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Qualification recognition

What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.

Psychology in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there

4 United Kingdom Exams or bridging High demand

HCPC registration is possible for HPCSA-registered psychologists, but assessment is slow and can find gaps.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
9-24 months from application (estimate); HCPC says each international application is assessed individually and timelines vary
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
None. Assessment is a portfolio review, but HCPC can require additional training or supervised practice before registration.
Language test
IELTS 7.0 (no element below 6.5) or TOEFL iBT; South Africa is not on HCPC's qualifying-countries list
Rough cost
HCPC international scrutiny fee GBP 678.38, plus the international registration fee of GBP 370.02 for three professional years (only two years, GBP 246.68, if you join in the first year of your profession's registration cycle), an English test and document certification costs

Worth knowing: HCPC has been publicly criticised for very long international processing times. Do not resign a SA post before registration is granted.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Qualify and register in South Africa first: HPCSA registration in a category such as clinical, counselling or educational psychologist underpins the application.
  2. Apply through the HCPC international application route with certified transcripts, full programme detail, supervised practice evidence and a certificate of good standing.
  3. Pass an approved English test (IELTS or TOEFL; South Africa is not on HCPC's qualifying-countries list), and pay the international scrutiny fee.
  4. If HCPC finds your training falls short of the UK standards of proficiency, complete the further training or supervised practice it specifies.
  5. Only HCPC registration gives the legal right to the protected titles; British Psychological Society membership is optional and separate.
Evidence and sources (8)

Demand evidence: Health and Care Worker visa codes include clinical psychologists (2225) and other psychologists (2226). They are not on the Immigration Salary List (updated 11 November 2025). (source)

Visas for United KingdomSkilled Worker visa · Health and Care Worker visa · Graduate visa (Graduate route) and 3 more6 routes
4 Ireland Exams or bridging High demand

Statutory registration has not started: CORU now expects to open the first psychologist registers in 2027.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
Depends on when the CORU registers open (expected 2027); recognition for HSE posts goes through the Department of Health meanwhile
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
A CORU aptitude test only if the qualification assessment identifies shortfalls; otherwise none.
Language test
Likely a CORU English test (IELTS or Cambridge C1) unless you qualified in English in the last 2 years
Rough cost
Not published. For psychology; in other professions CORU's guidance notes for international applicants give a EUR 510 application fee for recognition (its FAQ still says EUR 410), plus EUR 100 registration.

Worth knowing: The opening date depends on amendments to the Health and Social Care Professionals Act, so timelines may change again. CORU's language policy (from 8 May 2026) requires an English test from all applicants unless an exemption applies, such as qualifying through English within the previous 2 years; its table does not yet list scores for psychologists. Confirm directly with CORU before committing.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Check whether the CORU registers for clinical, counselling and educational psychologists have opened; CORU's 2026 update says it now expects to open them in 2027.
  2. Until then, the Minister for Health is the competent authority for psychology, and the Department of Health Validation Unit recognises non-Irish qualifications for publicly funded (HSE) posts.
  3. Once the registers open, apply for recognition through CORU; your qualification will be assessed against the CORU standards of proficiency for the profession.
  4. If shortfalls are found, complete a compensation measure: either a period of adaptation or an aptitude test.
  5. Register with CORU and pay the registration fee before using the protected title.
Evidence and sources (7)

Demand evidence: Critical Skills Occupations List: Psychologist (2212). (source)

Visas for IrelandCritical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) · General Employment Permit (GEP) · Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) and 1 more4 routes
3 Netherlands Major requalification Some demand

Dutch is compulsory: BIG registration as gezondheidszorgpsycholoog also needs a competence assessment.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
Recognition takes on average 6 months to 1.5 years once the application is in, plus the time to reach Dutch B2+ and any extra training the committee sets (3 months to 2 years)
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
A professional competence assessment for third-country diplomas. The general knowledge and skills (AKV) test was dropped from 1 January 2024 and replaced by Dutch and English language certificates.
Language test
Dutch at B2+ (above B2, below C1; the level for academic professions such as gezondheidszorgpsycholoog) and English reading at B2 (for example IELTS 5.5-6.0), each shown by an accepted certificate no more than two years old, or by a diploma supplement showing the training was in that language
Rough cost
The recognition application and committee assessment are currently free; BIG registration costs EUR 85, plus Dutch and English courses and certificates and document costs

