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Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Study and save: Discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2025.

The counsellor-client relationship is the single most important factor in generating successful outcomes in counselling. This program gives you keen insights into the nature of what it means to be human, and the tools you need to help distressed clients overcome mental illness and achieve optimum well-being. It is designed for students from any discipline who work in a helping profession and is an ideal choice if you wish to enhance your skills.

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Graduate Diploma in Counselling

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Duration

Part Time: 2 Years

Next Start Date

02 March 2026

Closing Date

Campuses
Parramatta South UAC 950814
Domestic Student Fees
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Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 1647

A good listener. A great help

Counselling is a cross-disciplinary pathway into a career in helping people in distress. In counselling, clients learn about themselves and how they can make changes to improve their lives. This process requires you to build a dedicated helping relationship, for which you need high levels of skill, sensitivity, self-knowledge and ethical conduct. In contrast to some of the longer-established helping professions, counselling, as taught in this program, places greater emphasis on the creation of a therapeutic environment for the client than on specific techniques or the application of particular theoretical models. This program offers an invaluable field placement, giving you the opportunity to work directly with clients whilst undergoing clinical supervision and incorporating learning on campus. In addition, you will learn how to critically examine theories and approaches in light of their contribution to a contemporary relational understanding and practice of counselling.
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STUDY AND SAVE

Savings of up to 87% are available for more postgraduate courses than ever before through Commonwealth Supported Places*.

What a great time to pursue postgrad in 2025. 

*Discount rates vary by program, the maximum available is a saving of 87%. We've added newly discounted courses for 2025, while existing CSP funding remains in place for 2025. Visit our Postgraduate fees webpage for more information.

Fee information
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Accreditation

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling is accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Graduates are also eligible for full membership and registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Family support
  • Addiction counselling
  • Relationship counselling
  • Women's health
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Alumni

"Be prepared to grow and learn more about yourself as much as you learn about professional counselling skills, theories and practice."

— Meeray Ghaly, Graduate Diploma in Counselling"

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

PG Direct

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

  • Australian Citizens
  • New Zealand Citizens
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
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Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

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We're here to provide clarity.

If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.

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OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Find out more

Graduate Certificate in Counselling

Part Time: 1 Year

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Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

learn more

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.