Why study with ECU Online?

  • Accessible, flexible and accelerated

    Study anywhere, anytime with our flexible online format. Our course is delivered in accelerated mode, allowing you to earn your degree and put your skills into practice sooner.

  • Fully supported

    Be supported throughout your study journey by a personal Student Success Advisor and online learning community of like-minded students and friendly, accessible staff.

  • Job ready skills, relevant to industry

    Gain a wide range of skills – identified and designed by industry experts – to meet the complex and evolving needs of individuals and communities.

  • Professional Recognition

    Our Master of Counselling has been accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Who should study this course?

ECU’s online Graduate Certificate of Counselling is for professionals who want to expand their foundational skills and make a difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Students may study this course and continue to the Masters to equip themselves to become full-time counsellors. Alternatively, they may wish to add to their existing skillset in roles including:

  • Social work
  • Career coaching
  • Psychology
  • Other allied health
  • Human resources
  • Youth work
  • Human welfare roles
  • Local government support/community development roles
  • Case work
  • Disability support work
  • Cognate undergraduate social science or behavioural science

See admission requirements in ECU’s Master of Counselling brochure for more information.

 

What you will learn

Effective counselling techniques

Gain a deepened understanding of counselling approaches across psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive-behavioural and humanistic theories. Apply your practical skills and techniques to make assessments, plan treatments and implement evidence-based interventions.

Develop a person-centred approach

Learn how to walk alongside individuals in a process that values difference, supports self-discovery, builds on unique strengths and recognises the interrelationships between individuals, communities and social structures as important platforms for healing.

Core principles of counselling

Enhance your knowledge of effective counselling practice and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counsellor. Learn verbal and professional writing standards relevant throughout the counselling process.

Explore self-awareness and reflective practice

Engage in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice to gain a deeper understanding of the self, and how this interplays with the therapeutic process, personal growth and ongoing professional development.

 

I chose ECU’s online Master of Counselling because it was progressive. The course facilitators are friendly, encouraging practitioners with extensive professional experience. My fellow students are a diverse range of professionals of all ages and make the degree even richer through their contributions.

Michael Kay
Master of Counselling student

What you will study

The course has 3 units of study.

 
Graduate Certificate of Counselling units
  • Foundations of Counselling Practice 
  • Theories and Techniques in Counselling 
  • The Role of the Counsellor 

Entry criteria

Course admission requirements

To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate of Counselling you will need the following:

  • Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy (with preference given to degrees relating to 'helping professions'); or

  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

  • English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)

Student support

Not only will you be supported by our academic staff with feedback and answers to your academic questions, but you will also receive dedicated one-on-one support for all non-academic queries from your Student Success Advisor. They are available via phone or email to provide motivation and guidance, supporting you while you achieve your study goals.

Assessment

Assessments vary from unit to unit. Please check with your Course Coordinator or Student Success Advisor about each unit's assessment requirements. Assessments may include case studies, reviews, reports, portfolios, applied projects and presentations. We do not hold exams for 100% online programs.

How to apply

Ready to apply? Our support staff are available to guide you through our three-step process.

Find out more.

FEE-HELP

The government loan scheme that applies to most postgraduate courses is known as FEE-HELP. Australian citizens and holders of a Permanent Humanitarian visa who are residing within Australia are eligible to access FEE-HELP. Using this program, you can borrow enough money from the Commonwealth Government to cover your course fees. Once your income reaches a certain level, you will pay the loan back via the tax system.

For more information on fees and the FEE-HELP loan, call us on 1300 707 760.

Frequently asked questions
Is a graduate certificate worth it in Australia?

Yes, a graduate certificate in counselling can be highly valuable for professionals looking to upskill, explore counselling roles, or prepare for further postgraduate study. It provides focused, practical knowledge in person-centred approaches, reflective practice, and various counselling modalities, enhancing professional skills and employability.

The ECU Graduate Certificate of Counselling is delivered accelerated online, allowing students to complete three units in as little as six months part-time while balancing work or other commitments. It provides practical, flexible learning in Foundations of Counselling Practice, Theories and Techniques, and The Role of the Counsellor, and serves as a pathway into ECU’s Master of Counselling for students wishing to continue their studies.

Can I do a graduate certificate without a degree?

Entry into a graduate certificate usually requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience, though some programs may consider substantial work experience in relevant fields.

ECU’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling generally requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution, ideally in a ‘helping profession,’ or equivalent prior learning with at least five years relevant professional experience. Students also complete an online interview to ensure readiness for postgraduate counselling study.

What qualifications do you need to be a counsellor in Australia?

Professional counselling in Australia is moving towards higher standards and regulation, with the newly released National Counselling Standards highlighting that postgraduate-level qualifications are needed for recognised practice. Graduate Certificates alone are not sufficient to qualify for professional practice; higher qualifications, such as a Master of Counselling, will be required for ACA registration and clinical practice.

ECU’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling provides a strong foundation in counselling knowledge and skills while preparing students for entry into the Master of Counselling. Completing the Master, which is ACA-accredited, ensures graduates meet National Standards for professional registration, practice, and advanced career pathways.

How much do counsellors earn in Australia?

Counsellor salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and sector. Generally, having higher qualifications and relevant professional experience positively influences earning potential.

Completing the Graduate Certificate of Counselling equips students with foundational counselling skills and reflective practice techniques, which can support further study or career development. Combined with additional qualifications or experience, these skills can enhance employability and potential income across community, health, education, and organisational roles.

Can a graduate certificate get me a job?

A graduate certificate alone is not considered a recognised qualification for independent professional counselling practice. However, it can help build practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to support work in related fields or serve as a stepping-stone to higher postgraduate study.

ECU’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling offers practical, flexible learning in person-centred approaches, theory, and techniques. Students benefit from weekly Online Learning Communities (OLCs), fortnightly Virtual Classrooms (VCs), and interactive course resources, providing a structured, supportive environment to gain skills while preparing for the Master of Counselling.