These days, we have a lot to think about: two hot wars, a teetering economy and a planet that's the hottest it's been in recorded history. Yet, we hear precious little about the psychological impacts of all this, or the lack of professionals to help people manage these stresses. This guide will help you step into that role, as it outlines the best psychology degree Australia.
| Rank | School | Degree offerings | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Biomedicine with Psychology Bachelor of Science with Psychology | 88 ATAR English Units 3 & 4 Completed VET Demonstrated English proficiency. |
| 2 | The University of Queensland | Psychological Science | 88 ATAR Minimum C on Units 3, 4 (English) Inherent requirements IB: 34 minimum English language requirements |
| 3 | The University of Sydney | 6 programs, including Bachelor of Psychology Bachelor of Psychology Honours | Minimum 85 ATAR with adjustments Prerequisites and desired courses for select degree plans English language requirements |
| 4 | Monash University | Bachelor of Psychology Bachelor of Psychology Honours | 85 ATAR VCE English Units 3 & 4 inherent requirements apply no prerequisites |
| 5 | The University of New South Wales | 4 programs, including Bachelor of Psychological Science | 80 - 97 ATAR, depending on program Advanced Mathematics desired English language requirements |
| 6 | Macquarie University | 4 programs, including Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Psychology | 80 to 96 ATAR, depending on the program. Advanced Mathematics recommended |
| 7 | Australian National University | 3 programs, including Honours | 80 - 97 ATAR, depending on the program Chemistry recommended |
| 8 | The University of Western Australia | 4 programs, including Bachelor of Psychology and an Honours course. | 83 ATAR with adjustments No prerequisites or assumed knowledge |
| 9 | The Australian Catholic University | 10 degree plans, plus 36 psychology-related options. | 58.50 ATAR with adjustments Assumed knowledge: NSW campus: Eglish Band 2 VIC campus: English Units 3 & 4 |
| 10 | Curtin University | 6 degree plans, including Honours. | 70 ATAR (+Law: 90 ATAR) No prerequisites Desired courses: one of: Mathematics Applications ATAR, Mathematics Methods ATAR, Biology ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Psychology ATAR desired. |
The University of Melbourne: The Best Australian University for Psychology
The University of Melbourne is world-renowned as a leader in many disciplines. Learners flock to these campuses to study everything from English to Engineering.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE), the University of Melbourne ranks 19th globally and #1 in Australia for psychology studies.
The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences offers an extensive psychology curriculum, particularly at the graduate level.
As an undergraduate, you'll find this school's Bachelor of Biomedicine with Psychology Pathway intriguing. Or you could pursue a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Psychological Sciences.
Course notes
- 3 years full-time
- part-time available
- in-person learning (Parkville campus)
- Intake: February and July
Entry 2026
- 88 guaranteed ATAR
- completed high school (or near completion)
- 25 minimum on English Units 3 & 4
- Completed some or all VET
- English language proficiency exam for international students
Tuition/finance
- Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
- Scholarships, tuition assistance and financial aid available
You may already know that the University of Melbourne is Victoria's oldest university and the second-oldest university in Australia. The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences is on the school's main campus, just outside the city's central business district (CBD). It's a lovely place to learn about the human mind.
The University of Queensland
It's not unusual for students nearing the end of high school to have no firm idea what they want to study at university. But if you know you want to study psychology, take heed.
Typically, you won't get to jump right into psychology courses.
Undergraduate-level degree programs merely provide a pathway to psychology studies.
Your actual psychology studies will begin at the graduate level.
The best universities for psychology in Australia apply this strategy precisely because high school students are often uncertain about their goals. However, the University of Queensland defies the standard by offering a Psychological Science undergraduate course.
