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Quick answer
The essentials at a glance
A bachelor's in psychology in Canada is open to students from Nepal after +2 at universities such as UBC, Toronto Scarborough and Manitoba. This page explains entry, fees, the college behaviour science route, and what the degree can lead to. A bachelor's alone does not let you work as a registered psychologist, which needs a master's or doctorate. Plan for that early.
Key takeaways
Main points from this page
- UBC, Toronto Scarborough and Manitoba all offer a four-year psychology degree that international students can apply to.
- UBC asks for no specific subjects for its Arts degree beyond general admission, while Toronto Scarborough recommends biology and maths.
- To register as a psychologist in Canada you need a master's or doctorate, not only a bachelor's.
- Durham College offers a two-year Behavioural Science Technician diploma, and the roles it leads to are not regulated like psychologists.
- A degree can lead to a post-graduation work permit, but it does not give permanent residence automatically.
Can You Study Psychology in Canada from Nepal After +2?
Yes, you can start a bachelor’s degree in psychology in Canada after +2, from any stream.
Psychology studies how people think, feel and act. You learn about the brain, learning, mental health and how to run research. You also use statistics and write a lot.
This guide is part of our study in Canada from Nepal series. For other degree levels, read our bachelors in Canada guide. If you like social subjects, compare our bachelors in social sciences guide.
If language is the part of the mind that interests you most, read our guide to linguistics in Canada.
One point matters a lot. A bachelor’s degree is a good base, but it does not make you a psychologist. We explain this below.
- Length: four years at UBC and Toronto Scarborough, and three or four years at Manitoba.
- Entry: general admission, and some schools recommend biology and maths.
- Careers: advising, community work, business and services, plus further study.
- Licence: psychologists need a master’s or doctorate and registration.
Which Canadian Universities Can You Look At for Psychology?
UBC, Toronto Scarborough and Manitoba are good places to start.
University of British Columbia
The Vancouver degree is a BA that takes four years. Honours and an optional co-op stream are offered.
See our University of British Columbia profile and the psychology program page.
University of Toronto Scarborough
The HBSc in Psychology takes four years. A co-op version has paid work terms.
See our University of Toronto profile and the program page.
University of Manitoba
The BA comes as a general, advanced or honours degree. The general degree takes three years and the others take four. Honours is the preferred route to graduate study.
See our University of Manitoba profile and the psychology page.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Psychology in Canada?
Entry is by school marks and English, and most schools list few set subjects.
UBC asks for no specific courses for its Arts degree beyond general admission. Every student must show English ability before entry. Toronto Scarborough asks for Grade 12 English with about 70%, and an overall average in the mid to high 70s. For its co-op version the average is in the low 80s.
Scarborough also recommends biology and a maths course, and says both are needed by second year. Manitoba asks for proof of English, but its page does not list scores, so check them with the school.
Check your +2 grade with our NEB GPA calculator. For language scores, see the minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada page. For papers, read our Canada student visa requirements guide.
What Do You Study in a Psychology Degree?
You study how the mind and behaviour work, plus research methods and statistics.
Early courses cover the brain, learning, memory and mental health. Later you choose areas such as child development, social behaviour or health. Many courses ask you to read research and write reports.
Some schools give a science degree, which has more biology and maths. Others give an arts degree, which has more writing. Pick the one that matches your strengths, and ask the school about graduate study.
How Much Does a Psychology Degree Cost in Canada?
Manitoba estimates about CAD 24,000 a year, and Toronto Scarborough estimates about CAD 67,700 to 68,700 for the first year.
These amounts are in Canadian dollars. Use our CAD to Rs forex converter for today’s value. The table shows what each school’s page lists.
| School and program | International fee listed | About in Rs |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba, Arts, yearly estimate | CAD 24,000 | about Rs 26 lakh a year |
| Toronto Scarborough, Psychology, first-year core costs | CAD 67,700 to 68,700 | about Rs 73 to 74 lakh in year one |
Manitoba’s estimate on its tuition page includes program fees, a transit pass, and health cover, but not books. Scarborough’s first-year figure includes tuition, supplies, student fees and health insurance, and it says the estimate may change. UBC’s page shows no fee, so ask UBC for its table.
For living costs, read our cost of studying in Canada guide. For the funds you must show, see Canada proof of funds. For help with fees, see scholarships to study in Canada.
How Do You Become a Registered Psychologist in Canada?
You need a master’s or a doctorate, then supervised work, exams and a licence.
A bachelor’s degree is only the first step. The Canadian Psychological Association licensing table lists a doctorate or a master’s as the entry degree in most provinces. Quebec and British Columbia list a doctorate.
In Ontario, a doctorate leads to the title psychologist. A master’s leads to psychological associate. Both need supervised work and exams.
Ontario’s regulator is now called the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Check its site for the latest rules.
The title is protected, so you cannot use it without a licence. Graduate places are hard to win. Strong marks and an honours degree help. Manitoba calls honours the best route to graduate study.
Is There a College Route Related to Psychology?
Yes, but a college diploma leads to support jobs, not to a psychologist licence.
Durham College in Oshawa has a two-year Behavioural Science Technician diploma. Its page says international students can apply. It also says the program is PGWP eligible. See the Durham College program page.
You need an Ontario secondary diploma or equivalent. You also need Grade 12 English.
Graduates work as behaviour technicians, instructor therapists and school helpers. Durham says these jobs are not regulated. You work with a registered behaviour analyst. The page also shows a path on to a degree.
This route is shorter and more hands on. It does not lead to a psychologist licence.
What Jobs Can a Psychology Degree Lead To?
A bachelor’s degree leads to entry jobs in advising, community services, business and research support.
UBC lists marketing, sales, government, healthcare, social work and counselling. Scarborough lists research assistant, child and youth worker and human resources. Manitoba lists advising, consulting and social services.
Jobs with the word counsellor or therapist may need a separate registration. Check the rules in your province. Many graduates go on to study law, education, medicine or social work.
Which Related Courses Can You Compare?
Nursing, nutrition and international relations are courses to compare if you like working with people.
Our bachelor of nursing in Canada guide shows a regulated health route, with limited seats for international students. Our bachelor of nutrition in Canada guide covers another health field.
If you like policy and world affairs, read international relations in Canada. Each course has its own entry rules, so read the guide first.
Can You Work and Stay in Canada After Psychology?
You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus, and a degree can lead to a post-graduation work permit of up to three years.
UBC says full-time international graduates of a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for that permit. Read the off-campus work rules and our post-graduation work permit guide. No course gives permanent residence on its own. Read PR pathways through education in Canada for the plain facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UBC asks for no specific courses for its Arts degree. Scarborough recommends biology and maths, so science students have a small advantage there.
No. The Canadian Psychological Association table lists a master’s or doctorate as the entry degree. You also need supervised practice and exams.
UBC and Scarborough list four years. Manitoba’s general degree takes three years and its advanced and honours degrees take four.
Neither is better for everyone. A science degree has more biology and maths, and an arts degree has more writing. Ask the school how each helps with graduate study.
Not in psychology itself. Durham College offers a Behavioural Science Technician diploma that leads to support roles, which are not regulated like psychologists.
No. It can lead to a post-graduation work permit, but permanent residence is a separate application.
How Can Goreto Help You Apply?
Goreto counselors help you pick a school, check your marks and plan the study that comes after the degree.
You can meet a counselor at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari or Pokhara branch. Visit get in touch to find the nearest office.
Sources
Reference links
Disclaimer
Important guidance note
Program rules, entry grades, fees and licensing rules change, so confirm each detail on the official school and regulator pages before you apply.
