Master of Counselling (2 years) (CRICOS course code 055386M) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The University of Notre Dame Australia over 2 years. This course is designed for students seeking advanced training in counselling, equipping them with the skills to support individuals, families, and communities. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and legal protections under the ESOS Act. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates for professional roles in healthcare, education, and community services. With two delivery locations — Broadway in Sydney, NSW, and Fremantle in Western Australia — students can choose a campus that suits their lifestyle and career goals. The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private, Catholic university renowned for its personalised approach to learning. At HeadStart Academy, we provide accurate, up-to-date course information sourced directly from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, so you can make informed decisions about your study in Australia.
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Master of Counselling (2 years) (CRICOS course code 055386M) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9) offered by The University of Notre Dame Australia. This course falls under the field of education: 09 - Society and Culture → 0905 - Human Welfare Studies and Services → 090513 - Counselling. It is a full-time program spanning 2 years (104 weeks on the CRICOS register), taught entirely in English. The course does not include foundation studies or dual qualifications. A work-integrated learning component of 14 weeks (approximately 200 total hours) is included, providing students with real-world counselling experience through placements or internships. This course is ideal for those looking to become accredited counsellors or advance their career in human services. The University of Notre Dame Australia is a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 01032F), ensuring the course meets the rigorous standards required for international student enrolment.
As a Masters Degree in Counselling, students develop advanced skills in therapeutic communication, assessment, and intervention. The curriculum typically covers counselling theories, ethics, multicultural practice, and specialised areas such as grief, trauma, or family counselling. Graduates are prepared to work with diverse populations across clinical, educational, and community settings. This level of study emphasises evidence-based practice, critical reflection, and supervised experiential learning. Students engage in coursework and practical placements that integrate theory with real-world application, fostering professional competence and ethical decision-making. While specific subjects are set by the provider, the overall learning outcomes align with Australian standards for counselling professionals, including those set by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or similar bodies.
The Master of Counselling (2 years) is delivered over 104 weeks as a full-time program. All instruction is in English. The course is a single qualification — no dual degree or combined pathway is offered. Students must attend classes on campus at either the Broadway (Sydney, NSW) or Fremantle (Western Australia) campus. The program may include evening or intensive blocks, but the CRICOS register standard duration is 2 years. International students should plan for the full 104-week timeline, which aligns with the student visa duration. The course does not include foundation studies, so applicants need to meet academic prerequisites directly. The language of instruction is English, and the provider assesses English proficiency as part of the admission process.
Tuition fees for the Master of Counselling (2 years) are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The total tuition is A$68,156, with non-tuition fees of A$552, bringing the estimated total to A$68,708. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the student visa application charge are not included in this amount. Living costs vary by location — in Sydney, indicative weekly expenses range from A$600 to A$800, while Fremantle is more affordable at around A$500 to A$650 per week. For current and binding fee information, always check The University of Notre Dame Australia’s official website at www.nd.edu.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. HeadStart Academy does not set fees — we only display CRICOS register data for reference.
International applicants to the Master of Counselling (2 years) typically need an English proficiency score of IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0 or 7.0, depending on provider requirements. A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, counselling) is usually required. Some students may need to complete foundation or pathway programs if their prior qualifications do not meet entry standards. The University of Notre Dame Australia may also consider relevant work experience. It is essential to verify specific entry requirements with the provider before applying. Note that fulfilling academic and English requirements does not guarantee a visa — a separate student visa application process applies.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks, estimated at approximately 200 total hours. This is a work-integrated learning element that involves practical placements in counselling settings, such as community health centres, schools, or private practices. The placement provides supervised experience under qualified professionals, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This component is critical for developing clinical skills and meeting accreditation standards. The exact number of hours per week is determined by the provider, but typically ranges from 12 to 20 hours per week during the placement period. International students should ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid or paid work as part of the course.
The Master of Counselling (2 years) is delivered at two campuses: The University of Notre Dame Australia - Broadway in BROADWAY, NSW (Sydney) and The University of Notre Dame Australia - Fremantle in FREMANTLE, WA. The Broadway campus is located in the heart of Sydney, close to public transport, with easy access to Central Station and buses. Sydney is home to over 150 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant student community but higher living costs. Fremantle, a port city near Perth, offers a more relaxed lifestyle with lower rent and a tight-knit student population. Western Australia has around 80 CRICOS providers. Both campuses provide modern facilities, libraries, and support services for international students. Choosing a location depends on your preference for city life versus coastal living, as well as cost considerations.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance and academic progress requirements, and holding valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Additionally, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion must be satisfied, demonstrating that the stay is for study purposes. ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring quality education and legal safeguards. For comprehensive visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au) or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Counselling (2 years) at The University of Notre Dame Australia: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy to compare courses by level, field, and city. Step 2: Apply directly to The University of Notre Dame Australia through their website (www.nd.edu.au), meeting entry requirements including English test scores and academic transcripts. Step 3: Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you allow time for visa processing (typically 4-8 weeks). Remember, this course is CRICOS-registered, so your CoE will be valid for visa purposes.
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Master of Counselling (2 years) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Notre Dame Australia. 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.