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Counselling courses
6 counselling qualifications in Australia, from certificates to the degree, compared side by side: cost, duration, providers and where each one leads.
- Qualifications
- 6
on this page
- Providers
- 79
across all qualifications
- Median pay
- $112,000–$114,600
across roles in this field
- Employment growth*
- +27%
1 of 2 roles in shortage
Which of these is right for you?
We don't recommend one provider over another, but four things usually decide which qualification is the right one to start with.
- How much time can you give it?
- A certificate usually runs months, not years, and gets you working sooner. A degree is a multi-year commitment, but it's the only route into a registered profession like pharmacist.
- Do you want to study online, on campus, or both?
- Check each qualification's study modes below. Some are online only, some require placements or on-campus units even in a mostly online course.
- What's your entry point?
- If you're starting from school leaver or career change with no background in the field, the lowest rung on the ladder is usually the realistic start, not the top qualification.
- Which role are you aiming for?
- Some roles need one specific qualification. Others accept several. The roles section below says which qualification on this page actually gets you there.
The counselling qualifications
6 qualifications, from certificates through to a degree. Each links through to cost, duration and the providers that teach it.
Certificates and diplomas
Diploma of Counselling
56 providersThis diploma prepares you to work as a counsellor in an agency or community organisation, supporting clients through personal and psychological difficulties.
DiplomaCounsellorView qualification →Diploma of Financial Counselling
7 providersYou train to help people who are overwhelmed by debt, and to do it as a counsellor rather than an adviser selling a product.
DiplomaView qualification →
Degrees
Bachelor of Counselling
9 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Diploma of Counselling
3 providersDiploma1 yearView qualification →Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling
2 providersBachelor degree3 yearsPsychologistView qualification →Undergraduate Certificate in Counselling
2 providersOther Undergraduate Award Course0.5 yearsView qualification →
What counselling study leads to
The 2 roles where a counselling qualification is a recognised route in, which qualification on this page it is, and what else you need.
Psychologist
The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is a step on the way, not the whole route. Complete the approved psychology sequence, including the required further study and supervised training, and obtain registration. A bachelor degree alone does not qualify a graduate to practise as a psychologist. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median salary for the role
$114,600
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.
Counsellor
The direct route is the Diploma of Counselling. Defined, supported counselling roles in established agencies; the source does not establish independent practice. Check employer and professional association requirements.
Median salary for the role
$112,000
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.