Counselling Courses for International Students in New Zealand

Are you the “therapist friend” in your group?

At some point, have you felt like you should be paid for your advice? Well, maybe you should be! 

If you’ve always dreamt of being a counsellor, or maybe you’re just considering it now, this guide will have all the answers you’ll need to decide.

And if you’re an international student in New Zealand (or thinking of crossing here from Australia), we’ll also talk about the universities in NZ, and your possible PR pathways. 

Plus, you'll get exclusive expert tips along the way on how you can check your eligibility for each course, qualify for lower fees, or apply for scholarships.

Sounds exciting? Let’s get right into it!

New Zealand offers a range of counselling courses for international students.

You can choose from short certificates to advanced degrees.

Whether you're just starting or already have some experience, there's a course to match your level and goals.

Certificate in Counselling

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 4

• Good as a starting point

• May not lead directly to counselling registration

Course Duration

• 6 months to 1 year (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus, online, or blended

Fees

• Around NZD $7,000–$10,000 for international students

Course Overview
This course covers basic counselling skills like active listening, empathy, and communication. You'll learn how to support people in a non-clinical setting.

Who is this for?
This course is great for beginners or those curious about the counselling profession. 

It’s also helpful if you want to boost your people skills for roles in education, social services, or community work.

Diploma in Counselling

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 5 or 6

• May include supervised practicum

• Can lead to entry-level roles in the counselling sector

Course Duration

• 1 to 2 years (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or blended

Fees

• Around NZD $13,000–$18,000 per year

Course Overview
You'll go deeper into counselling techniques, ethics, mental health theory, and cultural safety. Some diplomas include supervised placements so you can practise real counselling conversations.

Who is this for?
Perfect for those ready to start a counselling career, especially if you want hands-on experience and plan to work in community or support services.

Bachelor’s in Counselling

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 7

• Meets academic requirements for NZAC provisional membership

• Includes practicum and clinical hours

Course Duration

• 3 years (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or blended (some institutions offer online options)

Fees

• Around NZD $22,000–$28,000 per year for international students

Course Overview
The bachelor’s in counselling course covers counselling theories, ethics, mental health issues, trauma-informed care, and cross-cultural practice. You’ll complete supervised placements and learn how to work with individuals, families, or groups.

Who is this for?
Ideal if you want to become a qualified counsellor in New Zealand. This course is for students who want a recognised degree that leads to professional registration and long-term career growth.

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 8

• Can be a standalone qualification or a pathway to a Master’s

Course Duration

• 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or blended

Fees

• Around NZD $26,000–$32,000 per year

Course Overview
This course builds on what you learned in your bachelor’s in counselling. It focuses on advanced counselling theories, reflective practice, and ethical decision-making. You may specialise in areas like family therapy, addictions, or trauma.

Who is this for?
Great for bachelor’s graduates or professionals wanting to deepen their skills, change careers, or prepare for master's-level research or practice.

Master’s Degree in Counselling

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 9

• Can be practice-based, research-based, or both

• May meet advanced registration requirements

Course Duration

• 1.5 to 2 years (full-time)

• Some part-time options available

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or blended (limited online options due to practicum requirements)

Fees

• Around NZD $30,000–$38,000 total

Course Overview
You’ll explore advanced counselling approaches, research methods, leadership in practice, and complete a thesis or practicum. You can specialise in areas like youth counselling, trauma therapy, or multicultural counselling.

Who is this for?
Best for experienced professionals or those wanting leadership roles, registration as a fully qualified counsellor, or a future in research or teaching.

If you're looking to study counselling in New Zealand, here are some trusted institutions that offer quality training and support for international students:

Source: New Zealand Association of Counsellors

Here’s a general guide to what you can expect to pay as an international student in New Zealand:

Cost in 2025 Per Year 

• Bachelor’s Degree: $25,741.60 - 39,292 

• Postgraduate Diploma: $14,279 - $43,600 

• Master’s Degree: $14,279 - $51,092

Note: Fees can vary by institution and course type. Always check the latest info on the university's website.

Sources: Wintec, AUT, BTI

Yes. You can apply for a scholarship as an international student. 

There are different scholarships in New Zealand for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses. 

To be eligible, you need to meet the academic grade and English proficiency requirements. 

