your academic transcript, particularly for non-Australian qualifications. Provide degree name, thesis title and thesis abstract. Including information on methods used and whether the project was theoretical or conducted with methods consistent with an Australian fourth year honours degree.

What do I need to provide to demonstrate the completion of an individually conducted research project and thesis?
Applicants must provide sufficient information to allow the Clinical Psychology Unit to determine if the standard achieved meets that of at least an upper second class honours (H2.1). The transcript must contain information regarding the nature of the research. That is, a research thesis/project should be listed on the academic transcript with final mark or grade. Upload evidence of an individually (or group) conducted research project and thesis, if not detailed on your academic transcript, particularly for non-Australian qualifications. Provide degree name, thesis title and thesis abstract. Including information on methods used and whether the project was theoretical or conducted with methods consistent with an Australian fourth year honours degree.

Can I submit my application early, before the closing date?
Yes. However, your application will not be evaluated early. Your application will be evaluated after the closing date with all other applications. Applications open in July each year.

If I submit my application early, can I be given an earlier indication as to whether my application would be successful?
No. Applications from international students are considered within the same timeframe as those from Australian applicants. While recognising that this may potentially cause problems for international applicants given the time required for visa processes, scholarship applications, relocation etc, because entry to the degree is highly competitive it would disadvantage local applicants if places were allocated early and independently of the applicant’s ranking within the complete set of applications. As an indication of interest for the program over 150 applications are received each year for the 15-20 places that we have available. Approximately 50 of those applicants are selected for interview on the basis of the specified selection criteria. A critical issue for international applicants is to ensure that their qualifications have been assessed for equivalence to an Australian 4-year Honours degree in psychology prior to applying for the DCP/MSc, which is an essential prerequisite for entry to any professional psychology postgraduate program. Please find further information available regarding admission and selection under Applying.

What sort of supporting documentation do I need to submit for application to the DCP/MSc?
Supporting documentation includes: APS assessment of qualification for non-Australian qualifications, passport, Australian visa, official change of name document, academic transcript with results and complete list of all subjects studied, official school leaving diploma or certificate, detailed course outlines if applying for credit, translation of any document not in english, details of exclusion if applicable, evidence of english proficiency (IELTS) if your studies were not conducted in english, evidence of scholarships awarded if any, details of any disability if applicable). Please note for the IELTS a minimum overall score of 7, and a minimum score of 7 in each band is required for admission to the DCP. The TOEFL +TWE is not accepted for admission to the DCP.

Do I need to submit original or certified copies of my documents?
Document certification guidelines are available from the International Office. The International Office accepts scanned copies of original documents. Whilst students are not required to submit certified copies of original documents, students should be prepared to provide original documents or original certified copies of supporting documents upon request at any time. If required, copies of your original transcripts may be certified by an International Office Representative Agents or by another party according to the University certification policy.

What are the english language requirements for application to the DCP/MSc program?
For the DCP/MSc, the english language requirement can only be met by the IELTS. For the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each band is required. Other english language tests are not accepted for admission to the DCP (eg. TOEFL). You may also contact the International Office for information on english language requirements for international students.

What are the english language requirements for application to most OTHER postgraduate programs?
DCP/MSc program:
IELTS - score of 7.0 with no band below 7.0
Other postgraduate programs:
IELTS - score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL - score of 577, with a TWE (Test of Written English) score of 4.5
CBT - 233 with an Essay Rating of 4.5
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B
GCSE English Language grade A or B
CULT - 70

Do I need to demonstrate english language proficiency?
You only need to demonstrate english language proficiency if you have NOT completed your tertiary qualification in Australia and your qualifications were obtained from a university or other institution where the language of instruction was NOT English. If your tertiary qualification was conducted in English you are not required to provide evidence of english language proficiency. If your tertiary studies were conducted in English but not in one of the following countries: Australia, USA, England or Canada; you will need to provide official documentation that your studies were conducted in English.

