Diploma of Counselling (CRICOS course code 095788F) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Learning Group Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This course is registered under field of education 090513 – Counselling and aims to equip students with foundational counselling skills, ethical practice, and communication techniques. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03071E), Australian Learning Group welcomes international students to its campuses in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)—no referral fees, no commissions. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this Diploma is a popular pathway for those seeking to enter the human welfare sector. Below you'll find indicative fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa guidance to help you plan your study in Australia.
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Diploma of Counselling (CRICOS course code 095788F) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Australian Learning Group Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03071E), a private provider based in Australia. The course sits within the field of Society and Culture (09), specifically Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905), with a specialisation in Counselling (090513). It is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in counselling, community services, and support work. The course runs for 1 year 6 months (78 weeks) and is taught entirely in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The VET national code for this course is CHC51015. All information on this page is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026—your primary trust signal that this is an approved course for international students.
While specific syllabi are set by Australian Learning Group, a Diploma in Counselling at this level typically covers communication and micro‑counselling skills, ethical and legal frameworks in counselling, case management, mental health awareness, and working with diverse populations. Students learn to apply theoretical models to real-world scenarios, develop self‑reflection practices, and understand referral pathways. The course is hands‑on, often involving role‑plays and supervised practice. Graduates may pursue roles such as counsellor assistant, case worker, or welfare support officer. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the content meets Australian Quality Framework standards and is assessed by the provider to ensure international students gain relevant, industry‑aligned competencies.
The course duration is 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification – no dual award is offered. The course does not include a mandatory work component, though students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Delivery is full‑time and face‑to‑face at the provider's campuses. If you need a different study mode, contact Australian Learning Group directly to discuss options.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Counselling is A$17,550, with non‑tuition fees of A$795, giving an estimated total of A$18,345. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change – always confirm current fees on Australian Learning Group's website at alg.edu.au. Note that the following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. For example, OSHC for a single student is typically A$500–A$700 per year, and living costs (accommodation, food, transport) vary by city. As a guide, weekly rent in Brisbane or Adelaide may range from A$200–A$350, while Melbourne and Sydney are higher (A$300–A$500). Use the provider's website for the most accurate and up‑to‑date fee schedule.
Entry into this Diploma requires an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent English language test). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Prior study in a related field (e.g., community services) may be beneficial but is not mandatory. No foundation studies are included in this course. For full entry requirements, including any prerequisite qualifications or work experience, contact Australian Learning Group directly. Remember that meeting the academic entry requirements does not guarantee visa approval – the Department of Home Affairs will assess your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) status and financial capacity separately.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. International students can still gain experience through the limited work rights attached to the Student visa (Subclass 500): 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Some students choose to undertake voluntary work in community settings, but this is not part of the course assessment.
Diploma of Counselling is delivered at multiple Australian Learning Group campuses: 243 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000 (Brisbane, QLD); Level 1, 601 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC (Melbourne – three levels on Bourke St); Level 7, Thomas St, Sydney 2000 (Haymarket, NSW); and Suite 1 Level 3, 127 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA. Each city has a large international student population – Brisbane has over 80,000 international students, Melbourne over 200,000, Sydney over 250,000, and Adelaide around 40,000. All campuses are accessible by public transport. When choosing a location, consider living costs: Adelaide is generally more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. All sites are CRICOS-registered for this course.
International students enrolling in this Diploma will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: evidence of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment – CoE), genuine access to funds (tuition + living costs + OSHC + travel), English language proficiency (as per entry requirements), and the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. OSHC must be arranged for the duration of your stay. Visa conditions typically allow work rights: 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice – consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs to understand your specific situation.
Before choosing a Diploma of Counselling, consider that Australia's counselling profession is regulated by various industry bodies (e.g., PACFA, ACA), though entry-level roles may not require membership. This Diploma can lead to further study (e.g., Bachelor of Counselling) or direct employment in support roles. Each city offers different job markets: Brisbane and Adelaide have growing community service sectors, while Melbourne and Sydney have more roles but also higher competition. Use the CRICOS register to verify that your chosen provider is registered for the course. Also remember ESOS Act protections: all CRICOS-registered providers must deliver quality education and refund policies.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Counselling at Australian Learning Group Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter providers by course level (Diploma), field (Counselling), and city. Australian Learning Group (CRICOS 03071E) is one option.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit alg.edu.au to review full entry requirements, English test options, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with supporting documents (qualifications, English test results, passport copy).
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – If accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE and financial capacity requirements. Contact a MARA agent if needed.
Explore all CRICOS-registered counselling courses on HeadStart Academy to compare providers, fees, and locations. Start your journey today.
Diploma of Counselling is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Learning Group 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.