Graduate Diploma of Counselling (CRICOS course code 056056K) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Excelsia University College over 1 year. This course is designed for international students who want to develop professional counselling skills within the human welfare field. As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it provides advanced knowledge in therapeutic communication, ethical practice, and client support. Excelsia University College (CRICOS 02664K) is a private institution based in Pennant Hills, NSW, and all its courses are registered on the CRICOS register. With over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia, this program stands out for its focused curriculum and work-integrated learning component. Whether you aim to work in community services, mental health, or private practice, this graduate diploma equips you with evidence-based counselling techniques. Below you'll find details on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and study pathways — all sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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The Graduate Diploma of Counselling falls under the field of education 090513 - Counselling within the broader Society and Culture category. At AQF Level 8, students typically engage with advanced theoretical frameworks, practical counselling micro-skills, and ethical decision-making. Core areas include person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural approaches, group facilitation, and cross-cultural counselling. Graduates develop competencies in assessment, intervention planning, and reflective practice. While HeadStart Academy doesn't publish specific unit outlines, prospective students can expect a curriculum that balances academic rigour with supervised placement experience. This qualification is ideal for those seeking to enhance their existing human services background or pivot into a counselling career. Australia's ESOS Act ensures that all CRICOS-registered courses meet national quality standards, so you can trust the academic integrity of this program.
According to the CRICOS register, the Graduate Diploma of Counselling has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The course is offered full-time, and while the CRICOS register doesn't specify online vs. on-campus components, delivery is at the Pennant Hills campus. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. The standard study load is 40 weeks per year for a 52-week course, so the actual calendar duration may be 12 months including holidays. Always confirm the exact study timetable with Excelsia University College before enrolling.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$22,144, with non-tuition fees of A$1,250, bringing the estimated total to A$23,394. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note: fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders and costs approximately A$600–A$800 per year for single cover. Additionally, you'll need to budget for living costs – in Pennant Hills (Sydney), indicative weekly expenses are around A$500–A$700 for rent, food, and transport. The Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600) is also separate. For the most current fees, visit Excelsia University College's website at http://excelsia.edu.au/. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees.
The indicative English language requirement for this course is IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). As a Graduate Diploma, you'll typically need a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Some providers may accept applicants with substantial work experience. You may also need to submit a personal statement or attend an interview. Pathway programs (foundation or diploma) are not listed for this course, but Excelsia University College may offer alternative entry options. Always check the institution's official entry requirements, as they can vary. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission – the provider assesses each application individually. HeadStart Academy does not assess applications; consult a registered migration agent for visa-related entry queries.
Yes, this course includes a work-integrated learning component. According to the CRICOS register, the details are: ? weeks, ? hrs/week (~? total hours). While the exact hours are not specified in our data, graduate-level counselling courses commonly include supervised clinical placements or internships. Work-integrated learning (WIL) allows you to apply counselling theories in real-world settings under professional supervision. This is a valuable opportunity to gain Australian work experience and build industry networks. Excelsia University College will advise on placement arrangements, including requirements for working with children checks and immunisations. Remember, any paid work during your studies must comply with Student visa work conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks).
This course is delivered at Excelsia University College's campus located at 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills NSW 2120. Pennant Hills is a suburb in Sydney's north, approximately 20 km from the CBD. The campus is accessible by train (Pennant Hills station on the Northern Line) and bus. Sydney is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses across all study levels. Living in Sydney offers a vibrant multicultural environment with world-class amenities, but the cost of living is higher than other Australian cities – expect weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$500–A$700. With a large international student population (over 200,000), you'll find strong support networks. For more on studying in NSW, see our page on /states/nsw.
International students enrolling in this Graduate Diploma will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC for the duration of stay, and English proficiency evidence. As of 2026, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and meet attendance and academic progress requirements. ESOS Act protections safeguard your rights as an international student. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered MARA agent. HeadStart Academy provides guidance only and does not offer migration advice.
Ready to start your counselling career? Apply now to Excelsia University College's Graduate Diploma of Counselling (CRICOS 056056K). Use our step-by-step guide below.
Graduate Diploma of Counselling is a CRICOS-registered programme at Excelsia University College. 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.