University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Counselling
- Delivery: Online
- Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
Gain the counselling foundation you need to guide the way.
Course overview
Guide the way by gaining the foundational skills in counselling to practise respectful and inclusive counselling. You will experience interactive teaching in a supportive learning environment.
Course highlights
- Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Adviser.
- 100% online and accelerated.
- Apply knowledge and skills immediately.
- Develop industry-relevant skills.
- Start anytime – intakes are open every two months.
Key facts
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling encompasses four units.
Core units
- Counselling Theory and Approaches
- Core Counselling Skills
- Principles of Ethical Conduct in Counselling
- Diversity Inclusion Respect
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Counselling, applicants must have:
- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline, or hold an AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a Counselling or counselling-related subject and provide proof of four years of full-time counselling/counselling-related experience.
- Fulfil non-standard English language requirements that are outlined in ‘Additional requirements’.
Additionally, completion of the graduate certificate would make a student eligible for direct admission to the graduate diploma and master’s degree programs.
English language requirements
You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.
The Graduate Certificate in Counselling requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Foundations of counselling: Acquire a critical understanding of the skills and major models of counselling that will support you to work in a range of human service roles.
- Respectful approach to counselling: Develop the knowledge on how to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
- Dedicated support: A Student Success Adviser is allocated to support you throughout your study journey, from enrolment to graduation.
Career outcomes
Students of the Graduate Certificate in Counselling develop foundational skills that apply to various organisations and counselling teams. This qualification allows you to take the next step in your career as a counsellor, youth worker, community support worker, case worker, family counsellor, development officer and many other human service roles.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $3,562.50 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course cost in 2026: $14,250 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative fees are based on a part-time study load of four units.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