Course notes
- 4 years full-time
- part-time available
- in-person learning (St Lucia campus)
- intake: February and July
Entry 2026
- 88 guaranteed ATAR
- completed high school (or near completion)
- C minimum on English Units 3 & 4
- inherent requirements apply
- International students: 34 IB minimum
- English requirements IELTS: 6.5 overall
Tuition/finance
- $10,636 indicative annual fee (2026 fees not yet posted)
- CSP available
- HECS-HELP loans available
- Centrelink available
- Scholarships, tuition assistance and other financial aid available
If you're certain that a career in psychology is your path, this Psychological Science offering could be the right degree plan for you. This public research university ranks 2nd for psychology studies in Australia, and #34 in the world.
Australia counts six sandstone universities.
Those are the oldest higher-learning institutions in each state.
The University of Queensland is this state's sandstone university.
The school's St Lucia campus lies at Brisbane's heart, giving you access to all the cultural and social activities. With its its Psychological Science degree plan and more than 50 pathway courses, it's a great school for psychology studies.
The University of Sydney (USYD)
Of all the psychology courses and degree pathways featured so far, USYD offers the most comprehensive approach to undergraduate psychology studies. You may choose from six degree plans, half of which are double degrees.
| 📜Degree plan | 🚪Entry requirements | 💰Finance | 🏫Course particulars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Psychology | 85 ATAR plus adjustment factors No prerequisites. Advanced Mathematics desired. English language requirements for international students | Tuition rates depend on study load. CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. Accommodations available. | 3 years full-time (part-time available) In-person learning (Camperdown/Darlington campus) February-August intake. Student exchange program available. |
| Bachelor of Psychology Honours | 97 ATAR plus adjustment factors. Advanced Mathematics desired. English language requirements for international students | Tuition rates depend on study load. CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. Accommodations available. | 4 years full-time. Part-time available. In-person learning (Camperdown/Darlington campus). February intake only. Student exchange program available. |
| Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts | 80 ATAR plus adjustment factors No prerequisites. Advanced Mathematics desired for Science. Arts desired subjects depend on the subjects studied. English language requirements for international students | Tuition rates depend on study load. CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. Accommodations available. | 4 years full-time (part-time available) In-person learning (Camperdown/Darlington campus) February-August intake. Student exchange program available. |
| Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Health) | 80 ATAR plus adjustment factors No prerequisites. Advanced Mathematics and Biology desired. English language requirements for international students | Tuition rates depend on study load. CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. Accommodations available. | 4 years full-time (part-time available) In-person learning (Camperdown/Darlington campus) February-August intake. Student exchange program available. |
| Bachelor of Advanced Computing and Bachelor of Science (Health) | 90 ATAR plus adjustment factors Mathematics prerequisite. Mathematics Extension 1 and Biology desired. English language requirements for international students | Tuition rates depend on study load. CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. Accommodations available. | 5 years full-time (part-time available) In-person learning (Camperdown/Darlington campus) February-August intake. Student exchange program available. |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) | 77 ATAR plus adjustment factors No prerequisites or desired knowledge required. English language requirements for international students. | Tuition rates depend on study load. CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. Accommodations available. | 4 years full-time. Part-time available. In-person learning (Camperdown/Darlington campus). February intake only. Student exchange program available. |
USYD advises students they will have costs beyond tuition, such as housing and Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). Those are part and parcel of becoming a psychologist in Australia. Like all Australian universities, USYD does everything to assure students they are enrolling in a world-renowned public research institute. In fact, we may even call it a trailblazer.
USYD established the world's first psychology study course that addresses the world of sports.
This class is open to you as you earn your psychology Masters Australia.
Monash University
At Monash, we return to the pathway courses system. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Criminology and Policing degree plans lead to graduate-level psychology studies. However, Monash also offers undergraduate psychology programs.
Bachelor of Psychology
- three years, full-time only
- February intake only
- 85 ATAR
- VCE English Units 3 & 4
- inherent requirements apply
- tuition: $10 000; CSP available
- financial aid available
Bachelor of Psychology Hons
- one-year, full-time only
- February intake only
- Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent required
- inherent requirements apply
- tuition: $9 314 (2025 rate; 2026 not posted)
- financial aid available
In fact, Monash University gives you three possible routes to a degree in psychology. You can apply to their bachelor program and follow with the Honours course. Or enrol in one of the general Bachelor programs and apply to the honours course once you've earned your degree. Finally, you may bypass Monash's undergraduate psychology degrees altogether and begin your studies at the graduate level.