Can I submit a work experience referee report from volunteer work experience?
If your volunteer work experience is of a clinical or clinical research nature, you may use this to obtain a work experience referee report. However, if your volunteer work does not have clinical or clinical research content, you will not be able to include it in your application. In such a case, you would be advised to find a second academic referee report.

If my referee report is completed in a language other than english, is an official english language translation required?
Yes. The referee would be required to have the referee report officially translated, as the referee report is confidential and should not at any stage be returned to the student. The referee must send the completed report and translation directly to the University, not to the student.

Is there a quota on the number of international student accepted?
No. Domestic and international applicants are considered equally on merit, according to academic qualifications, publications, work experience and interview. Domestic and international applications are treated equally throughout the selection process.

What is the selection process for the DCP/MSc?
Selection is by application evaluation and interview. Applications close on 1 October and interviews are held in the last week of November. First round offers will be made from December and second round offers often continue into January. Each year over 150 applications are received, 50 applicants interviewed and 15-20 offered places. Further information

Will I be able to defer an offer of a place?
No. It is not possible to defer an offer. If offered a place on the DCP/MSc program you must either accept or decline the offer. If you choose to decline the offer, you would be welcome to re-apply the following year.

Can I receive a conditional offer for an international scholarships application with a deadline before October?
No. Applications close 1 October for international students and 25 October for domestic students for admission in March 2014. There is no mid year intake. Applications are not assessed until after all international and domestic applications have been received on 25 October. The Direct Applications Team, International Office and Faculty of Science process the applications in the two weeks following the closing date for forwarding onto the Clinical Psychology Unit for assessment. Following evaluation and ranking, the top fifty ranked applicants are offered interviews on 27 and 29 November. First round offers are made during the first week of December and second round offers in the second week of December. Dependant on the rate of acceptance of offers, offers may continue into the third week of December or January.
An offer or conditional offer for a DCP/MSc place can not be made until at least December each year. Whilst it is possible to submit an application prior the closing date, it is not possible to receive an offer until after all applications have been assessed, interviews completed and rankings determined in December. Unfortunately this may have implications for international scholarships applications with early deadlines. Due to the competitive nature of the DCP/MSc program, students are not eligible to apply for such scholarships as places are not finalised until December.

How are international students interviewed?
All International students are asked to arrange access to a computer with webcam and SKYPE access during the interview period. International students are to advise at the time of application on the application form, their SKYPE address, in order to have a web cam based interview. If at the time of interview, technical difficulties are experienced with SKYPE, a telephone interview may be offered. Therefore International students are asked to nominate on clearly on their application form, the SKYPE address and the landline telephone number that will be contactable on during the interview period. It is however, in the applicant's best interests to have a web cam interview.

What are the fees for the DCP/MSc?
For information on international postgraduate coursework fees contact the International Office. International students (ie. temporary permit holders for entry to Australia: overseas students, permanent residents of New Zealand, diplomats, temporary residents, refugees, or dependents of any of the these) are required to pay full international student fees upfront. International students are also required to pay for health insurance in Australia.

What scholarships or financial assistance are available for international students?
Contact the Scholarships Office or International Office for information regarding financial assistance and scholarships.
Scholarships for international postgraduate students
International scholarships database
Financial Assistance Office

What are the living costs and accommodation available for international students?
Living costs and accommodation services for international students are outlined on the International Office web site. Or contact the Financial Assistance Office

What work opportunities are available during the program?
The DCP/MSc is a very demanding and intensive full time program, comprised of academic coursework, supervised clinical placements and a full research project and thesis. The time commitments for each of the coursework, clinical placement and research components of the degree are outlined in the workload distribution section. Students are not encouraged to work, however, it recognised that students need to support themselves financially. Some students manage to work casually one day a week, for example, finding employment independently or through the Careers Centre or in the School of Psychology as tutors or research assistants for Clinical Psychology staff. Living costs for local students and living costs for international students are outlined on the International Office website. You may also email currently enrolled students for a student perspective.