Want to chart out a career path for yourself where you can make a genuine difference to people’s lives? A Master of Counselling in Australia could be the perfect route to take. Recognised for its top-notch learning and intense focus on mental health, Australia offers international students expert guidance, hands-on training, and real-world experience in the field of counselling.
What’s more? IDP Education helps you take the first big step into a career that ideally blends expertise with empathy to make someone’s life brighter. Speak to one of our consultants for more guidance on pursuing the postgraduate program at your favourite Australian university!
Australia has a worldwide reputation for focusing on mental health and holistic well-being. This is why international students widely prefer Australian universities for pursuing a Masters degree in Counselling. Here are some more reasons why:
Hands-on learning: The programs offered at Australian universities provide ample scope for learners to engage in hands-on training through supervised placement opportunities.
Accredited courses: The Master of Counselling program is accredited by top industry bodies, such as the ACA and PACFA.
Post-study work opportunities: Upon completing the course, graduates can look forward to rewarding career roles in schools, private practices, and mental health communities.
A Master of Counselling in Australia helps prepare students to work toward the mental health and emotional well-being of individuals across diverse settings. The program is a perfect combination of theory with supervised hands-on training and offers a host of specialisations to students:
Mental health practice
Forensic counselling
Human services counselling
Child, youth and family therapy
Trauma-focused practice
The average Master of Counselling fees in Australia are estimated at AUD 29,000 for a one-year full-time program at a recognised Australian university. Note that this figure represents only the tuition fee and is exclusive of any other living expenses for international students in Australia.
Additionally, the cost is likely to vary from one university to another. Hence, it is best to check with the specific institution at the time of applying.
Related Source: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/master-counselling
Universities offering a Master of Counselling in Australia require international students to meet specific admission criteria. While they may differ from one university to another, the general list of criteria commonly accepted by most institutions includes:
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
At least 65% or higher aggregate score
An overall score of 7.0 on the IELTS test with no band score lower than 6.5
Related Source: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/master-counselling#tab__2--2
Australia is home to several top institutions offering Masters degree programs in Counselling. The table below lists some of the top universities for the Master of Counselling in Australia:
University | QS World University Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
19 | |
=42 | |
226 | |
=233 | |
268 | |
400 | |
=423 | |
=440 | |
=487 | |
741-750 |
Related Sources: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=au
https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/india/training-degrees/australia/masters/counselling-courses/loc/9/slevel/57-3-3/cgory/h10-3/sin/ct/programs.html
Students graduating with a Masters degree in Counselling are eligible to apply for a wide range of career roles across diverse industries. Some of the many highly-demanded jobs after a Master of Counselling in Australia are:
Job Role | Average Annual Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|
School Counsellor | AUD 87,294 |
Rehabilitation Counsellor | AUD 75,444 |
Crisis Counsellor | AUD 52,723 |
Mental Health Therapist | AUD 120,899 |
Substance Abuse Counsellor | AUD 112,600 |
Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/school-counselor/salaries
https://au.indeed.com/career/rehabilitation-counselor/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/crisis-counselor/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/mental-health-therapist/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/substance-abuse-counselor/salaries?from=top_sb
All set to travel to Australia for your Masters? IDP Education offers many helpful Student Essentials Services to help international students feel at home. Here are just some of the many services you can avail yourself of with us:
Accommodation
Overseas Health Cover (OSHC)
Study loans
Student banking
Money transfers
1. What is the duration of a Master of Counselling in Australia?
The exact duration may vary from one university to another depending on several factors. However, the average duration of the postgraduate degree at a leading Australian university is around 2 years full-time.
Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-counselling-5333
2. How to apply for a Master of Counselling in Australia?
The application criteria generally differ for all universities offering the program. However, most universities accept the following requirements in common:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, such as psychology, social work, or behavioural studies
Prior work experience in a related field is preferred
An overall score of 7.0 on the IELTS test as proof of English proficiency
Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-counselling-5333#entry-requirements
3. What are the fees for a Master of Counselling in Australia?
The exact cost of the program may vary among institutions. However, the average annual price of the program at a top Australian university is likely to be AUD 45,792.
Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-counselling-5333#fees-scholarships
4. Can I do an online Master of Counselling in Australia?
Of course! It is possible to pursue the course online from anywhere in the world. Several Australian universities offer the program online, providing convenience for students worldwide.
5. Is there a demand for counsellors in Australia?
Absolutely! A large majority of Australians experience mental health issues currently, which creates a strong demand for skilled professionals in the field.
Updated on July 8, 2025