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!

Why Study a Master of Counselling in Australia?

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. 

Specialisations in the Master of Counselling in Australia for International Students

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 

Cost of Studying Master of Counselling in Australia for Indian Students  

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

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study the Master of Counselling in Australia

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 

Top Universities in Australia for Master of Counselling

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 

The University of Melbourne

19

The University of Queensland

=42

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 

226

La Trobe University 

=233

Griffith University

268

Western Sydney University 

400

Murdoch University

=423

James Cook University 

=440

Edith Cowan University

=487

Victoria University 

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

Career Prospects After Pursuing a Master of Counselling in Australia 

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

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

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

FAQs on Master of Counselling in Australia

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