For Joshua Dey, the importance of social impact and making a difference to the next generation was the deciding factor between a career as a clinical psychology researcher or school psychologist.

After completing his undergraduate psychology degree, Mr Dey spent a few years travelling. On his return to Sydney, he decided on where his potential career path might lie.

“I love the idea of research, but I am too much of a people person to be based in a lab. When I thought about myself, my values and my skill set, and how I can use them to make a positive change in society, working with children and young people just made the most sense,” Mr Dey said.

It was during the completion of his honours in psychology, Mr Dey discovered a generous scholarship through the NSW Department of Education for a Masters in Professional Psychology.

The scholarship offers eligible applicants up to $30,000 in tuition allowance for
full-time, full-fee-paying students, $1,500 textbook and incidentals allowance, supervised practicum placements in schools and ongoing professional support for registration as a psychologist.

Graduates taking a place in a rural or regional school receive up to $6,000 to support their relocation if needed.

On graduation, applicants receive employment as a school psychologist in NSW public schools, complete with a supervised internship as a provisional psychologist.

Mr Dey completed his Masters in Professional Psychology in 2021 and has been working as a school psychologist since the start of this year at Wilcannia Central School in Far West New South Wales with students from Kindergarten to Year 12, and two regional NSW primary schools - White Cliffs Public School and Broken Hill Public School.

“For me, education is key, and I wanted to work where the greatest need was. Being placed in a school in regional NSW, I get the opportunity to work with a really diverse range of students, many of whom until now may have had limited access to psychological support,” Mr Dey said.

“I often have to pinch myself at how fortunate I am and the opportunity the [Master of Professional Psychology] scholarship has given me.

“I’ve had world-class training debt free, and while I’m still learning more all the time, I’m surrounded by a supportive and experienced team who are with me every step of the way.

“Every day, I get to work with students and help make a positive impact to their lives and learning – at times it can be challenging, but it’s always very rewarding,” Mr Dey said.

School psychologists in NSW public schools work within the department’s school counselling service as part of a team of professionals.

They work with a diverse range of students from Kindergarten to Year 12 in a variety of school settings.

The NSW Department of Education is the largest education provider in Australia, with more than 2,200 schools and more than 800,000 students and is one of the largest employers of psychologists in NSW.

Scholarships are now open for psychology graduates wishing to attain their Masters in Professional Psychology and secure guaranteed employment with the Department.

Visit the NSW Department of Education’s School counsellor and psychologist scholarships website for more information. Applications close 25 September 2022.