Key Facts
Part-time (24 months)
Course Overview
Make a difference where it matters most. Build practical counselling skills, explore evidence-based therapies, and graduate career-ready for diverse counselling roles.
Our nationally recognised Diploma of Counselling equips you with the professional knowledge and practical skills to support individuals through life’s challenges and promote wellbeing across diverse communities.
With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, you’ll build practical counselling expertise through role-plays, case studies, and simulated practice sessions that mirror real workplace scenarios. You will also learn from a variety of experienced mental health practitioners through guest lectures, gaining invaluable insights from those working in the field today.
Counselling is one of Australia’s fastest-growing professions, with strong demand across health, education, and community services. This diploma prepares you to step into entry-level and support positions across a range of settings such as community health centres, not-for-profits, schools, and government agencies – equipped with the confidence to contribute from day one.
What sets this course apart is our global and multicultural focus, ensuring you graduate with the contemporary understanding needed to work effectively in today’s diverse communities. With small class sizes, you’ll benefit from personalised support and close connection with teaching staff, creating an enriching learning environment where your growth is prioritised.
Whether you’re beginning your career, enhancing your current role, or seeking personal growth, this program gives you the tools to empower others – and yourself – towards greater wellbeing.
This course is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Application Period
Priority applications close three (3) weeks prior to the term commencement date.
What does this course offer?
- Practical skills in active listening, empathy, and applying structured counselling models.
- Knowledge of professional practice, including ethics, boundaries, and referral processes.
- Opportunities to build confidence in working with individuals, families, and communities.
- Real-world learning, with case studies and role-plays to prepare you for workplace situations.
- Tailored assessments to suit your career goals or current workplace challenges.
- Pay the same as Government funded programs.
- Self-paced learning and evening lecturers allowing you to master in-demand career skills without having to leave your day job.
- Pathway into the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling and Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Designed by industry experts and taught by experienced practitioners.
- Small class sizes and in-depth discussions, allowing you to fully explore the subject areas.
- A supportive environment with dedicated Learning Equity Officer and Student Learning Support Advisor, free student counselling and mental health services.
- High-quality teaching and learning experience.
- Discounted enrolment in professional development workshop and training events.
- Free student membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Course Schedule
The course is designed to be completed within 12 months for full-time students, meeting the requirements of a full-time study load (35-40 hours per week). A part-time option is also available for greater flexibility, completing the qualification within 24 months, studying 15-20 hours per week.
2027 Academic Calendar & Key Dates
| Term | Weeks | Dates | Payment Due Dates | Census/Withdrawal Dates |
| 1Â |
9 |
1st February – 2nd April 2027 |
17th January 2027 |
15th February 2027 |
| Break |
2 |
|
|
|
| 2Â |
9 |
19th April – 18th June 2027 |
4th April 2027 |
3rd May 2027 |
| Break |
4 |
|
|
|
| 3Â |
9 |
19th July – 17th September 2027 |
4th July 2027 |
2nd August 2027 |
| Break |
2 |
|
|
|
| 4Â |
9 |
4th October – 3rd December 2027 |
19th September 2027 |
18th October 2027 |
Units of Competency
| Term 1Â | Term 2Â | Term 3 | Term 4Â |
| CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship | CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically | CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice | CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
| CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills | CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality and development theories | CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people | CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management |
| CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process | CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling | CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support |
| CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies | CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes | CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | CHCFAM003 Support people to improve relationships |
| CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support |
For all unit descriptions, please view the Course Handbook available for download at the top of this page.
Only want to enrol in one or more units? We offer microcredential enrolment! Click here to read more.
Entry Requirements
Entrants will normally be 18 years of age or older, must be proficient in English and technologically literate, with sound ability using computers and online tools, as well as access to a laptop or home computer for research tasks. Â
Applicants must complete the online enrolment form through the VET applications portal, and:
- Satisfy academic suitability, by meeting one of the following:
- Provide a copy of your Year 12 certificate from a recognised state or territory authority (not your school), OR
- Hold a Certificate IV or higher qualification (delivered in English), OR
- Complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) assessment – this will be provided during your application process.
- Provide a short-written statement (500 words) about why you want to study this course.
- Submit evidence of identity and citizenship status (e.g. passport or birth certificate)
Please be aware, to access VET Student loans, students must hold a Certificate IV or higher qualification (delivered in English), OR complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) assessment.
Suitable applications may be invited to attend a 10-minute Study Readiness phone interview with members of the VET team. This interview also provides students the opportunity to discuss any questions they have about the proposed course of study, ensuring their goals for the subject are met.
If you are unsure about your suitability or eligibility for this program, please contact [email protected]Â to discuss your specific situation in more detail.
Please note: Cairnmillar’s courses are subject to minimum and maximum group numbers. Courses may be cancelled or postponed if minimum numbers are not achieved by the start date of the course. Courses may close prior to the start date if the maximum numbers are reached. In that situation, eligible applicants will be offered a place in the next available intake.
Fees & Scholarships
Total Tuition Fees: $7,339.50*
Non-Tuition Fees: $0
Each term has a payment and census date, allowing additional entry and exit options.
Tuition Fee Payment Options:
Students enrolled in this course have the following payment options for tuition fees:
-
Up-front payment of all tuition fees, and/or
-
Instalment payments (Termly), – Course fees are broken up into four terms, meaning you only need to pay for the units you are studying. and/or
-
VET Student Loan (VSL) – a government loan option available to eligible students to cover all or part of their tuition fees.
