Speech Pathology

Speech pathology programs in Australia are a great choice for Canadians looking to become qualified to practice as a speech pathologist. Find out more.

Studying Speech Pathology in Australia

Speech pathology is a health profession that falls under the area of human communication sciences. Speech pathology, also referred to as speech therapy, is the diagnosis, management and treatment of individuals who are unable to communicate effectively or who have difficulty with feeding and swallowing.

With few speech pathology programs offered by Canadian universities and since admission into these programs are increasingly competitive, graduate-entry speech pathology programs in Australia are a top choice for Canadians seeking to gain qualifications as a speech pathologist.

Australian universities offer undergraduate and graduate-entry professional certification programs in speech pathology, as well as a wide range of postgraduate options in specialized areas. Speech pathology programs in Australia aim to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary for a career in speech pathology.

There are a limited number of places available in speech pathology programs in Australia for international students, and program start dates, admissions requirements, and application deadlines vary among universities. All programs require a student to have completed a bachelor’s degree and specific undergraduate subjects. These undergraduate prerequisites vary among Australian speech pathology programs.

Here’s what you’ll find on this page:

How to Apply to Speech Pathology Schools in Australia

The process of applying to an Australian speech pathology school can feel both simple and confusing at the same time. That’s why we’re here. Our goal is to have the best prepared students ready for a first-class educational experience in Australia and New Zealand—and we take that to heart.

When you’re considering speech path school in Australia, you may have questions about

  • your eligibility;
  • the application;
  • how (and where) to submit your documents; and
  • what we do with your application.

We’ve got you covered. Head on over to our how to apply to speech pathology school in Australia page where you’ll find info about what to expect!

Practicing Speech Pathology in Canada

Upon graduation, you are eligible to apply to become a speech pathologist in Canada. For a detailed overview of the certification process, please visit Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) website.

It is imperative that you understand the requirements and procedures associated with entering the speech and language pathology profession in Canada. It is your responsibility to meet the necessary requirements to become a member of the regulatory body in your province, if necessary. Currently in Canada, eight provinces require mandatory registration with a regulatory body.

For more information, check out our Practicing Speech Pathology in Canada page.

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“Lots of support from staff.”

Cohort is small and allowed me to make good friends. Lots of support from staff. Very hands on. But you feel like you're thrown in the deep end in the first semester. LOTS OF WORK. Lots of social events to meet people and get free stuff. People are friendly.

Rya P
Master of Speech Pathology
Griffith University, 2023

“The program keeps me busy…”

University is good so far. The program keeps me busy so I don't really experience the activities that the uni has to offer. It is actually quite intense. I would say that its quite different in terms of Canadian teaching styles. I would probably say [to future students] mentally prepare for a tougher program, and just make sure to make friends with your cohort. It's a small class and if you have friends, it makes school is more manageable, and the whole experience worthwhile.

Lakshmi T
Master of Speech Pathology
Griffith University, 2023

“I like the program.”

I like the program. Dislike some of the organizational aspects of the course and some difficulties with placement (not sure if this is just at my uni or others as well). I like the class size and approach with problem-based learning. Course delivery could sometimes be improved. Prepare yourself that work, social, and school can be tough to balance (the department recommends students not to work as the course is intense), be prepared that it can take a while to find a good group of friends.

Kellita K
Master of Speech Pathology
Flinders University, 2023

“[I like the] support from educators”

[I like the] support from educators, clinical opportunities, class size, and getting to meet people from different backgrounds.

Brynn T
Master of Speech Pathology
Griffith University, 2022

“I’ve had some incredible clinical educators that I’ve learned so much from”

I love it. It feels like a home away from home. There are so many services and activities offered, the facilities are lovely, I'm very pleased. I'm enjoying every minute. It's almost going by too fast! The staff are highly educated and supportive, they're approachable and kind. I'm also enjoying my clinical placements, I've had some incredible clinical educators that I've learned so much from and am so grateful for. I feel like I could talk for days about this!

Macquarie University Danielle R
Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Macquarie University, 2019

“They have a lot of resources and help for international students”

I like that they have tailored particular parts of the program to the Canadian students as we are the majority of our program. They have a lot of resources and help for international students at UQ. There are 'heaps' of other Canadians at UQ, especially in the health care professions.

Angela R
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“Not only is the teaching staff great, but I have also found that the campus life at UQ is outstanding.”

I chose The University of Queensland to pursue my education because I have always wanted to study abroad and experience Australian culture in a fun and positive way. The University of Queensland stood out to me after I learned about the comprehensive content of my degree as well as the exciting campus life. I learned that UQ has a reputation built on research, and evidence-based-practice is something that is very meaningful to me. UQ pretty much checked off all the boxes in ter... Read More

Sarah R
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2019

“… the coordinators have been very accommodating for helping Canadian students”

UQ is beautiful, the teachers have been amazing, the curriculum is interesting, and the coordinators have been very accommodating for helping Canadian students keep on top of our placement hours. It's an AMAZING experience, I'm having a great time the school is better than I imagined and I felt comfortable right away, the transition was much easier than I had expected.

Lauren U
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“UQ is a highly regarded university that has many international students”

UQ is a highly regarded university that has many international students. The professors are very accommodating and take all students opinions into consideration.  University life is much more pleasant and enjoyable in Australia. People are very friendly, which makes moving to Australia quite easy, being away from home!

Lidia H
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“The professors at UQ in the Speech Pathology program are wonderful”

I really like UQ's campus. It is absolutely beautiful and there's plenty of green space where you can sit and hang out. The professors at UQ in the Speech Pathology program are wonderful and most of them take an interest in you as a student. The University of Queensland is a wonderful university with a beautiful campus and is extremely advanced in terms of its use of technology (ie. Apple Computers in all the libraries and study rooms!). The program is really small, with a clas... Read More

Saira B
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“… hey help with hours for Canadian students”

Beautiful campus, great classmates, lovely how they help with hours for Canadian students!  It's a great opportunity to study speech abroad and experience life in a new place. 

Tran N
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012

“… it’s a great learning experience and I’m so glad I’m here!”

I love how diverse it is and I find my program very interesting. I am not a fan of the humidity.... UQ is a beautiful campus, and it's huge! My program is very interesting, but pretty intense. All in all, it's a great learning experience and I'm so glad I'm here!

Miriam P
Master of Speech Pathology Studies
The University of Queensland, 2012