Cairnmillar Institute Mid-Year 2026 — Psychology Course Requirements and How to Apply
Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne is accepting mid-year applications for six psychology and trauma-informed care courses for Semester 2 2026. Courses include undergraduate psychology, postgraduate psychology and graduate certificates — available online, on-campus or blended. Applications open 7 April 2026. Domestic and international students may apply for specific courses
Below is a full breakdown of each course, including entry requirements, fees and key details.
Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling
Course Code: UG071 Location: Hawthorn East — in-person or online (students can choose one mode or a mix of both) Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time Fees: $43,221* domestic / $83,825* international (Key Facts); see Fees & Scholarships page for full current breakdown FEE-HELP: Yes (20% loan tax applies) Accreditation: TEQSA, APAC and ACA accredited — AQF Level 7
The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is an APAC & ACA-accredited double major undergraduate degree. The program’s curriculum focuses solely on mental health. Students undertake 24 units in total — 22 coursework units and two placement units — including a counselling placement in the final year that includes at least 40 hours of direct experience with clients.
Entry Requirements — School leavers (ATAR pathway): A minimum ATAR of 60 is required to apply.
Entry Requirements — Mature age applicants (21 years and over, no ATAR): Applicants must demonstrate capacity for Bachelor-level study through either completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) or appropriate work experience. A current CV, most recent academic transcripts and proof of residency or citizenship are also required. Applicants may also be considered with STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test) results.
International students: Must meet AHPRA English standards. Where this is not otherwise met, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each of the four components and a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required. Refer to the International Students page on the Cairnmillar website for further requirements.
Students who obtain a 70 average in the psychology major (PSY) units are eligible for automatic entry into the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Cairnmillar.
Total fees are estimates only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply.
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Course Code: PY083 Location: Hawthorn East — in-person or online (students can choose one mode or a mix of both) Duration: 1 year full-time (Semester 1 only) / 18 months or 2 years part-time Fees: $32,960* domestic / $38,402* international FEE-HELP: Yes Accreditation: TEQSA and APAC accredited — AQF Level 8
The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is an APAC-accredited fourth year psychology program that prepares students for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. The course consists of seven units — five coursework units and two research units. Students are required to complete an individual research thesis. Graduates are eligible to apply for APAC-accredited masters-level psychology training programs.
Entry Requirements: Applicants must have completed a three-year sequence in psychology in an APAC-accredited program of study, or an equivalent overseas qualification as assessed by the APS. The minimum entry standard is a weighted average of 60% in the undergraduate or equivalent degree. Applicants who completed their psychology sequence more than ten years ago may be asked to complete a refresher sequence prior to a formal offer.
Further documentation required includes most recent academic transcripts, a current CV and proof of residency or citizenship.
International students: Must apply for the in-person study mode. Refer to the International Students page on the Cairnmillar website for further requirements.
Total fees are estimates only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply.
Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science
Course Code: PY085 Location: Online Duration: 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time Fees: $11,850.32* domestic FEE-HELP: Yes Accreditation: TEQSA accredited — AQF Level 8 Minimum WAM: None required
The Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science is designed for students looking to take the first or early steps on the pathway to a career in psychology. It provides an alternative pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science via a fast-tracked 4-unit sequence of study. It is also suited to students seeking to improve results from an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree for entry into the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Cairnmillar.
The course consists of 50 credit points across four units selected from eight available options.
Entry Requirements: Applicants must have completed an Australian undergraduate degree at AQF Level 7 or equivalent in an APAC-accredited psychology sequence. Proof of identity or citizenship is also required. This course is not available to international student applications.
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate with a WAM of 65 or higher, including a mark of 65 or higher in PSY402, will automatically be offered a place in the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science at Cairnmillar, with recognition of prior learning for the four completed units.
Total fees are estimates only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply.
Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
Course Code: PY084 Location: Online Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time / 18-month structure available for Semester 2 entry Fees: $24,885* domestic FEE-HELP: Yes Accreditation: TEQSA and APAC accredited — AQF Level 8
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is a one-year bridging program and a fast-tracked 8-unit sequence for those who hold an AQF Level 7 undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career or further study in psychology. Graduates are eligible to apply for an APAC-accredited fourth year of study in psychology.
