Postgraduate CSP counselling courses available in January: Up to 66% off

Postgraduate counselling courses can come with a hefty price tag, but a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) can make study far more affordable. With a CSP, the Australian Government subsidises a portion of your fees, substantially reducing the cost of your studies. Learn more about how CSPs work, eligibility criteria and how to get a CSP here.

While postgraduate CSP courses in counselling are less common in comparison to some other health-related fields, a number of Australian universities do offer them. In some cases, these subsidies can reduce course fees by 50 per cent or more, making postgraduate study far more accessible.

Postgraduate CSP counselling courses with the biggest discounts in January

We’ve compiled a list of postgraduate CSP counselling courses from the GlobalHealth Education catalogue with the biggest discounts in January, ranking them from largest discount to smallest discount (and by smallest, we’re still talking discounts of nearly 40 per cent off.) All discount percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

To ensure accuracy, we’ve only included courses where both the full-fee paying price and CSP fee are stated with discounts calculated based on the difference between these published fees. Note that prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the course you are studying, the units you select and your study load.

While CSPs can significantly reduce the cost of a postgraduate course, these places are limited and highly competitive. Postgraduate CSPs are quota-based, with only a set number of places offered each year. As a result, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee you will be offered a CSP, as demand often exceeds availability.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that pricing information is accurate and up-to-date, no guarantee is given, nor responsibility taken, for variations or discrepancies in pricing.

Master of Counselling at the University of New England

Develop your skills in counselling, supervision and health and social research with this flexibly delivered Master of Counselling course. The course includes a capstone project that will allow you to hone your research skills and the choice of three pathways (generalist counselling, mental health practice or counselling placement), allowing you to tailor your studies to your professional goals.

Who should study this course?

This course is ideal for individuals looking to move into counselling or related roles across healthcare, education and human services. Its flexible, online format also makes it ideal for working professionals who are looking to strengthen their counselling skills and apply it within their current role.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the course, you must have completed one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
• A graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master’s or doctorate qualification
• A minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) of relevant professional experience and training within the past ten years

You may also be eligible if you have completed relevant qualifications such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Graduate Diploma in Counselling or Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice at the University of New England.

Course intake months in 2026: February, June and October

Course duration: 18 months full-time or the part-time equivalent

Estimated full-fee cost: $42,480

Estimated total fee with a CSP: $14,256

• Discount percentage: 66 per cent

Master of Counselling, Rehabilitation and Mental Health at La Trobe University

Broaden your career options with this unique course, which combines rehabilitation counselling, counselling and mental health subjects. As part of the course, you’ll undertake work-based learning placements that allow you to apply your newly acquired skills in real-world settings. You’ll also have the option to specialise in either advanced practice or applied research.

Who should study this course?

This course is ideal for individuals looking to build the knowledge and skills required to work in rehabilitation counselling and broader counselling settings. It offers a comprehensive learning experience, combining hands-on experience with in-depth study across professional counselling practice, mental health counselling, rehabilitation counselling and employee assistance program counselling.

Eligibility criteria

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline; however, a specialisation in health sciences, psychology, behavioural science (or equivalent) is highly recommended

Applicants with industry experience will also be considered for this course.

Course intake months in 2026: March and July

Course duration: Two years full-time or the part-time equivalent

Estimated full-fee cost: $66,000

Estimated total fee with a CSP: $24,602

• Discount percentage: 63 per cent

Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support at the University of New England

Strengthen your core interpersonal and counselling skills with the Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support. Delivered flexibly online by education professionals, this course equips you with specialist knowledge to respond more effectively in your role. You’ll develop evidence-based strategies to respond to wellbeing, behavioural and engagement difficulties and learn how to support individuals experiencing the child protection and juvenile justice systems.

Who should study this course?

This course is well-suited to allied health professionals such as community and social workers who wish to further develop their skills in school wellbeing support. As the course is also delivered online, it’s suited for individuals working in the field who are looking for something that will fit around work and family commitments.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the course, you must have completed one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
• Completed a certificate IV in a relevant discipline from an Australian TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience within the past ten years

Relevant disciplines include areas such as community services, counselling, education, nursing, psychology, human welfare services, pastoral care, social work, teaching, welfare studies and youth work.

Course intake months in 2026: February, June and October

Course duration: Up to two years part-time

Estimated full-fee cost: $7,404

Estimated total fee with a CSP: $3,552

• Discount percentage: 52 per cent

Graduate Certificate in Counselling (Behavioural Health) at Flinders University

This postgraduate qualification builds fundamental counselling skills to support effective mental health service delivery. You’ll explore behavioural coaching interventions, critically review and analyse a range of therapeutic approaches and develop an understanding of the professional and personal frameworks that underpin behavioural health practice.

Who should study this course?

This course is suitable for individuals working in a health-related field who want to strengthen their knowledge and competencies in counselling. It’s also an ideal entry point for those who are looking to upskill, but are hesitant to commit to a lengthy degree.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the course, you must have completed one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a health-related area
• A bachelor’s degree in a non-health related area with a minimum of two years full-time equivalent relevant work experience in counselling, psychology or behavioural science
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-health related area with evidence of continuous professional development in counselling, or postgraduate courses related to counselling or psychology
• Have three years full-time equivalent work experience in counselling, psychology or behavioural science

Course intake months in 2026: March and July

Course duration: Six months full-time

Estimated full-fee cost: $15,000

Estimated total fee with a CSP: $8,699

• Discount percentage: 42 per cent

Master of Rehabilitation Counselling at Griffith University

Gain the knowledge, practical skills and professional expertise required to work as a rehabilitation counsellor with this online master’s degree. Through 200 hours of mandatory placement, you’ll apply your learning in real-world rehabilitation counselling settings while being supported by experienced academics and industry professionals. Alongside your placement, you’ll develop advanced research and analytical skills to support effective practice in rehabilitation counselling.

Who should study this course?

This course is suited to individuals who are seeking to develop the skills and competencies required to become a rehabilitation counsellor. It’s also ideal for those looking to prepare for leadership, research or specialist practice roles within rehabilitation counselling.

Eligibility criteria

You can complete this program in one year or 18 months, depending on your prior study and work experience.

One year duration

• A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline and two years of relevant work experience
• A Graduate Certificate in Case Management and Mental Health or Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (or equivalent)

18 months (flexible entry)

• A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline

18 months (foundation entry)

• A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher)

Course intake months in 2026: March, July and November

Course duration: 12 to 18 months full-time or the part-time equivalent

Estimated full-fee cost: $39,000

Estimated total fee with a CSP: $24,000

• Discount percentage: 38 per cent

Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of New England

Build the real-world skills and professional knowledge needed to step into a counselling role with this flexible, accredited course. Integrating theory with skills-based practice and supervision, the course will prepare you to practise in this person-centred field. You’ll learn how to conduct clinical assessments and case conceptualisation, engage in simulated counselling sessions and can tailor your studies by choosing one of three pathways (generalist counselling, counselling placement or mental health practice).

Who should study this course?

This course is ideal for individuals who are new to counselling and want to develop the tools required to become a competent counsellor. It’s also suited to professionals with existing experience who are looking to upskill without committing to a master’s degree straight away.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the course, you must have completed one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
• A graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master’s or doctorate qualification
• A minimum of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) of relevant professional experience and training within the past ten years

You may also be eligible if you have completed relevant qualifications such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice or the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice at the University of New England.

Course intake months in 2026: February, June and October

Course duration: One year full-time or the part-time equivalent

Estimated full-fee cost: $28,320

Estimated total fee with a CSP: $17,376

• Discount percentage: 39 per cent