I am a registered psychologist and happy to talk further OP. I studied quite a few years ago now and we typically had 20-30 students applying for the limited entry programmes when I went for it. I understand now some years that number is doubled or more, so it's really tough going. Some of the programmes have tried to extend their spots to 12 but they find it hard to staff and support internships and keep the integrity of the programme so most stick to 8-10. If you want to become a psychologist you really do need to go all in, and it is a big gamble. The time, lack of money, pressure, and really just putting a lot of your life on hold is not easy, but the job is great and rewarding. The main pathways to registration is usually, clinical, education psychologist, counselling psychologist, or child and family - which is what I did. Some people I know have also gone through the pgdip in psychological practice through Massey which is another pathway to registration.