
Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology

The Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology is designed to meet the requirements for registration as a psychologist under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance (HPCA) Act.
Applications for 2025 entry are now closed.
Applications for 2026 entry open in August 2025.
Degree information
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Applications to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology ("PGDipPracPsych") open in August of the year preceding entry and close on September 15.
To ensure you meet the deadline, you are encouraged apply in MyWaikato as soon as applications open, as applicants will go through a selection process. Complete applications will be considered by the selection committee in October. Please check your eligibility for entry before submitting an application.
To be considered, applicants must have completed the Master of Applied Psychology (or equivalent) in the relevant specialisation.
For confirmed enrolment, successful applicants are required to have work (paid or unpaid) in an organisation that provides them with the opportunity to practice significantly in the relevant specialisation.
Entry into the programme is competitive and places are limited.
Estimated fees
$9,685 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costsScholarships
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Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.

Psychology Career options
Explore our comprehensive guide on psychology careers to discover diverse job roles, necessary education pathways, and detailed registration requirements. Learn the steps to embark on a fulfilling psychology career and find the path that best suits you.
Studying Psychology
Psychology is one of the most important and critical topics in modern society. Learn more about studying psychology at Waikato.
Postgraduate Psychology Degrees
Learn more about other postgraduate psychology degree pathways.
Master of Applied Psychology
Specialise in behaviour analysis or community psychology and get hands on experience.
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
Combine empirical research with practical application for the assessment of psychological issues.
Master of Arts in Psychology
A Master of Arts Degree in Psychology will prepare you for a variety of psychology-relevant careers. This 180-point Master of Arts in Psychology can be completed in 12-18 months.