Worth knowing: Learning Dutch to B2+ adds time before the application, and BIG says this varies from person to person. Treat this as a multi-year project, not paperwork.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Use the BIG-register advieswijzer to confirm which of the three foreign-diploma procedures applies; for a diploma from outside Europe this is the Verklaring van vakbekwaamheid.
  2. Reach the required Dutch and English levels: since 1 January 2024 you submit Dutch and English language certificates with the application, in place of the former general knowledge and skills (AKV) test. For a gezondheidszorgpsycholoog (an academic-level profession) Dutch must be at B2+ and English reading at B2.
  3. Submit your diploma and training for a professional competence (vakbekwaamheid) assessment by the responsible commission.
  4. Complete any adaptation period or further training imposed, then register in the BIG-register before using the protected title.
  5. Alternative: organisational psychology, research, coaching and HR roles are not BIG-regulated and need no registration.
Evidence and sources (9)

Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list; psychologists need BIG registration and Dutch. No current UWV occupation data reachable. (limited evidence for this country) (source)

Visas for NetherlandsHighly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) · Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) · European Blue Card (Netherlands) and 1 more4 routes
3 Germany Major requalification Some demand

Therapy work needs German Approbation and fluent German; non-clinical psychology jobs are much easier.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
2-5 years (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
Exams
Kenntnisprufung (knowledge examination) where equivalence of the foreign training is not certified.
Language test
German is mandatory for Approbation; C1 is the practical benchmark for clinical work

Worth knowing: Germany reformed psychotherapy training in 2020 around a dedicated Master's, which makes SA training harder to map onto German requirements.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Decide the goal first: research, HR and organisational psychology roles need a recognised Master's but no state licence.
  2. For psychotherapy you need Approbation: ask the Bundesland authority for an equivalence check of your degree and psychotherapy training.
  3. Provide certified German translations of all documents and prove German language ability at a high level.
  4. If substantial differences are found, sit the Kenntnisprufung (knowledge test) or complete German psychotherapy training.
  5. After Approbation, further Weiterbildung is needed to work as a specialist psychotherapist in the statutory system.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: Psychologists are not named among Make it in Germany's professions in demand; Psychotherapie requires German licensure. (source)

Visas for GermanyEU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) · Skilled worker visa (Fachkräfte, Residence Act §18a/§18b) · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Residence Act §20a) and 1 more4 routes
4 United States Major requalification High demand

Nearly every state requires a doctorate; a South African professional Master's is usually not enough.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
3-6 years if a US doctorate is required (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
EPPP (Part 2 only where a state still requires it), plus a state jurisprudence or ethics examination.
Language test
English (no test for SA graduates)
Rough cost
Roughly USD 1,000-1,500 in evaluation and exam fees, far more if further study is required

Worth knowing: No state accepts a foreign degree at face value. Visa sponsorship for psychologists is also difficult.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Choose the state first: licensure is state by state and there is no national licence.
  2. Have your degree evaluated for equivalence to a US doctoral programme by a board-approved credentialing service.
  3. Expect to complete a US doctorate (PhD or PsyD) or substantial extra coursework and supervised hours where gaps are found.
  4. Pass the EPPP (ASPPB paused its plan to require Part 2 everywhere in October 2024; check whether your state requires it), plus the state law and ethics exam.
  5. Consider master's-level licensed counsellor routes in some states as a faster, different profession.
Evidence and sources (4)

Demand evidence: BLS OOH: clinical and counseling psychologists projected to grow much faster than average (psychologists, all other: slower than average). (source)

Visas for United StatesH-1B specialty occupation visa · F-1 student visa with OPT and STEM OPT · O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability and 3 more6 routes
4 Canada Exams or bridging High demand

Province decides: several register psychologists at master's level, while Ontario and BC expect a doctorate.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
1-4 years depending on province and identified gaps (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
Exams
EPPP plus a provincial jurisprudence and ethics examination.
Language test
English; French required in Quebec

Worth knowing: Requirements differ sharply by province. Research the specific college before moving, not after.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Choose the province: each has its own regulatory college and its own entry standard, master's or doctoral.
  2. Apply through the ACPRO internationally educated applicant portal or directly to the provincial college for a credential and training review.
  3. Complete any additional coursework and supervised practice hours the college requires to close identified gaps.
  4. Pass the EPPP and the jurisdiction's law and ethics examination, then register and begin supervised practice where required.
  5. In Ontario, a master's holder may instead register as a Psychological Associate after four years of supervised experience.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: Express Entry Healthcare and social services category: Psychologists (31200). (source)

Visas for CanadaExpress Entry (FSWP / CEC / FSTP) · Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) · Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and 2 more5 routes
4 Australia Exams or bridging High demand

APS assesses your degrees against a six-year sequence; the Psychology Board then registers you.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
12-30 months (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
Exams
No single national entry exam for general registration, but the Board may require supervised practice or a national psychology exam pathway.
Language test
English; check Ahpra's English language skills standard, whose minimum scores changed from 23 April 2026

