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Overview
Mental health support is more critical now than ever. Whether you are looking to upskill in your current role or take the first step towards a new career path, the Graduate Certificate in Counselling offers a flexible, focused pathway to understanding and applying therapeutic principles.
This program is designed for professionals who want to understand human behaviour, master communication techniques and apply ethical frameworks to real-world situations – without the commitment of a full master's degree initially. Delivered 100% online, it allows you to balance study with your work and life commitments.
Why study with us?
Unlike broader degree programs, the UNSW Online Graduate Certificate in Counselling is streamlined to deliver high-impact learning in a short timeframe. You will complete four core courses over a period as short as eight months.
This program is 100% online with no mandatory on-campus workshops or clinical placements. This distinct feature makes it an ideal choice for professionals who need to maintain their current employment while building new capabilities. You can progress at your own pace, studying in seven-week blocks that allow you to focus deeply on one course at a time.
For those wishing to progress to our accredited programs, in-person attendance in Sydney will be a requirement.
Duration
8 months, part-time
Courses
4
Intake
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct
Program code
7970
You will be trained to meet clients where they are, understanding how to work with courage, sensitivity and integrity in diverse counselling contexts.
Your study will cover four essential areas:
- Foundational Counselling Skills
- Ethics in Counselling Practice
- Mental health, Trauma and Resilience
- Counselling in a Diverse World
To find out more about each course, download your program guide.
Completing this program qualifies you for roles that use counselling skills across the Australian healthcare landscape. Examples include:
- Case worker or support worker
- Youth worker
- Career counsellor or academic advisor
- Human resources professional
- Disability support coordinator
- Mental health intake worker
To become a fully registered counsellor with bodies like the ACA, you will generally need to continue into the Graduate Diploma in Counselling or Master of Counselling programs to complete the required placement hours.
General admission requirements
To be eligible for our Graduate Certificate in Counselling, you must have either:
- completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification in a related discipline*, OR
- completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification in any discipline plus 2 years relevant work experience**,
- Applicants who have not completed a bachelor's degree or higher-level qualification are required to have a minimum of 6 years relevant work experience in Counselling, case management or related positions**.
* Related disciplines may include psychology, social work, human services, education, youth work, community services, health sciences, nursing, mental health, behavioural science, social science and other related fields.
** Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience reflecting professional readiness, that may include supportive work, effective communication, facilitation or mentoring.
English language
You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments.
Program fees
At UNSW Online, we’re committed to providing a world-class education that delivers exceptional value. Our programs are designed to fit your lifestyle and career goals, with fees structured on a per-course basis to give you flexibility and control over your investment. Your student fees are calculated based on the courses you take and your residency type, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Indicative 2026 fee per course
$4,000
Indicative 2026 total program fees
$16,000
The total indicative fee varies based on the elective courses you select, the year you complete them and any approved recognition of prior learning (RPL) granted before you begin your studies. All prices are listed in Australian dollars and prices listed do not include additional costs associated with placements or travel to campus.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only, based on current conditions and available data, and you should not rely on them. For the most up-to-date information, including 2026 indicative international program fees, please visit our fees page.
FEE-HELP available
Eligible domestic students can apply for FEE-HELP, a government loan to cover all or part of your tuition fees for fee-paying places. The loan amount is added to our HELP debt, which is repaid once your income reaches the repayment threshold.
You can apply for FEE-HELP as part of your acceptance to UNSW Online. The form will present itself during your final stages of online acceptance if you are eligible.
Applications must be submitted before the relevant teaching period census date. Read more about FEE-HELP and eligibility here.
At UNSW Online, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward graduating from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to access course resources anytime, anywhere on any device.
We offer six study blocks, known as hexamesters, each year. These seven-week blocks with orientation time beforehand allow you to focus on one course at a time – providing the perfect balance between study and life’s other commitments.
Our academics are among the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you’ll experience the same high-quality education as our on-campus students.
Throughout your journey, you’ll have the dedicated support of your Student Success Advisor. From enrolment to graduation, they’ll be your go-to for all non-academic queries, available by phone or email to ensure you stay on track.
You’ll also benefit from Career Success – a self-paced, curated module designed to help you build and implement an effective career plan. With access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach as well as guides for perfecting your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career with confidence.
Why study a Graduate Certificate in Counselling with UNSW Online?
Australia's #1 university*
UNSW is ranked 1st* in Australia and 19th globally - a proud reflection of excellence in research, teaching and positive societal impact.
*QS World University Rankings, 2027
A leader in Social Sciences and Management
UNSW has been ranked among the best universities in Australia for Social Science and Management courses for three consecutive years*.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024-2026
Most employable graduates
UNSW is recognised for producing the most employable graduates, winning the AFR Top 100 Future Leader Awards seven years in a row.
Maximise your earning potential
UNSW is Australia's #1 university for postgraduate median salaries* shortly after graduation.
*QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023–2024
Why pursue a career in counselling?
People 16–85 yrs who have experienced a mental disorder
Government funding available to support people with complex needs
$71.7 million
Government funding allocated to support Aussies experiencing temporary distress periods
$588 million
Expected employment growth to 2028
15.1%
Frequently asked questions
The "best" certification depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a university-level qualification that balances academic rigour with flexibility, a certificate in counselling online from a Group of Eight university offers significant credibility. Unlike vocational training, a postgraduate online counselling certificate like the Graduate Certificate in Counselling provides a theoretical depth that prepares you for complex human interactions in various professional settings.
In Australia, the counselling profession is self-regulated, but employers and clients increasingly demand formal qualifications. While you can take short counselling certificate courses online, a university-level Graduate Certificate ensures you have learnt evidence-based frameworks and ethical standards. It validates your skills and serves as a solid foundation if you decide to pursue the further study required for full accreditation.
Yes, you can obtain a Graduate Certificate in Counselling online through UNSW. This program is ideal for those who want to gain professional recognition for their skills without committing to a multi-year degree immediately. It provides a recognised academic qualification that demonstrates your competency in mental health support and communication.
A graduate certificate counselling online is an excellent starting point, but it typically qualifies you for roles that use counselling skills rather than "Clinical Counsellor" positions. Graduates often work in roles such as case management, student support, human resources or community services, where counselling skills are vital. To become a fully registered counsellor with bodies like the ACA, you will generally need to continue into the Graduate Diploma or master’s level to complete required placement hours.
Absolutely. A Graduate Certificate in Counselling online in Australia is highly valuable for professionals wanting to enhance their interpersonal impact. It is worth doing if you want to upscale your communication skills, understand mental health better for your current job, or test the waters before committing to a full master’s degree. It boosts your employability in any sector that relies on human connection and support.
When asking what can you do with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling, the answer extends beyond traditional therapy rooms. This qualification prepares you for diverse roles, including:
- Case worker or support worker
- Human resources professional
- Disability support coordinator
- Mental health intake worker
It empowers you to work therapeutically within existing roles or pivot to the community services sector.
A Graduate Certificate in Counselling is a Level 8 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This places it above a bachelor's degree. It is a postgraduate qualification designed for students who already hold a degree or have significant relevant work experience, offering advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work.
This program represents the heart of what it means to step into the counselling profession. Becoming a counsellor is not only a professional pathway – it is a commitment to understanding human vulnerability and the kinds of support people need when navigating mental health challenges, traumatic stress and grief.
The therapeutic relationship lies at the centre of this work. Helping you develop the capacity to meet others with authenticity and care is integral to my teaching philosophy. The program reflects my commitment to graduate counsellors who are culturally responsive and centre the dignity and value of each client.
Dr Jane Mowll
Program Director, Master of Counselling
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