Counsellor (QLD)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

You can work as a counsellor without formal qualifications. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification in counselling. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a counsellor by studying counselling, psychology or a related field at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your QCE with English. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Drug and Alcohol Screening
  2. Certificate III in Telephone Counselling Skills *
  3. Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work *
  4. Certificate IV in Christian Counselling
  5. Certificate IV in Life Coaching
  6. Certificate IV in Mediation *
  7. Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills *
  8. Diploma of Community Services - Alcohol and Other Drugs
  9. Diploma of Community Services - Mental Health *
  10. Diploma of Counselling *
  11. Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy - Christian
  12. Diploma of Holistic Counselling
  13. Diploma of Life Coaching
  14. Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy - Christian
  15. Bachelor of Applied Social Science
  16. Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Counselling
  17. Bachelor of Arts *
  18. Bachelor of Arts - English as an International Language
  19. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education - Secondary *
  20. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws *
  21. Bachelor of Bachelor of Arts / International Hotel and Tourism Management
  22. Bachelor of Behaviour Management
  23. Bachelor of Behavioural Science - Psychology / Bachelor of Justice
  24. Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Social Sciences
  25. Bachelor of Counselling *
  26. Bachelor of Human Services *
  27. Bachelor of Psychological Science *
  28. Bachelor of Social Science *
  29. Bachelor of Social Science - Counselling
  30. Bachelor of Social Sciences
  31. Bachelor of Social Sciences - Psychology

Employment Opportunities:

Many counsellors are self-employed in their own counselling practices.

Counsellors may also be employed by community service organisations, hospitals, schools, clinics and government departments. Large corporations and organisations often employ counsellors who specialise in workplace or organisational counselling.

Competition is often strong for available work.

For Further Information:

Australian Counselling Association

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (QLD Metropolitan)

(07) 3843 2772

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (QLD Regional)

(07) 5493 7455

Relationships Australia (QLD)

1300 364 277

Information for other states and territories: