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Counselling courses

Train as a counsellor, and empower others to overcome their personal challenges

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Counselling

If you’d like to make a difference in people’s lives, then becoming a counsellor is a fantastic way to do it. After taking an online counselling course, you’ll have the knowledge you need to help people navigate tricky situations, manage their self-care and improve their mental health.

Discover why counselling is the right path for you before exploring your study options through Open Universities Australia. All courses are delivered online by leading Australian universities.

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Emma studied psychological sciences with Swinburne University through Open Universities Australia

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Online counselling subjects and short courses

Discover 40 ways to study counselling with leading Australian universities.

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Counselling study FAQs

Why should you study counselling?

If you’re interested in learning more about the human mind so you can help others manage their mental health, then a counselling course could be the perfect fit. Studying counselling allows you to use your compassion and empathy in a professional setting.

Demand for those in counselling roles has grown strongly over the last five years. Data gathered by Labour Market Insights suggests that Australia will need 3,500 new trained counsellors by 2026.

What you'll learn in a counselling course

It depends on where you are in your study journey. At an undergraduate level, a counselling degree covers the knowledge and skills that form the foundations of counselling. At a postgraduate level, counselling diplomas give students the opportunity to diver deeper and specialise.

Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll explore a variety of mental health topics, including mental health first aid and how to support others through personal issues like grief, chronic illness and trauma. Once you better understand the human mind, you’ll know how to encourage healthy thoughts and behaviours. You’ll also learn techniques for managing your own stress and helping others with theirs.

On graduating, you’ll have the knowledge you need to counsel others in different contexts, while keeping ethical considerations firmly front of mind. You’ll also be able to apply relevant counselling theories and research to better understand mental wellbeing and distress.

Student stories and study advice

4 high-growth jobs in mental health

The stigma associated with mental health issues is quickly disappearing—what a relief! But with more people seeking help, we need more specialists (future you) in the sector.

5 mental health short courses to pivot into counselling

A short course can be a great way to upskill and become more competitive for a position as a counsellor. Learn more about what courses can help get you job-ready. 

Counsellor vs psychologist: Which career is right for you?

Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind? Do you want to help people understand their emotions and behaviour? Find out if you’re made for a career in counselling or psychology.  

5 health degrees you haven't considered

Healthcare is a diverse field, with a range of jobs and specialisations to cater to almost any interest. If you’re unsure where to begin, check out these courses on offer with leading Australian unis.

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 497,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

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  • Choosing a course that suits you best
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