Our graduate programs in clinical psychology prepare students for a career in psychotherapy and psychology. Please note that in order to apply as an international student, you must already have a background in psychology or mental health.
Graduate programs
Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (MPsy-PSY)
Adler’s MPsy-PSY program is a two-year (24 months), in-person program that includes training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. This program prepares students to register as a psychological associate with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and/or as a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
In order to be eligible for the MPsy-PSY program, applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. If your degree does not include all of the necessary psychology training at the undergraduate level, you may be required to complete bridging courses. Please note that Adler’s bridging program does not qualify for a study permit, as it is an online program. More information about Adler’s bridging program is available here.
More information about the Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program is available here.
Please note: Adler’s Master of Psychology in Psychotherapy & Counselling currently does not qualify for a study permit, as it is primarily a synchronous online program.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
Adler’s PsyD program is a three-year (including summers), in-person program that provides clinical psychology training at an advanced level. This program prepares students to register as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO).
In order to be eligible to apply for the PsyD program, applicants must have completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology that was in person, included a practicum placement supervised by a psychologist, and included coursework in psychological intervention, assessment and diagnosis. If you aren’t sure whether your program is eligible, review the detailed admissions requirements here.
More information about the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program is available here.
International Student Admissions
ADLER welcomes applications from qualified international students. Admission opportunities for applicants requiring a study permit may be limited by the availability of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) and applicable immigration requirements.
Prospective international students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at admissions@adler.ca before applying to confirm whether applications are currently being accepted for their intended program and intake.
Study permit
Most international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents require a study permit to study in Canada. The Government of Canada issues study permits. Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). To learn more about the study permit process, see the government’s website here.
You may require an entry visa as well as a study permit. Find out if you need a visa here.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Graduates of ADLER’s Master of Psychology and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degrees may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), provided they meet all applicable IRCC requirements.
View ADLER’s program eligibility listing on the IRCC website.
Eligibility is determined by IRCC and is not guaranteed by admission to or graduation from ADLER.
Applicants should review the current PGWP requirements before applying.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
International applicants who require a study permit may also require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of their application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
PAL exemptions for certain master’s and doctoral students do not automatically apply to students attending private designated learning institutions such as ADLER.
Applicants should consult the current IRCC requirements and contact ADLER’s Admissions Office before submitting a study permit application. Where a PAL is required, ADLER will provide information about the applicable process and availability.
For further information, visit the IRCC website.
Admissions process
Step 1: Review the admissions requirements for your program of interest
The academic admissions requirements are the same for domestic and international applicants. International applicants may be required to provide additional documentation, including credential assessments and evidence of English-language proficiency, as applicable.
Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (MPsy-PSY) admissions requirements and process
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) admissions requirements and process
Step 2: Submit a Declare Interest form
This form tells us that you’re interested in the program. If you require a study permit to study in Canada, please select “International student” on your Declare Interest form, so we can advise you accurately.
Complete the Declare Interest form here!
Step 3: Sign up for an Information Session
We run regular information sessions about our degree programs. Information sessions are held over Zoom videoconference. Our time zone is Eastern Time.
Sign up for an information session here!
Step 4: Book a phone call with an advisor
If you have additional questions regarding your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to book a phone call with an advisor! We can make it a Zoom videoconference meeting if that is more convenient for you; just let us know in the topic of the meeting, and we will send you the link before the meeting. Make sure to check the time zone when you book the call.
Book a phone call with an advisor here!
Step 5: Apply for the program
If you’ve decided that the program is right for you, you can submit your application. Follow the instructions for your program (MPsy or PsyD) and make sure you give yourself enough time to complete your application before the deadline. Complete a Declare Interest form to be taken to the Application form page.
International applicants requiring a study permit should confirm PAL requirements and availability with the Admissions Office before submitting their application.
If your bachelor’s degree was completed outside of Canada, your transcripts must be evaluated for international equivalency. Make sure that you begin that process early, as that process can take several weeks. More information about that is available under “Required Documentation” for the MPsy program here and for the PsyD program here.
Feel free to check in anytime regarding the status of your application, to ensure that you have no outstanding documents. Once all of your documentation is received, you will get an email from the admissions office confirming that your application is complete. The admissions office can be reached at admissions@adler.ca
Tuition and fees
International and domestic students have the same tuition fees. The only additional fee for international students is the $1,000 CAD international student fee, which is paid one time, upon accepting the offer letter. You must pay the international student fee in order to accept your offer of admission. We recommend accepting your offer before the deadline, in case there are any delays with processing your payment.
Master of Psychology tuition information is here (scroll down for fees)
Doctor of Psychology tuition information is here (scroll down for fees)
Financial aid
Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto does not provide financial aid for international students at this time. As part of the study permit process, the government will evaluate whether you have the resources to support yourself while studying in Canada.
International Student Rights and Resources
ADLER is committed to providing international students with access to information about their rights, responsibilities and available support services.
ADLER will not retain or withhold an international student’s passport, study permit or similar document under any circumstances.
Current and prospective international students may contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@adler.ca for information about applicable institutional policies, student rights and responsibilities.
Enrolled international students can access International Student Resources on ADLER Commons, including information about health insurance, housing, immigration resources, student support, community services and settling into Toronto. Additional institutional policies and academic information are available through the school’s student resources.
Contact us!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us by email or book a phone call with an advisor