- 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 28,320
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Build or extend your expertise in a specialist counselling area with UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling. Acquire advanced knowledge and skills while fulfilling part of the eligibility requirements for professional counselling association membership. Once graduated, you will be eligible for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
- Gain an introduction to counselling practice through a blend of residential schools, online tutorials and foundational courses. Learn to apply contemporary theories and models central to counselling assessment, and client-centred therapy, that is both trauma informed and culturally sensitive.
- Be industry-ready – this diploma is designed to build specific counselling assessment and intervention skills for working within a range of contexts and with a wide variety of issues and populations.
- Get one step closer to being a qualified counsellor – upon completion of this diploma you can articulate directly into the second year of the Master of Counselling, giving you the opportunity to fulfil your counsellor training.
- Study the majority of your diploma online. To meet the required number of hours of face-to-face instruction and ensure you have the best possible skills preparation, you’ll also be required to attend mandatory residential schools at UniSQ Ipswich for four of your courses.
Specialisations in the Graduate Diploma of Counselling
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Child, Youth and Family Therapy
Specialise in relationship, child, youth, and family counselling, learn to effectively assess needs, engage effectively with clients, and apply strategies and interventions.
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Mental Health Practice
Be prepared for a career in mental health by learning to promote well-being, prevent disorders, and provide culturally appropriate counselling strategies.
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Trauma Focused Practice
Extend your expertise in trauma focussed practice – develop skills and knowledge in trauma approaches for diverse populations, exploring theories, interventions and ethical aspects.
Never felt like a number
I was able to complete my degree while working full-time because the program was online. The staff and teaching team made everything easy and were supportive. I never felt like a number.
Amber - Counselling
Career outcomes
This qualification opens up a range of career opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical settings provides a strong foundation for professional counselling roles. Graduates can work in a variety of healthcare and allied health settings, especially where mental health and psychosocial support are essential, such as:
- community health centres
- allied health clinics
- GP clinics
- aged care and disability services
- rehabilitation centres
- telehealth and mental health services
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- correctional health services
- refugee and asylum seeker health services.
Professional accreditation
A UniSQ Graduate Diploma of Counselling enables you to apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association. However, if you wish to gain professional accreditation and practice as a counsellor we recommend you go on to study the Master of Counselling. You may be eligible to transfer to the Master of Counselling once you have completed 50 percent of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (which must include two Foundation of Practice courses).
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Diploma of Counselling, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Degree requirements
You will be required to attend on-campus residential schools at UniSQ Ipswich as part of this degree. During these sessions, you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and fellow students.
Other study options
Upon completion, our Graduate Diploma of Counselling allows you to articulate directly into the second year of the Master of Counselling, giving you the opportunity to fulfil your counsellor training.
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. FEE-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
A Graduate Diploma of Counselling provides an ideal stepping stone into exploring the rewarding field of counselling. With three specialisations to choose from - Child, Youth & Family Therapy; Mental Health Practice; and Trauma Focused Practice – you can tailor your coursework to suit your personal career interests.
The beauty of a graduate diploma is that it generally has similar coursework subjects as a masters degree in the same study field. So you have the flexibility of not committing to a full Master of Counselling degree straight away, but have the option to pursue this path later down the track.
To study a Graduate Diploma of Counselling at UniSQ you need hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we have a pathway options you can explore.
For further information on entry requirements including recognition of prior learning and pathways, please view the entry requirements sections of your preferred specialisation for details.
At UniSQ, we understand that many of our students are balancing family, social and work commitments in their lives. Our flexible study options allow you to tailor your study to suit your needs. If required, you can reduce your study-load and choose to study part-time. We also deliver our Graduate Diploma of Counselling online, giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study.
Over 75% of UniSQ students choose to study online and benefit from our 40+ years of experience delivering flexible learning.
- Listen to recorded lectures when it suits you.
- Access the library’s free online learning services
- Connect with peers and lecturers through online discussion forums.
- Benefit from access to various academic support services.
Discover more about online study and all the other ways to study at UniSQ.
The cost of a Graduate Diploma of Counselling online or on-campus will vary depending on the learning provider you choose and the courses you decide to study.
Please view the fees and scholarships section of your chosen specialisation for details. The Graduate Diploma of Counselling also incurs additional fees including:
- Student services and amenities fees
- Residential school costs.
- The graduate diploma is an ideal stepping stone pathway into a Master of Counselling degree.
- UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars for postgraduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2025).
- Pursue your area of interest with the option to choose from three industry-relevant specialisations - Child, Youth & Family Therapy; Mental Health Practice; and Trauma Focused Practice.
Want to talk through your study options? Get in touch and we can provide you with the personalised support and advice you need.