Worth knowing: The SA 3+1+2 route maps reasonably onto Australia's six-year sequence, but APS and the Board can still find gaps in supervised practice.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Have the Australian Psychological Society assess your qualifications against an APAC-accredited six-year sequence of study.
  2. Apply to the Psychology Board of Australia, which makes its own independent assessment of the same evidence.
  3. Overseas qualified psychologists normally apply for provisional registration first and meet the outstanding requirements before general registration.
  4. Meet the Board's registration standards for English language skills, criminal history, recency of practice and professional indemnity insurance.
  5. Complete any supervised practice the Board sets, then move to general registration and use of the title psychologist.
Evidence and sources (3)

Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Psychologist (261231) in national shortage. (source)

Visas for AustraliaSkills in Demand visa (subclass 482) · Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Points-tested stream · Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and 3 more6 routes
5 New Zealand Recognised, paperwork only High demand

South Africa is a prescribed country for the NZ Psychologists Board: faster processing and lower fees.

Recognition
4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
Time to practise
3-9 months (estimate); the Board says applications from prescribed countries such as South Africa take less time
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
None specified; assessment is individual and may attach supervision conditions.
Language test
English; applicants who completed their psychology training in South Africa do not need to submit IELTS results
Rough cost
NZD 720 to apply as a practitioner trained in a prescribed country such as South Africa (NZD 1,080 otherwise), plus NZD 797 for a new practising certificate of up to 12 months; amounts include GST

Worth knowing: Green List Tier 1 status (INZ Operational Manual Appendix 13, effective 23 March 2026) requires registration with the Psychologists Board.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Hold current HPCSA registration; you generally must be registered both where you trained and where you now live.
  2. Apply via the Board's overseas-trained pathway; South Africa is a prescribed country, so processing is quicker and fees are lower.
  3. Supply certificates of good standing from every regulator you have held registration with, a CV on the Board template and police clearances.
  4. The Board assesses fitness, equivalence of qualifications and competence individually and may set conditions or supervision.
  5. Obtain an annual practising certificate before working, and arrange a work visa with a job offer.
Evidence and sources (4)

Demand evidence: Green List Tier 1: Clinical Psychologist (272311), Educational Psychologist (272312), Organisational Psychologist (272313). (source)

Visas for New ZealandAccredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) · Green List (Straight to Residence and Work to Residence) · Skilled Migrant Category resident visa and 2 more5 routes
4 United Arab Emirates Exams or bridging High demand

Psychologists are licensed per emirate under the unified health PQR, with document verification; a valid HPCSA licence can exempt you from the licensing exam.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
6-12 months (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
Exams
The PQR exempts holders of a valid South African licence and certificate of good standing from the licensing exam if they qualified in the last 3 years (2 in Abu Dhabi) or have no gap in practice, and the licence title must match the title applied for. Otherwise a licensing assessment set by DHA, DoH or MOHAP, with three attempts across the authorities.
Language test
English for licensing; Arabic helps with many clients but was not confirmed as a licensing requirement

Worth knowing: The PQR asks for a bachelor's in psychology plus a master's of at least 2 years and 2 years' experience, or a doctorate and 1 year; where the bachelor's is a 3-year degree (the usual SA BA/BSc), it requires 3 years' experience in a related field instead. How an SA honours and master's route is assessed, including whether the Honours year counts, is decided by the authority. Each authority may add requirements. Visas are employer-tied.

Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Qualify and register with the HPCSA first; an undergraduate psychology degree alone does not meet the UAE licensing requirements.
  2. Check your title (for example Clinical Psychologist) against the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) using the regulator's self-assessment.
  3. Have your degrees, experience and HPCSA registration verified by the regulator's primary source verification agency (DataFlow).
  4. A valid HPCSA licence and certificate of good standing exempt you from the licensing exam if you qualified in the last 3 years (2 in Abu Dhabi) or have no gap in practice; otherwise pass the regulator's licensing assessment (three attempts across the authorities).
  5. Get a job offer; the employer activates your licence and sponsors the visa. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, non-clinical psychology may instead be licensed by CDA or DCD.
Evidence and sources (5)

Demand evidence: Abu Dhabi's 10-year Golden Visa for Elite Specialists in Health Fields is open to holders of an Abu Dhabi Department of Health practising licence and a bachelor's degree, with Department of Health endorsement; Psychologist is a licensed title under the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements that the Department of Health co-issues. Elsewhere in the UAE psychologists are licensed health professionals on an ordinary employer visa. (source)

Visas for United Arab EmiratesEmployment residence visa and MOHRE work permit · Green Visa (skilled employee or freelancer) · Golden Visa (10-year residence) and 3 more6 routes

General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Psychology overview