Some scholarships are only available for students with financial need. For this, you need to provide documentation of your income and other proof showing you need financial assistance.

List of scholarships for international students in New Zealand

Check my eligibility

Wondering what a counselling degree in New Zealand actually looks like? We’ve done the research for you.

We looked at the course structures from three well-known institutions—AUT, Bethlehem Tertiary Institute (BTI), and Laidlaw College. While each university has its own course structure, there are a lot of subjects they all have in common. So we pulled those together to give you a clear picture of what’s usually covered in a Bachelor of Counselling in New Zealand. 

Here's a general guide to the topics you’ll likely study each year.

To study counselling in New Zealand, you'll need to meet certain entry requirements. Here are some of them:

 Academic Background

• Certificate or Diploma: Completion of secondary school equivalent to New Zealand Year 12

• Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of high school plus a foundation program or equivalent to NZ University Entrance

• Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s: A bachelor’s degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related field (some programs may accept work experience in place of a related degree)

English Language Proficiency 

To apply, you’ll need to show proof of English proficiency using the IELTS Academic test, with minimum scores depending on the course level:

• Certificate or Diploma: Overall 6.0, no band less than 5.5

• Bachelor’s Degree: Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0

• Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s: Overall 7.0, no band less than 6.5

Why choose IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by every university and polytechnic in New Zealand, including the University of Auckland, Massey, and Otago. It’s also trusted by immigration, registration boards, and scholarship providers. 

Book your IELTS test here

Prepare for IELTS with FREE practice tests

Other Requirements

• Personal statement

• Referee report or letter of recommendation

• CV or work experience (for diploma/postgrad courses)

• Interview (for master’s or selected diploma programs)

• Police clearance (for practicum placements)

• Health declaration (if required)

What you need to get into a counselling course in New Zealand depends on the school and your background.

Some institutions may accept qualifications like Year 12 or a relevant certificate from your home country. If you studied elsewhere, you might need to provide extra documents or take an assessment to check your skills.

It can feel confusing, but IDP is here to help. We’ll review your education history and explain exactly what you need.

We can also guide you to the right counselling course so you avoid applying to places that don’t fit your goals.

Check my eligibility

Studying counselling in New Zealand can open doors to meaningful careers where you support others and make a real difference. Depending on your qualification level, here are some job roles you may be eligible for:

Common Job Titles:

• Counsellor (general, school, or community-based)

• Youth Worker

• Mental Health Support Worker

• Addiction Support Worker

• Family Violence Support Worker

• Rehabilitation or Crisis Intervention Worker

Many roles are available in schools, community health organisations, NGOs, addiction services, and government agencies.

If your long-term goal is to live and work in New Zealand, counselling can be a smart study and migration pathway.

• Counselling on the Green List / Skill Shortage List

Counsellors and related mental health roles are often in demand in New Zealand and may appear on the Green List, which supports fast-tracked residency for eligible roles. This gives graduates a better chance at skilled migration.

• Post-Study Work Visa Options

After completing a counselling qualification in New Zealand (Level 7 and above), you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. This allows you to stay and work in NZ for up to 3 years, depending on your course and where you studied.

• Skilled Residence Pathways

If you secure a job in a counselling or social services role, you may be eligible to apply for residency through the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List Straight to Residence (if your job is listed). Having local qualifications and work experience strengthens your visa application.

• Professional Registration: NZAC

To work as a recognised counsellor in New Zealand, you may need to register with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).

Most employers prefer or require registration, especially for higher-level roles. Many bachelor’s and postgraduate programs meet the academic requirements for NZAC provisional membership.

Not sure how to plan all this? IDP can help map out your PR strategy in New Zealand based on your current visa, your age, and your long-term goals.

If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re seriously thinking about studying counselling in New Zealand.

That’s a big step, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

From finding the right university to understanding how much it costs as an international student, IDP is here to help you every step of the way.  

Whether you’re just starting your research or already narrowing down your options, we’ll help you:

• Find counselling courses that match your goals and budget

• Understand what entry requirements apply to you

• Get IELTS-ready with free practice tools and expert tips

• Plan your PR pathway in New Zealand 

Ready to become a counsellor in New Zealand? 

Or do you still need help knowing your choices before you make the big decision? 

Let’s have a chat!