Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (CRICOS course code 083642A) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Edith Cowan University over 2 years. This course is designed for students who wish to develop advanced skills in counselling and psychotherapy, preparing them for professional practice in a variety of settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, providing a pathway to work in Australia's growing human welfare sector. The program is offered at ECU's Joondalup Campus in Western Australia, a vibrant region with a strong demand for qualified counsellors. With a total indicative cost of $78,374 (excluding OSHC and living expenses), it represents a significant investment in your future career. Whether you aim to work in private practice, community health, or educational settings, this masters equips you with the theoretical and practical foundations needed to support individuals and families through challenging life circumstances.
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (CRICOS course code 083642A) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Edith Cowan University over 2 years. This qualification sits at AQF Level 9 and falls under the field of education 090513 Counselling, which is part of the broader Society and Culture category. Edith Cowan University (CRICOS 00279B) is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation for health and human welfare programs. The course is delivered at ECU Joondalup Campus in Joondalup, Western Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is available to international students and adheres to the ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and student rights. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program is one of many options for those seeking to advance in the counselling profession.
This masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy covers advanced theoretical frameworks and practical skills necessary for professional counselling practice. The field of 090513 Counselling includes areas such as therapeutic communication, ethical practice, mental health assessment, and intervention strategies. While specific syllabi may vary, students can expect to explore topics like cognitive-behavioural therapies, psychodynamic approaches, family systems, and multicultural counselling. The program emphasises evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to work with diverse populations. Coursework typically includes research methods and a capstone project or dissertation, allowing students to apply learning to real-world scenarios. This level of study also fosters critical thinking and self-reflection, essential for effective counselling relationships.
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is a 2-year full-time program, equivalent to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual award or combined degree. There is no foundation studies component. The course is delivered on campus at ECU Joondalup. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy visa conditions (Subclass 500). The structured timeline allows for deep immersion in counselling theory and supervised practice, ensuring graduates meet professional standards.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is A$78,100 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees (e.g., student services and amenities fee) are estimated at A$274, bringing the total indicative cost to A$78,374. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Perth, Western Australia, are approximately A$21,000–24,000 per year for a single student (including rent, groceries, and transport). For current fee information, always refer to the official website of Edith Cowan University. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change, so it is essential to confirm directly before applying.
Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, or human services) with a minimum GPA. English language proficiency is required: a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5–7.0 (or equivalent) is generally expected for masters-level coursework. Specific requirements may include previous study in counselling or relevant professional experience. Some students may need to complete a pathway or foundation program if they do not meet direct entry criteria. Edith Cowan University offers a range of pathway options; refer to the provider for full details. As this course does not include a work component, no additional work experience is required for enrolment.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, many counselling programs incorporate practical placements or internships as part of the curriculum. For specific information, please refer to Edith Cowan University's official course structure. The absence of a work component does not preclude students from seeking voluntary or part-time work in the field during their studies, subject to visa conditions.
The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is delivered at Edith Cowan University's Joondalup Campus, located in Joondalup, Western Australia. Joondalup is a major suburb of Perth and part of the City of Joondalup, approximately 26 km north of Perth's central business district. Perth, the capital of WA, is home to over 2 million people and hosts several universities and colleges. The city offers a high standard of living, with numerous public transport options including trains and buses connecting Joondalup to the city centre. Perth's cost of living is generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $350–450. Western Australia has a strong focus on health and community services, providing ample opportunities for counselling graduates.
Western Australia (WA) is Australia's largest state by area, with Perth as its capital. It boasts a diverse economy, strong mining and resources sector, and a growing health industry. For international students, WA offers a unique lifestyle with beautiful beaches, national parks, and a multicultural community. The state has several CRICOS-registered providers, including Edith Cowan University, the University of Western Australia, and Murdoch University. When choosing to study counselling in WA, consider the demand for qualified professionals in the region. The Australian Government projects strong growth in the health and welfare services sector, making WA a strategic location for future employment. Public transport in Perth is reliable, and students can access the SmartRider card for discounted fares. Be mindful of visa conditions: Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
International students enrolling in the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your visa. Financial capacity requirements include tuition fees, living expenses (approximately $21,041 per year for a single student, as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), and travel costs. The visa application charge (currently AUD $710) is additional. Always check the latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Counselling), and location (Western Australia). Verify the provider's CRICOS code and check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Submit your application to Edith Cowan University through their international admissions portal. Provide transcripts, English language test results, and any required supporting documents. Deadlines may vary, so plan ahead.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once accepted, ECU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Submit your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above to start your journey towards a career in counselling and psychotherapy.
All Masters Degree (Coursework) courses in Western Australia →
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Edith Cowan University. 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.