Bachelor of Counselling

The Bachelor of Counselling at the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC Professional) is a three-year undergraduate degree for people who want to work as counsellors. You'll study how people think, feel and behave, and how to help them through difficulty. Core study covers counselling theory, human development across the lifespan, mental health, ethics and professional practice, and the skills of listening, questioning and responding. You'll also learn how to work with clients from different backgrounds and how to keep your practice safe and accountable.

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to pass a required number of credit points to graduate, usually spread across three years of full-time study. Most institutions run two semesters a year, though some use trimesters. AIPC's counselling degree is delivered with a practical focus, and counselling training generally includes supervised practice so you can apply what you learn with real clients under supervision. Confirm the exact unit list, credit point totals and any placement requirements on the official course page.

You'll come out knowing how to build a therapeutic relationship, conduct an assessment, use evidence-based approaches, and recognise when to refer a client on. You'll also learn about record keeping, confidentiality, duty of care and the legal side of counselling in Australia. Graduates often go on to seek registration or membership with a professional counselling body, and many continue into supervision or further study. The degree suits school leavers, mature-age students, and people already working in community services, health, education or human resources who want to move into counselling.

International students should check the English language requirement before applying. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, though some fields such as teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work ask for 7.0–7.5. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While studying, a Student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream lets eligible graduates stay and work in Australia for a period. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm fees, intake dates and entry requirements on the official page.

• Counsellor in private practice, community health or mental health services
• School counsellor or student wellbeing officer (additional requirements may apply)
• Family and relationship counsellor
• Drug and alcohol counsellor
• Rehabilitation or disability support counsellor
• Case worker or support worker in community services
• Telephone or online counsellor for crisis and helpline services
• Counsellor in aged care, palliative care or hospital settings
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) counsellor
• Youth worker or youth counsellor

Australian industries that hire counselling graduates include health care and social assistance, community services, education and training, government agencies, and private practice. Many roles ask for membership of a professional counselling association, so check the requirements of the body you plan to join.