Counselling Courses in Australia: How to Choose the Right One

Australia is facing a significant shortage of mental health professionals. Counselling courses in Australia range from a three-day practical workshop through to a two-year master program. The right course depends on where you are starting from, what career you want to build and how much time and money you are able to invest. This guide helps you work through those decisions clearly — and outlines every counselling course available at Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne so you can find the right fit for your situation.

Key Takeaways

Counselling courses in Australia range from short workshops to Masters-level qualifications — the right level depends on your career goals
ACA or PACFA accreditation is one of the most important factors to check when comparing counselling courses
According to Seek (April 2025), counselling-related jobs in Australia have a typical salary of $100,000 and a 5-year growth projection of 14.2%
Practical placement hours are critical for graduate readiness — choose courses that include structured supervised practice
Cairnmillar Institute offers ACA and PACFA accredited counselling courses from a three-day workshop through to the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

How to Become a Counsellor in Australia

Becoming a counsellor in Australia does not follow a single prescribed pathway — and this is one of the things that makes counselling both accessible and confusing as a career choice.

The title “counsellor” is not legally protected in Australia at this time, meaning there is no mandatory minimum qualification required by law. However, in practice, most employers expect a minimum Diploma of Counselling or higher — and professional membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) requires meeting specific qualification standards.

For most people, the practical pathway to becoming a counsellor involves completing an ACA or PACFA accredited qualification, gaining supervised practice hours through placement, applying for professional registration with ACA or PACFA, and undertaking ongoing professional development and clinical supervision throughout their career.

The level of qualification you pursue shapes the roles you can access, the settings you can work in and the clients you can support. Understanding this helps you choose the right course from the beginning rather than having to retrain later.

What to Consider Before You Choose

Your current qualification level

The counselling courses available to you depend on what you have already studied. If you have no prior qualifications, a short workshop or a vocational diploma is the natural starting point. If you hold an Australian bachelor degree at AQF Level 7, postgraduate programs open up — including graduate certificates, diplomas and a master of counselling pathway.

Your career goal

There is a meaningful difference between working in an entry-level support role and practising as an advanced counsellor or psychotherapist. A Diploma of Counselling prepares graduates for entry-level and support positions. A Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling or a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy opens doors to broader practice and postgraduate psychology pathways. Being clear on your end goal shapes which course level is right for you.

Your study mode preference

Some counselling courses in Australia are delivered fully online with self-paced learning, others require on-campus attendance, and many offer a blended mix of both. If you are balancing work or family commitments, a fully online or part-time program may suit you better. If you prefer direct contact with lecturers and peers, on-campus study has real advantages.

Your timeline and budget

Counselling courses in Australia range from a three-day workshop costing $165 to a two-year master program costing $60,984. FEE-HELP and VET Student Loans can make longer programs more accessible for eligible domestic students. Being realistic about your timeline and budget helps you choose a course you can complete, not just start.

Why Accreditation Matters

Counselling educators at Cairnmillar note that accreditation with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) is one of the most important factors to check when comparing counselling courses Australia-wide. Accredited programs meet professional standards that employers and membership bodies recognise — and they allow graduates to apply for professional registration, which directly affects career credibility and client confidence.

Not all counselling courses carry ACA or PACFA accreditation. Before enrolling in any program, confirm the accreditation status of the course and the level of ACA or PACFA membership you will be eligible for upon completion.

Educators with decades of clinical experience also highlight that practical placement hours are equally critical. Completing counselling courses without supervised real-world client contact leaves graduates underprepared for practice. Programs that include structured placement components allow students to apply therapeutic skills in genuine settings before graduating — building the competence and confidence that employers value.

Counselling Courses at Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne

Quick Comparison — Which Course Suits You?

Course	Best For	Duration	Cost*	Accreditation
Core Counselling Skills	Complete beginners — introduction only	3 days	$165–$770	Certificate of completion — does not qualify for professional practice
Diploma of Counselling	Entry-level counselling roles	12 months FT	$6,990	ACA accredited
Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling	Full undergraduate degree, APAC pathway	3 years FT	$43,221	TEQSA, APAC, ACA
Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy	Postgraduate entry — bachelor degree required	6 months FT	Contact Cairnmillar	ACA accredited
Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy	Continuing postgraduate training	1 year FT	Contact Cairnmillar	ACA accredited
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy	Advanced therapeutic practice	2 years	$60,984	ACA accredited
Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care	Working professionals — specialisation	1 year PT	$13,653	TEQSA — AQF Level 8

All fees are estimates only and subject to annual review. FEE-HELP and VET Student Loans available for eligible domestic students in select programs.

Core Counselling Skills

Who it suits: Anyone completely new to counselling who wants a practical introduction before committing to a longer qualification.

Duration: 3 days | Cost: $165–$770 | Location: Hawthorn East, Melbourne | Intake: Quarterly

This three-day introductory course combines group learning, role-plays, exercises and education sessions. Participants receive a workbook and a certificate of completion. Please note this course provides an introduction to counselling principles but does not qualify participants to work professionally as a counsellor.

Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)

Who it suits: Those who want a nationally recognised vocational qualification for entry-level and support counselling roles.

Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time | Cost: $6,990 | Study Mode: Online | Intakes: July 2026, February 2027 | Funding: VET Student Loan available

The Diploma of Counselling is delivered fully online with self-paced learning and live weekly sessions. The course is ACA accredited and takes a global and multicultural approach to counselling practice. Small class sizes allow for personalised support throughout. Graduates may apply for ACA Level 1 registration and can pathway into the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling or the Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Cairnmillar. Please note this diploma prepares graduates for entry-level and support positions — it does not prepare graduates for specialised or clinical counselling roles.

Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling

Who it suits: School leavers, mature age applicants and career changers who want a full undergraduate degree combining psychology and counselling.

Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time | Cost: $43,221 domestic | Study Mode: Online, on-campus or blended at Hawthorn East | FEE-HELP: Available | Minimum ATAR: 60 (mature age entry available 21+)

This TEQSA, APAC and ACA accredited double major undergraduate degree focuses solely on mental health. The course includes 24 units — 22 coursework units and two placement units — including a counselling placement in the final year with at least 40 hours of direct client experience. Students who achieve a 70 average in the psychology major units are eligible for automatic entry into the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), opening the pathway to registration as a psychologist.

Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Who it suits: Those who hold an Australian bachelor degree with a 60% average and want to begin postgraduate counselling and psychotherapy training.

Duration: 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time | Study Mode: On-campus, Hawthorn East | AQF Level: 8 | Accreditation: ACA accredited

This course includes an interview as part of the admissions process. Graduates can pathway directly into the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Who it suits: Those who have completed the Graduate Certificate or an equivalent qualification and want to continue building postgraduate counselling and psychotherapy training.

Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time | AQF Level: 8 | Accreditation: ACA accredited

Graduates can pathway into the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy — Cairnmillar’s highest level counselling qualification.

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Who it suits: Those committed to advanced therapeutic practice at the highest professional level.

Duration: 2 years | Cost: $60,984 | Accreditation: ACA accredited | Intakes: July 2026, October 2026, February 2027

The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is the highest level counselling qualification at Cairnmillar. It is taught by therapist-academics who are actively practising in the field and includes a robust placement program. Graduates are eligible for registration as a psychotherapist with PACFA or the ACA.

Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care

Who it suits: Working professionals wanting to specialise in trauma-informed approaches alongside their existing role.

Duration: 1 year part-time | Cost: $13,653 domestic | Study Mode: Self-paced online | FEE-HELP: Available | Domestic students only

Entry is available with a bachelor degree in a related field, any bachelor degree with relevant work experience, or a diploma with at least one year of relevant professional experience. This course is TEQSA accredited at AQF Level 8 and is available to domestic students only.

Studying Counselling in Melbourne

Cairnmillar’s Hawthorn East campus is 400 metres from Tooronga train station, with free on-site parking and full wheelchair accessibility — making it one of Melbourne’s most convenient locations for face-to-face study. For students outside Victoria, several counselling courses Melbourne and Australia-wide are available fully online or in a blended format. Cairnmillar also operates four psychology clinic locations across the city — in Hawthorn East, Dandenong, Melbourne CBD and North Melbourne — giving students direct connection to professional practice settings throughout their studies.

Why Study Counselling at Cairnmillar?

Cairnmillar Institute has been delivering counselling and psychology education in Melbourne for over 60 years. As a not-for-profit organisation and registered health promotion charity, one hundred per cent of all tuition fees are directed back into the community — including funding free counselling services for those who need them.

Student outcome data reflects the quality of education Cairnmillar delivers:

94.4% of graduates found employment — 1.6 points above the national average
82.6% had a positive overall experience — 7.8 points above the national average
87.4% rated teaching practices positively — 5.1 points above the national average
84.5% rated support services positively — 10.1 points above the national average

Source: compared.edu.au/institution/the-cairnmillar-institute/postgraduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the entry requirement for counselling courses in Australia?

Entry requirements vary by course level. The Core Counselling Skills workshop has no prior study requirement. The Diploma of Counselling requires applicants to be 18 years or older and meet basic literacy standards. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling requires a minimum ATAR of 60, with mature age entry available for applicants aged 21 and over. Postgraduate counselling courses require an Australian bachelor degree at AQF Level 7. The Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy also includes an interview as part of the admissions process. Full entry requirements are available on each course page at cairnmillar.org.au.

Q2: How long does it take to become a counsellor in Australia?

The time depends on the qualification level you are aiming for. A diploma of counselling takes 12 months full-time. A Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling takes three years full-time. For postgraduate pathways, the Graduate Certificate takes six months full-time, the Graduate Diploma takes one year full-time, and the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy takes two years. Each qualification builds on the previous level with clear pathways between them.

Q3: Are Cairnmillar’s counselling courses accredited?

Yes. Cairnmillar’s counselling courses are accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is also accredited by TEQSA and APAC. The Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care is TEQSA accredited at AQF Level 8. ACA registration on completion is subject to meeting ACA membership criteria at the time of application. Accreditation ensures qualifications meet the professional standards recognised by employers across Australia.

Q4: Can I study counselling online in Australia?

Yes. Several of Cairnmillar’s counselling courses are available fully online. The Diploma of Counselling is delivered online with self-paced learning and live weekly sessions. The Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care is fully self-paced online. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is available online, on-campus or blended. Online counselling courses at Cairnmillar provide the same academic support, student services and accreditation as on-campus programs.

Q5: What financial assistance is available for counselling courses at Cairnmillar?

FEE-HELP is available for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling and the Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care for eligible domestic students. A VET Student Loan is available for the Diploma of Counselling. All fees are estimates only and subject to annual review. Contact the student services team on 1800 391 393 to confirm what applies to your chosen course.

Q6: What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist in Australia?

Counselling and psychotherapy are closely related disciplines. In Australia, psychotherapy generally refers to longer-term, deeper therapeutic work and is associated with higher-level qualifications. Graduates of the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Cairnmillar are eligible to register as psychotherapists with PACFA or the ACA. The Diploma of Counselling and the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling prepare graduates for ACA registration as counsellors.

Q7: What salary can counsellors earn in Australia?

According to Seek (April 2025), the typical salary for counselling-related roles in Australia is $100,000, with a projected 5-year job growth rate of 14.2% and 10,584 counselling-related jobs available nationally right now. Salaries vary depending on the level of qualification, area of practice, work setting and years of experience.