If you fear your ATAR will land on the lower side, choose a pathway course into graduate psychology studies. The threshold is far lower: 72 (for Bachelor of Arts admission) versus 85 for the Bachelor of Psychology enrolment.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
UNSW claims the fifth spot on THE's list of top Australian universities for psychology studies. It's a great school to complete a psychology Master's Australia, provided you go through the uni's psych Honours program, first.
UNSW's psychology program is even more extensive than the University of Melbourne's. Notably, this school runs its psychology programs through its Science faculty rather than its Faculty of Medicine and Health. In all, you have four undergraduate programs to choose from.
You can choose your program based on the school's entry requirements and your own learning and career goals.
| 📜Degree plan | 🚪Entry requirements | 💰Financial information | 📝Course notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Psychological Science | 83 ATAR no prerequisites Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced Adjustment factors available | Indicative fee (2025): $14,000 CSP available Scholarships and other financial aid available | 3 years full-time In-person learning Intake: February, September |
| Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | 97 ATAR Assumed knowledge: Advanced Mathematics Adjustment factors available | Indicative fee (2025): $14,000 CSP available Scholarships and other financial aid available | 4 years full-time in-person learning with online learning Intake: February |
| Bachelor of Science | 80 ATAR Assumed knowledge: Advanced Mathematics, plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics. Adjustment factors available | Indicative fee (2025): $9,500 CSP available Financial aid, including scholarships available | 3 years full-time in-person and online learning Intake: Terms 1, 2, 3 |
| Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) | 93 ATAR Assumed knowledge: Advanced Mathematics, plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics. Adjustment factors available | Indicative fee (2025): $9,000 CSP available Scholarships and other financial aid available | 4 years full-time in-person and online learning Intake: Terms 1, 2, 3 |
The UNSW campus positions you to take part in all that Sydney has to offer. Bondi Beach is just a few bus stops from campus. You could dabble in people-watching at Paddington Central or indulge in a bit of retail therapy if all your studies have got you down. Those are all great ways to take a break from thinking about your psychology career and future salary.
Macquarie University
Psychology is a fascinating science that draws a lot of interest. However, many students don't think of it as a stable career field where they could earn a lot of money.
So, many universities pair their psychology studies with other, more marketable study courses, Macquarie included. Here, you may study commerce, law, or science in tandem with psychology. Or you could stick with psychology studies if none of those double-degree offerings appeal to you.
Looking over these offerings, we find:
Besides those four undergraduate psychology degree plans, you can pursue a Masters in Psychology Australia at Macquarie.
The Australian National University (ANU)
The Australian Capital Territory is home to ANU, one of Australia's youngest universities and among its most progressive. Accordingly, it has one of the top Psychology faculties in the country.
ANU features a Research School of Psychology, where they investigate novel treatments for mental illness.
As an undergraduate, you're far from joining that team. To get there, choose one of these pathways to your psychology degree Australia. And then, follow up with one of ANU's Master's programs.
| 📜Degree plan | 🚪Entry requirements | 💰Financial information | 📝Course notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Psychology) | 80 ATAR plus adjustment factors No prerequisites or recommended prior learning. | Required: Services and Amenities fees CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. | 3 years full-time In-person learning Intake: February, September |
| Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology | 97 ATAR plus adjustment factors Assumed knowledge: Chemistry Adjustment factors available | Required: Services and Amenities fees CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. | 3 years full-time In-person learning Intake: February, September |
| Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) | AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Degree, or equivalent. Adjustment factors available. | CSP available. Scholarships and financial aid available. | 1 year full-time in-person |
The University of Western Australia (UWA)
In today's hyper-commercial world, understanding how people think and what motivates their decisions is paramount.
