Online Counselling Courses and Degrees

If you're new to university study, a Bachelor of Counselling (or equivalent) is a pathway to become a professional counsellor. If you have a university degree of some kind, you can become qualified with a graduate diploma or masters. Let's explore the best online counselling courses in Australia.

Qualifying Courses to Become a Counsellor

A successful career as a counsellor typically requires recognised qualifications and expertise beyond basic counselling skills. Nearly all professional roles in this field demand at least a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate qualification, rather than just a basic diploma.

A professional degree in Counselling, Social Work, or Psychology is commonly required for counsellor positions. Additional training and experience in a related field, such as teaching, nursing, or social work, enhance your ability to provide expert guidance.

For guaranteed recognition of your qualifications, consider enrolling in a course listed by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). All programs shown here are accredited unless otherwise stated.

Bachelor Degrees

Studying counselling at an undergraduate level offers more than just learning how to counsel. Australian universities provide programs that allow you to combine counselling with other disciplines, such as community welfare and psychology.

USQ - Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling Practice)

The Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling Practice) at the University of Southern Queensland offers complete preparation to become a counsellor. The ACWA-accredited program covers topics like foundation psychology, assessment and report writing, and advanced counselling skills. Students are online but must attend occasional residential schools at the Ipswich campus in Queensland for accredited training. The degree also includes 500 hours of field placements.

ACAP - Bachelor of Counselling

The Bachelor of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) is a three-year program that blends online and on-campus learning. Campus locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Byron Bay, and Adelaide. Accredited by PACFA and ACA, the degree includes 340 hours of placements and community projects. There is an optional minor in Coaching, accredited by ICF. Students develop skills in mental health, grief counselling, and family therapy.

Edith Cowan University - Graduate Certificate of Counselling

An easy and effective way to earn a university qualification is to do the Graduate Certificate of Counselling with Edith Cowan University. The 100% online course consists of 3 units and takes just 6 months of part-time study. It is a pathway to ECU's Master of Counselling, which is accredited by ACA. Students examine the foundations of professional practice, the role of the counsellor, and counselling theories and techniques. The knowledge gained supports counsellor work in fields such as nursing, social work and teaching.

Avondale University - Graduate Diploma in Counselling

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Avondale University is a two-year, mixed-mode program, blending online learning with occasional on-campus sessions. Covering foundational and advanced techniques, the curriculum includes specialised subjects such as family therapy and mental health. A year-long clinical placement happens in the second year. Rooted in a Christian ethical framework, this course prepares students for diverse professional counsellor roles.

Edith Cowan University - Master of Counselling

The Master of Counselling at ECU has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). While primarily online, each student is required to do 250 hours of professional placement with an approved organisation. The course consists of 12 units (with the work placement counting as 2 units) and takes 2 years of part-time study. Students benefit from accessible and accelerated online learning. You can study year-round, moving on to a new unit every 2 months.

Study Counselling Online

Why study counselling online? It provides a convenient way to gain professional qualifications. You can study online, complemented by necessary face-to-face classes.

To become a professional counsellor, you can greatly benefit from specific qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree, graduate diploma, or master’s degree in Counselling. Programs are available in mixed mode, combining online learning with practical in-person training and placements.

Courses based on online study are ideal for those changing careers or already working in community welfare. You can balance education with other commitments. Professional counsellors often hold bachelor's degrees in social work or psychology and are building on their background in helping others.

What Counsellors Do

Counselling is a relationship-based process. As a mental health practitioner, you need to build trust and understanding with clients. Counsellors help people to evaluate themselves, accept responsibility for their actions, and make good choices going forward.

Counsellors need a well developed understanding of themselves, strong empathy, a desire to help people, and an interest in social justice.
A healthy dose of life experience is also important. They assist people to make changes in thinking and decision-making. Ideally, you should know first-hand about internal transformation and growth.
Another key trait is flexibility. Counsellors must be able to adapt their approach to provide the best possible treatment for the individual client.

A counsellor is an objective professional with whom a client can build a therapeutic and trusting relationship. They are trained to offer talk-based therapy. The counsellor helps each individual address their problems in a positive way – by helping them to clarify issues, explore options, develop strategies and raise self-awareness.