The Application Process
Those interested in applying for the course are invited to contact us to obtain an application form and detailed brochure about the program.
After the application is received an interview will be arranged. Fees are due by the start of the course, or a Fee-help application must be submitted and approved.
Eligibility is determined by a number of factors including academic background, life experience, degree of self-awareness, openness to positive and negative feedback, and a capacity to reflect on and learn from experience.
Entry Requirements
Students may be accepted into the course from a range of backgrounds. Applicants are welcomed from people who have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field eg psychology, social work, medicine, nursing, education, counseling or with equivalent work and life experience.
Acceptance into the course depends on passing an
interview. There is no cost for this.
Eligibility is determined by a number of factors including the candidate's academic background, willingness to learn at a tertiary level, life and work experience (including therapeutic experience), degree of self-awareness and self-responsibility including being open to feedback on their strengths and constraints, personal stability and a capacity to reflect on and learn from experience. Ability to cope with the financial obligations and academic commitments of the course are also considered. Selection is non-discriminatory with respect to race, gender, sexuality, age or physical handicap.
Applicants for both the Graduate Diploma and the Masters, for whom English is a second language must have a sufficient standard of English, as defined by an IELTS score of 7,
Where students are deemed eligible for entry but have limited experience in particular areas the Sydney Gestalt Institute will negotiate supplementary training experiences required for a student to competently complete the course. For example, where a student's admission is based primarily on life experience some specific academic learning may be indicated, or where a student's admission is based primarily on academic qualifications involvement in therapy may be specified.
If an applicant is not admitted to the training program they will be given the reasons and be directed towards other interim steps, such as extra therapy, workshops or academic writing courses available. If they are not satisfied with the decision, they may appeal in writing to the Director of Training, stating the reasons the decision should be reconsidered. Appeals will be responded to in writing. The Director's decision is final. See our RPL Policy here
Students who have completed Gestalt training in other Gestalt centres in Australia or overseas can apply for credit, the standing of which will be processed by our Course Development Committee and the DOT (Director of Training).
Students who fulfill all academic or RPL requirements and successfully complete the course will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Therapy, approved by the Higher Education Act 1988. Students who lack the academic requirements may successfully complete the course and receive a GANZ approved Diploma in Gestalt Therapy. Both streams may apply for PACFA registration after the required experience has been accrued.
Students enrolled in the Masters of Counselling Course at the University of Western Sydney may, on successful completion of the First Year Gestalt course, gain recognition of at least one elective (12% of the total credits) counted toward their Masters course.
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