For that reason alone, majoring in psychology is a solid career move.
Like other schools on this list, UWA provides pathways to graduate psychology studies, along with a Bachelor psychology degree plan. In their course catalogue, you'll also find a psychology Honours program.
Should you decide to keep things simple - only consider the Bachelor plan, you need to know what ATAR gives you access, and all the vital information this course.
Course notes
- 3 years full-time
- In-person learning (Crawley campus)
- Intake: February, September
Entry 2026
- 83 ATAR
- no prerequisites or assumed knowledge
- Adjustment factors available
Tuition/finance
- Tuition rates depend on study load.
- CSP available.
- Scholarships and financial aid available.
We could go on singing the UWA psych program praises but you'll get a much better idea of what studying psychology at UWA is like from the students enrolled there.
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
This relatively young Australian university opened its doors in 1991, though its history goes back much farther. This publicly-funded school made it a point to establish a psychology study program early on.
As such, your learning experience is targeted and streamlined. So are the school's application requirements.
Course notes
- 3 years full-time
- part-time available
- In-person learning (Melbourne or Strathfield campuses)
- Intake: February, July
Entry 2026
- 58.50 ATAR
- Assumed knowledge (NSW): Eglish Band 2
- Assumed knowledge (VIC): English Units 3 & 4
- Adjustment factors available
- inherent requirements expected
Tuition/finance
- Tuition: $11 500
- CSP available.
- Scholarships and financial aid available.
Today, ACU is quickly becoming a leader in psychology research.
ACU structures its psychology curriculum to prepare learners for a career in research.
ACU offers its psychology degree programs at two campuses: Melbourne and Strathfield. That expands your chances at acceptance into this school's cutting-edge learning programs. That's ideal if you plan on a career in research.
Curtin University
Perth's Curtin University stands out for delivering superior student experiences (according to the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching - QILT). This government report finds graduate employment rates upwards of 80% and learning satisfaction in the mid-70% range.
Thus, it's no surprise that students beat a path to this Western Australian school. Once they make their way there, they discover six psychology-related study programs:
- Bachelor of Psychology (4-year, in person; 70 ATAR)
- Psychology and Marketing (5-year, in person; 70 ATAR)
- Psychology and Human Resource Management (4-year, in person; 70 ATAR)
- Psychology, Human Resources and Industrial Relations (5-year, in person; 70 ATAR)
- Law and Psychology (5 years + 6 months; in-person; 90 ATAR)
- Psychology Honours (1 year; in-person)
All these courses welcome new students for Semesters 1 and 2 except for the Law option, which only starts a new program during Semester 1. All of them give students ATAR adjustments, and make CSP available.
Curtin University tuition rates vary from course to course, and depend on courseload.
It offers students generous financial aid and a long list of scholarships to apply for.
How These Universities Rank
Some people put a lot of faith in university rankings. That seems an odd thing to do, especially for a psychology student. After all, the ranking websites (QS, THE, Top Universities, UniRanks and others) seldom agree. Still, our work would not be complete if we didn't close with a ranking table.
Curiously enough, THE doesn't count the top provider on online psychology courses Australia among its top ten schools. The University of Adelaide falls in at #15 on that ranking table, but it's #7 on EduRank's chart.
| 📰Ranking body 🏫School | 🌐QS Rankings | ⌛Times Higher Education | 📊EduRank | 🔀Uni Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | 1 | 1 | 1 | 15 |
| The University of Queensland | 3 | 2 | 4 | 16 |
| The University of Sydney (USYD) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Monash University | 5 | 4 | 5 | 39 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 2 | 5 | 3 | does not feature |
| Macquarie University | 7 | 6 | 10 | 19 |
| The Australian National University (ANU) | 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| The University of Western Australia (UWA) | 9 | 8 | 8 | does not feature |
| Australian Catholic University (ACU) | 10 | 9 | 31 | does not feature |
| Curtin University | 11 | 10 | 14 | 9 |
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