It’s not just about passion. It’s about access.
by Nqobile Mnisi
Ask any young person why they want to become a psychologist, and you’ll often hear the same thing:
“I want to help people.”
It’s a noble goal. But what many don’t realise is that the journey to becoming a psychologist in South Africa is not only competitive. It’s expensive. It’s confusing and in many ways, it still favours those with access to resources and connections.
For those on the outside looking in, it may seem like all you need is good marks and dedication but the truth is, there are layers to the journey that aren’t visible until you’re in it. Layers shaped by access to information, financial stability and the subtle advantage of being guided through an unfamiliar system by someone who’s been there before.
Some applicants walk in fully prepared, with mock interviews, tailored personal statements, and the ability to apply to ten universities without blinking. Others are figuring it out as they go, often alone.
While transformation policies have made some progress, the journey to becoming a psychologist in South Africa is still inaccessible for many. The barriers may look different than they did before, but they continue to exclude deserving students who simply do not have the means, mentorship, or support to navigate the process with confidence.
This series is for the ones still trying
Maybe you have applied this year. Maybe you are preparing to try again next year. Or maybe you are still deciding whether this path is realistic at all.
Wherever you are, this space is for you.
Each week we’ll explore different narratives within the psychology journey in South Africa, stories that reveal both the visible and invisible forces shaping who gets in, who gets through, and who gets left out.
We are here to hold space for reflection, for lived experience, and for ideas that might one day help change how things work.
Whether you are applying for Honours or Master’s, completing your internship, or trying to find your place in the field, we want to hear your experience of navigating the psychology system in South Africa.
You can email your story to admin@phapano.com.
Your voice matters. Every story adds to a growing conversation about access, equity, and what it really takes to walk this path.