Master of Professional Psychology (CRICOS course code 092974F) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The Cairnmillar Institute over 42 weeks (~10 months). This program is designed for graduates seeking to develop advanced skills in professional psychology practice, with a strong focus on work-integrated learning. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03530E), The Cairnmillar Institute ensures quality education aligned with Australian standards. This course belongs to the field of Behavioural Science (090701) and prepares students for provisional registration as psychologists. With a compulsory work component of 26 weeks (351 hours), students gain hands-on clinical experience. Whether you aim to work in private practice, community health, or research, this degree provides a solid foundation. HeadStart Academy brings you accurate, up-to-date information sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026). Explore everything you need to know about fees, entry requirements, and application steps below.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The Master of Professional Psychology (CRICOS 092974F) at The Cairnmillar Institute is a 42-week full-time program that combines theoretical coursework with practical placement. As a private institution based in Hawthorn East, Victoria, The Cairnmillar Institute offers small class sizes and personalised support. The course is classified under AQF Level 9 (Masters Degree Coursework) and falls within the Society and Culture field, specialising in Psychology. The curriculum is designed to meet the educational requirements for general registration as a psychologist in Australia, aligned with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) standards. Students benefit from a supervised internship that provides real-world experience in psychological assessment and intervention. This program is ideal for international students who have completed an APAC-accredited honours degree in psychology and wish to pursue a career in clinical or professional psychology.
This advanced program covers core areas of professional psychology, including psychopathology, psychological assessment, therapeutic modalities, evidence-based interventions, research methodology, and ethical practice. The curriculum follows the scientist-practitioner model, emphasising the integration of research and practice. Students will develop competencies in case formulation, diagnostic interviewing, and treatment planning. The program also includes a substantial work-integrated learning component where students apply their skills under supervision in real clinical settings. While specific subjects are determined by The Cairnmillar Institute, graduates typically leave with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to pursue provisional registration and eventually full registration as a psychologist. Check the provider's website for the detailed subject list.
The Master of Professional Psychology is offered as a full-time program with a CRICOS-registered duration of 42 weeks (~10 months). All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification course with no dual degree or foundation studies component. The program structure includes both taught modules and a mandatory 26-week placement. Students are expected to commit to full-time study, including attendance at lectures, seminars, and placement hours. The duration is fixed as per the CRICOS register, but extensions may be possible under certain circumstances (e.g., compassionate or compelling grounds). For detailed academic calendar and timetable, refer to The Cairnmillar Institute.
Indicative tuition fees for this course are A$36,221, with no additional non-tuition fees charged by the provider, bringing the estimated total to A$36,221. It is crucial to note that this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transport. Living costs in Melbourne typically range from A$20,000 to A$30,000 per year for a single student. The visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500) is also separate. Fees are set by The Cairnmillar Institute and subject to change; always verify the latest fees on the provider's website. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Typical entry requirements for a Master of Professional Psychology in Australia include a completed APAC-accredited honours degree in psychology (or equivalent) with a minimum grade point average. An overall IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) is commonly required. Some providers may also require a selection interview, referee reports, or demonstrated relevant work experience. The Cairnmillar Institute may have additional prerequisites or preferred criteria. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, pathway options such as a Graduate Diploma may be available. Always confirm entry requirements directly with the institution. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only; for definitive advice, consult the provider or a registered education agent.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 26 weeks of supervised placement at 13.5 hours per week, totalling approximately 351 hours. This is a significant part of the program, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real clinical settings. Placement typically takes place in psychology clinics, community health centres, or hospitals under the supervision of registered psychologists. The experience is designed to develop practical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, contributing to the supervised practice hours required for provisional registration as a psychologist. Students are responsible for meeting any placement prerequisites such as working with children checks or immunisations. The provider assists in arranging placements through its network of partner organisations.
This course is delivered at The Cairnmillar Institute campus in Hawthorn East, Victoria, approximately 7 km east of Melbourne's central business district. Hawthorn East is a well-connected suburb with access to tram routes (along Burke Road) and nearby train stations (Hawthorn and Glenferrie). Melbourne is home to over 55 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 7,000 courses, making it one of Australia's most popular study destinations. The city has a large international student population and a vibrant cultural scene. Living expenses in Melbourne average around A$22,000–A$30,000 per year for a single student, including rent (A$180–A$300 per week for shared accommodation), groceries, and transport. The campus is close to cafes, libraries, and recreational facilities, providing a supportive study environment.
International students must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study the Master of Professional Psychology in Australia. Key visa requirements include: enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (092974F at 03530E), meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and providing evidence of English language proficiency. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa period. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act provides legal protections for international students, including tuition fee safeguards. For personalised visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses (April 2026), so you have many options.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Professional Psychology at The Cairnmillar Institute:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Masters), field (Psychology), and location (Victoria). Confirm the course code 092974F is current and meets your goals.
2. Apply directly to The Cairnmillar Institute: Visit their website (cairnmillar.edu.au) to check entry requirements, submit your academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Be mindful of application deadlines and any supplementary materials like a personal statement or referee reports.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once the institute accepts your application, you will receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Ready to start your journey? Visit The Cairnmillar Institute website to apply or use HeadStart Academy to explore more psychology courses in Australia.
Master of Professional Psychology is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Cairnmillar Institute. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.