Accredited Internships

HPCSA ACCREDITED INTERNSHIPS

The Need for HPCSA-Accredited Internships

Accredited internships are a critical component of professional training in psychology, ensuring that graduates gain practical experience aligned with the HPCSA’s high standards. These internships provide the supervised, real-world application of theoretical knowledge, preparing intern psychologists for registration as professionals.

The HPCSA mandates that all psychologists in South Africa complete an accredited internship to:

  • Ensure consistent quality of training across the profession.
  • Provide structured exposure to diverse client populations and therapeutic contexts.
  • Enhance clinical, counselling, or educational competencies within the psychologist’s scope of practice.

Without completing an accredited internship, individuals cannot proceed to the final step of professional registration with the HPCSA.

Internship vs. Practicum: What’s the Difference?

While both internships and practicums involve hands-on training, they differ significantly in purpose and structure:

FeaturePracticumInternship
PurposeEarly exposure to psychological practice during M1 training.Advanced application of skills in preparation for professional work.
DurationShort-term (often part-time during M1 coursework).Full-time, lasting 12 months or more.
SupervisionClosely monitored by university-affiliated supervisors.Supervised by licensed psychologists at accredited institutions.
ParticipantsMaster’s students during M1 – Student Psychologists.Exclusively for professional Master’s graduates in M2 – Intern Psychologists.
OutcomeCompetency development for academic and professional requirements.Fulfillment of HPCSA internship requirements for registration.

Practicums focus on skill-building and observation, while internships emphasize independent work within a structured framework, guided by professional psychologists.

Internships for Professional Master’s Students

Accredited internships are strictly reserved for students completing HPCSA-approved professional Master’s programs, such as Clinical, Counselling, or Educational Psychology. Academic Honours graduates are not eligible for these internships, as they lack the comprehensive professional training required for placement.

Internships are tailored to:

  • Build the practical competencies outlined in the student’s professional training program.
  • Meet the requirements set forth by the HPCSA for the specific category of psychology.
  • Provide exposure to multidisciplinary settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, and private practices.

Universities are responsible for providing their students with detailed information about available internships and the application process.

Applying for Accredited Internships

Each year, between May and July, applications for accredited internships open across various institutions in South Africa. Here’s what to expect during the process:

  1. Application Submission:
    Interns must submit a formal application to accredited internship sites, including a CV, academic transcripts, and motivation letters.

  2. Interview Process:
    Applicants undergo interviews with internship site representatives to assess their fit for the program.

  3. Selection:
    Internship sites select candidates based on their skills, academic performance, and interview outcomes.

  4. Placement Confirmation:
    Successful applicants are notified and provided with details of their placement.

Internship placements are highly competitive, and students are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the application and interview process.

Future Development: A Comprehensive List of Accredited Internship Placements

At this stage, we do not have a consolidated list of accredited internship placements for psychology students. However, we recognize the need for such a resource to simplify the search process for students across South Africa.

We are committed to developing and maintaining an up-to-date list of HPCSA-accredited internship sites in the future. This initiative aims to:

  • Provide transparency regarding available placements.
  • Assist students in identifying internship opportunities that align with their professional goals.
  • Reduce the stress associated with the application process by centralizing information.

In the meantime, students are encouraged to consult their universities, the HPCSA, and professional networks for information on accredited internship sites. Stay connected with us for updates as we work toward creating this valuable resource.

Scroll to Top