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 2026 entry open in July 2025.
Applications for 2026 entry close at 11.59 pm on 15 September.
Degree information
Applications to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology ("PGDipPracPsych") open in July of the year preceding entry and close on September 15.
To ensure you meet the deadline, you are encouraged to 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 after the closing date and those who are successful in moving to the next stage will be invited for an interview in late October/early November.
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
$34,246 per year
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
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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.
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.
What our students are saying
I chose the University of Waikato not once but four times throughout my career journey. I am proud to see how my career has progressed. Now a resident and certified psychologist, I support individuals with special needs, such as ASD and ADHD.Xiaosha MengPostgraduate Diploma in the Practice of Psychology