Students who receive a WAM of 70 or higher and a mark of 65 or higher in either PSY402 or PSY408 will automatically be offered a place in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Cairnmillar. Those who receive a WAM below 70 can still apply for Honours through the standard pathways.
Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a recognised AQF Level 7 undergraduate degree in any field of study. Most recent academic transcripts and proof of residency or citizenship are also required. This course is not available to international student applications.
Total fees are estimates only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply.
Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care
Course Code: TI081 Location: Online (self-paced) Duration: 1 year part-time Fees: $13,653.36* domestic FEE-HELP: Yes Accreditation: TEQSA accredited — AQF Level 8
This self-paced online Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care is designed for busy professionals seeking to enhance their skills and specialise in trauma-informed care. The course consists of three core units and one elective unit chosen from two options — Trauma-Informed Care and Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence, or Trauma-Informed Care and Leadership.
Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following:
- An Australian undergraduate degree (AQF Level 7) in a related discipline such as social work, psychology or counselling
- A minimum three-year Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in any discipline with relevant work experience
- A Diploma (AQF Level 5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6) with at least one year of relevant work experience
Proof of identity or citizenship is also required. This course is not available to international student applications.
Total fees are estimates only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply.
Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care
Course Code: TI082 Location: Online (self-paced) Duration: 2 years part-time Fees: $27,306.72* domestic FEE-HELP: Yes Accreditation: TEQSA accredited — AQF Level 8
The Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care is an advanced, clinically focused qualification designed for busy professionals seeking additional training and skills in trauma-focused interventions, advanced trauma knowledge and research analysis. The program consists of four core units and four elective options, which include in-depth explorations of trauma-informed approaches to FDSV, organisational leadership, research and practice, and specific therapy modalities including EMDR and TF-CBT.
Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following:
- A minimum three-year Australian Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in a related discipline such as social work, psychology or counselling, with at least a 60% average
- A minimum three-year Australian Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in any discipline with at least 60% average and relevant work experience
- A Diploma (AQF Level 5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 6) with at least one year of relevant work experience
Proof of identity or citizenship is also required. This course is not available to international student applications.
Career pathways for graduates include private practice, mental health clinics and community health centres, social work and case management across child protection, domestic violence support and refugee resettlement programs, organised leadership in hospitals, schools and non-governmental organisations, and child safety services and crisis response teams.
Total fees are estimates only. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply.
Course Summary — Mid-Year 2026
| Course | Duration | Mode | Fees (Domestic)* |
| Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling | 3 yrs FT / 6 yrs PT | In-person & Online | $43,221 |
| Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | 1 yr FT / up to 2 yrs PT | In-person & Online | $32,960 |
| Grad Certificate of Psychological Science | 6 months FT / 1 yr PT | Online | $11,850.32 |
| Grad Diploma of Psychological Science | 1 yr FT / 2 yrs PT | Online | $24,885 |
| Grad Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care | 1 yr PT | Online | $13,653.36 |
| Grad Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care | 2 yrs PT | Online | $27,306.72 |
All fees are estimates only and subject to annual review.
How to Apply
Applications open 7 April 2026 and are submitted via Cairnmillar’s Application Portal. Visit the How to Apply page on the Cairnmillar website for full instructions.
You can also book a one-on-one consultation with the Student Services team if you have questions about eligibility or a specific course.
FAQs
Q: When do mid-year psychology applications open at Cairnmillar?
Applications for Semester 2 2026 open on 7 April 2026 and are submitted via Cairnmillar’s online Application Portal.
Q: Which psychology courses are available for mid-year entry at Cairnmillar?
Six courses are available — Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science, Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science, Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care, and Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care.
Q: Can international students apply for mid-year psychology courses at Cairnmillar?
International students can apply for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling and the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). The postgraduate psychology and trauma-informed care courses are available to domestic applicants only.
Q: What is the minimum ATAR for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling?
A minimum ATAR of 60 is required. Mature age applicants aged 21 and over can apply without an ATAR through the mature age entry pathway.
Q: Is FEE-HELP available for psychology courses at Cairnmillar?
Yes. FEE-HELP is available for all six courses open for mid-year applications. A 20% loan tax applies to the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling.
⚠️ Please note: Cairnmillar’s courses are subject to minimum and maximum group numbers. Courses may be cancelled or postponed if minimum numbers are not reached, or may close early if maximum numbers are reached. Eligible applicants in those situations will be offered a place in the next available intake.