Please note: VET Student Loans are only available to students who meet all eligibility criteria. If you access a VSL, it will create a HELP debt that is repayable to the Commonwealth Government once your income reaches the repayment threshold. VSL only covers tuition fees. The approved VSL loan cap for the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is $18,838.00, as set by the Department. If your tuition fees exceed this cap, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference. The portion of your fees covered by VSL will be outlined in your VET Student Loans Statement of Covered Fees. For more information, visit VET Student Loans(opens in new tab).
*Total fees are estimates only based on the current fee schedule. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases apply. For more information on tuition fees, please visit the Fees & Scholarships page.
Career Opportunities & Study Pathways
Completing the Diploma of Counselling can open doors to meaningful roles where you provide support, guidance, and care to individuals, families, and communities. While this qualification does not prepare you for specialised or clinical counselling roles, it equips you with practical counselling skills and knowledge to work in entry-level and support positions across a range of settings.
Graduates may find employment opportunities such as:
- Counsellor (in supervised or structured community settings)
- Case Worker or Case Manager
- Community Services Worker
- Youth Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Support Worker
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Employment Services or Career Guidance Officer
- Telephone or Online Counsellor (e.g. helplines, crisis support)
- Pastoral Care Worker
Graduating students and alumni can apply for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), as long as they meet the current recency clause.
They can also apply for membership with the Certified Practicing Counsellors Australia (CPCA).
This qualification can also provide a pathway to further study in counselling, psychology, social work, or community services for those seeking advanced or specialised practice; such as the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling, Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy or the Graduate Certificate in Child, Youth and Family Mental Health. Please speak with the teaching team to know which pathways best suits you.Â
Recognition Of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of prior learning will be assessed as per the Course Information Handbook and the TLP005 Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, available here.
FAQ
- What is self-paced learning?
Self-paced learning means you can learn in your own time and schedule. You will receive access to our online learning management system to work through the topic’s narrated PowerPoint presentations, resources and assessments.
But don’t worry, studying online doesn’t mean studying alone at CMI! Our experienced trainers and dedicated support services are available to assist you at any stage along your student journey.
The weekly interactive sessions also provide you with the opportunity to work directly with the course trainer and fellow students, as well as benefit from group activities to support your assessment needs.
- What if I can’t commit to the full course?
Cairnmillar now offers microcredential enrolment! This is a flexible option that allows you to attend classes and study the same material as those enrolled in the full course. This option is suitable for those taking the first steps towards a new degree, those who are considering a career change, and/or those who want to learn about a particular topic.
Units from all our VET courses are available as microcredential enrolment. Cairnmillar’s microcredentials are also stackable, allowing you to qualify for a recognised qualification over a period of time, such as a Certificate or Diploma.
- What should I write in the ‘short written statement’ as part of my application? How long should it be?
Your personal statement should address why you wish to study your course of choice at Cairnmillar and should be 500 words long. Up to 10% either side is normally acceptable should your statement be a sentence or two under or over the limit.
- How do I develop and demonstrate counselling skills while studying online?
Practical counselling skills are developed through a range of online activities, including role plays, simulated counselling sessions and interactive learning exercises. Weekly interactive sessions provide opportunities to practise your skills with fellow students and receive feedback from experienced trainers in a supportive learning environment. Practical assessments include mandatory online and face-to-face components, allowing you to gain practical experience and build confidence throughout your remote studies. To support assessment completion, role-play scenarios are provided and can be undertaken with other students, family members, or friends.
- How many hours of study should I expect each week?
The amount of time you spend studying will depend on your individual learning style and commitments. As a guide, students enrolled full-time typically spend approximately 35 to 40 hours per week on their studies, while part-time students generally spend around 15 to 20 hours per week. Nominal hours for each unit are outlined in the Diploma of Counselling Course Handbook.
- Are there any exams in this course?
No, there are no exams in the Diploma of Counselling. Instead, assessment tasks are designed to reflect real-world counselling practice and may include written knowledge assessments, case studies, practical demonstrations, roleplays and reflective activities. This approach allows you to demonstrate both your theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills throughout the course.
- Is there a requirement to complete a work placement?
No, there is no work placement requirement for the Diploma of Counselling. The course is designed to provide a practical, job-ready learning experience through simulated counselling activities, role plays, case studies and skills-based assessments. Throughout your studies, you will develop communication, interviewing and micro-counselling skills, explore a range of counselling approaches used to support clients, and learn from experienced practitioners who incorporate real-world examples into the learning experience.
- Can I receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for further counselling studies?
Students who complete the Diploma of Counselling may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) when progressing into the Cairnmillar Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling. Currently, RPL may be available for CAP101 Counselling Theories and Models and CAP102 Foundations of Person-Centred Counselling, providing a pathway to further study and supporting your ongoing professional development.
- Is the course accredited?
Yes. The Diploma of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to apply for ACA membership, supporting their professional recognition within the counselling industry.
- Is this course suitable for me if I’ve never studied counselling before?
This course may be suitable for students who are new to counselling however, entry requirements vary by intake.
For students commencing in Term 3, prior counselling experience is required, or we recommend completing the Core Counselling Skills Professional Development Workshop before beginning the Diploma. If you have been accepted onto the Diploma course, as a Cairnmillar student, you are eligible for a discounted workshop fee.
From workshops, guest speakers, conferences and seminars, there's always something to do and experience at CMI.
We offer tailored education programs and sessional lectures for the general public, professionals working in the field of mental health, corporate clients, provisional psychologists and their supervisors.
Upgrade your career skills and deepen your knowledge of mental health, leadership and business subject areas, with flexible microcredential and single subject enrolment.
We have several pathways for people to become psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health workers. Find your pathway and unlock your future.