Health & Medicine
Psychologist
You help people understand their minds, emotions and behaviour.
- Starting salary
- R25 000 – R40 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, English
What do they do?
You help people understand their minds, emotions and behaviour.
A day in the life
You run therapy sessions, do assessments, write reports and support people through hard times.
Skills you need
- Listening
- Empathy
- Confidentiality
- Analysis
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- English
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
How long does it take?
4 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BA/BSc Psychology
- 3Honours
- 4Masters + internship
- 5Registered psychologist
Ways in: University degree · Professional registration (HPCSA). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Free State
- University of South Africa
- University of the Western Cape
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R25 000 – R40 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R45 000 – R70 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R75 000 – R120 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Be a peer supporter at school
- • Read about emotions and the brain
- • Practise really listening
Try this career
Interview three people about what helps them when they feel stressed.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.