Are you looking to start a rewarding career in counselling? The Diploma of Counselling (CRICOS course code 0100324) is an AQF Level 5 qualification delivered by Iona Columba College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03411A) over 2 years (104 weeks) at their campus in Rhodes, NSW. This course is ideal for international students seeking practical, work-integrated learning in human welfare and services. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for overseas student enrolment. The diploma covers core counselling skills, ethical practice, and client support strategies, with 480 hours of work placement across 80 weeks. Located in the Sydney suburb of Rhodes, students benefit from proximity to a vibrant multicultural city and excellent transport links. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource, using official CRICOS data from April 2026 to help you make informed study decisions. Read on for full details on fees, entry requirements, visa info, and how to apply.
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The Diploma of Counselling (CRICOS 0100324) is a Diploma level course (AQF Level 5) offered by Iona Columba College Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03411A). The course is classified under Field of Education 090513 - Counselling, part of Society and Culture. Graduates learn to provide counselling support across various settings, including community services, mental health, and aged care. The CRICOS register ensures the course meets strict quality standards for international students. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this diploma is one of them. The course code 0100324 uniquely identifies it, so you can verify its registration with the Australian Government. Importantly, all CRICOS-listed courses are protected under the ESOS Act, guaranteeing your rights as an international student.
In the Diploma of Counselling, you will develop skills in active listening, empathy, ethical decision-making, and client assessment. The curriculum covers counselling theories, intervention strategies, group work, and self-care for practitioners. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it prepares you for para-professional roles under supervision. You'll also learn about Australian legal and ethical frameworks relevant to counselling. The VET national code CHC51015 aligns with nationally recognised training standards. While specific subjects are set by the provider, typical topics include communication skills, case management, and mental health support. The course is delivered in English, so proficiency is essential. For precise syllabus details, always refer to Iona Columba College.
This Diploma of Counselling runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Study mode is full-time on campus at the Rhodes facility. Language of instruction is English throughout. It is a single qualification, not a dual or integrated course. No foundation studies component is included. The duration includes both classroom learning and a substantial work placement (see Work Component section). This structure allows you to gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, a key advantage for future employment in Australia or overseas.
Indicative fees for the Diploma of Counselling (0100324) at Iona Columba College Pty Ltd, sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026): tuition fee A$15,000 total, non-tuition fees A$0, giving an estimated total of A$15,000. Note: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. For current fees, always check the provider's website (www.iona.edu.au) as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Living costs in Sydney are additional — typical weekly expenses range from A$350–A$600 for rent, groceries, and transport, depending on lifestyle. Budget accordingly.
For international students, the English language requirement is IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Prior academic qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and possibly a Certificate IV in a related field. The provider may also consider relevant work experience. No foundation studies are offered with this course. All entry requirements are set by Iona Columba College — contact them directly for exact criteria and any alternative English tests accepted (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). HeadStart Academy recommends meeting the minimum IELTS band for this level.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 80 weeks of placement at 6 hours per week, totalling approximately 480 hours. This work-integrated learning is typically an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement where you apply counselling skills under supervision in real-world settings. It may occur in community health centres, private practices, or non‑profit organisations. Placement is arranged by the provider and is an integral part of the curriculum, giving you valuable Australian workplace experience and professional references.
The course is delivered at 15-17 Blaxland Rd, Rhodes, NSW 2138. Rhodes is a suburb in Sydney's north-west, about 15 km from the CBD. It is well served by public transport: Rhodes railway station on the T9 Northern Line provides direct trains to Central Station in around 30 minutes, and frequent buses connect to nearby suburbs. Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 5 million residents and a vibrant international student community (over 150,000 enrolled at CRICOS providers). Living costs are higher than the national average, but the area offers shopping, dining, and waterfront parks. Rhodes itself has a growing population and is close to major business districts.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this Diploma of Counselling on a full-time basis. Key visa conditions: attend at least 80% of contact hours, maintain OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration, and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight while course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The financial capacity requirement covers tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student) and travel. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest rules. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Counselling (0100324) at Iona Columba College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy's course search to compare Diplomas in Counselling across NSW and Australia. 2. Apply directly to Iona Columba College — submit academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.5), and any required documents by their application deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via ImmiAccount. Ensure you meet GTE and financial capacity requirements. Once you have your CoE, you can proceed with the visa application. Start early to allow processing time.
Choosing Sydney for your Diploma of Counselling means studying in Australia's most diverse and dynamic city. With over 150,000 international students, you'll find strong support networks and multicultural experiences. Sydney's cost of living is relatively high — average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is A$400–600 per week, plus A$50–80 for groceries and A$40 for a weekly train pass. However, part‑time work (48 hours/fortnight on a student visa) can offset costs. Public transport is extensive, and the Rhodes campus is a 5‑minute walk from the train station. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. If you prefer a smaller city, explore Diploma courses in other states via HeadStart Academy.
Here are answers to common questions about this course:
Ready to start your counselling career? Apply for the Diploma of Counselling at Iona Columba College through HeadStart Academy. Compare courses, check CRICOS status, and get visa guidance — all for free.
Diploma of Counselling is a CRICOS-registered programme at Iona Columba College Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.