CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling

Progress your career while helping others, with this advanced qualification that will give you the communication skills you need to work as a counsellor.

Apply now

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Darling Downs and South West

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 07 Oct 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$12,920

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Take the next step in your career in community services with this advanced qualification. This course will give you the expert counselling and communication skills you need to help others in a variety of different settings.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as counsellors is forecast to experience very strong growth in the future. Job prospects in this industry are strong with over 22,000 job openings expected over the next five years.

You will learn how to establish counselling relationships, know the right questions to ask, conduct yourself within ethical and legal frameworks, and to recognise and respond to crisis situations. Our highly-skilled and intuitive teaching staff are the best in the business, and will give you the guidance you need to succeed in your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a counsellor, a case worker, in leisure and health industries and in case management. You will also have a solid foundation for further tertiary study.

What can I do?

Counsellor
Case Worker
Health and leisure worker
Case Manager
Support Worker

Course outcome:

CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling

Pathways to study

TAFE Queensland's partnerships with Australia's top universities means you will be credited for your time with us if you decide to upgrade your qualification. Successful completion of your diploma means you will also be able to work while you study.

World-class teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS019

Recognise and respond to crisis situations

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS019

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services.
UNIT NAME
Recognise and respond to crisis situations

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL001

Establish and confirm the counselling relationship

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL001

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency's counselling model.
UNIT NAME
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL002

Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL002

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship.
UNIT NAME
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL003

Facilitate the counselling relationship and process

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL003

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion.
UNIT NAME
Facilitate the counselling relationship and process

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL004

Research and apply personality and development theories

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL004

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice.
UNIT NAME
Research and apply personality and development theories

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL005

Apply learning theories in counselling

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL005

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context.
UNIT NAME
Apply learning theories in counselling

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL006

Select and use counselling therapies

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL006

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs.
UNIT NAME
Select and use counselling therapies

UNIT CODE
CHCCSL007

Support counselling clients in decision-making processes

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSL007

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action.
UNIT NAME
Support counselling clients in decision-making processes

UNIT CODE
CHCCSM005

Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management

UNIT CODE :
CHCCSM005

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision.
UNIT NAME
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management

UNIT CODE
CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE :
CHCDIV001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
UNIT NAME
Work with diverse people

UNIT CODE
CHCDIV002

Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

UNIT CODE :
CHCDIV002

Unit description :

The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety.
UNIT NAME
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

UNIT CODE
CHCLEG001

Work legally and ethically

UNIT CODE :
CHCLEG001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role.
UNIT NAME
Work legally and ethically

UNIT CODE
CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

UNIT CODE :
CHCPRP003

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.
UNIT NAME
Reflect on and improve own professional practice

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS017

Provide loss and grief support

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS017

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement.
UNIT NAME
Provide loss and grief support

UNIT CODE
CHCDFV001

Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

UNIT CODE :
CHCDFV001

Unit description :
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to the needs of clients who may be experiencing domestic and family violence, including responding to immediate intervention and support needs.
UNIT NAME
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

UNIT CODE
CHCMHS001

Work with people with mental health issues

UNIT CODE :
CHCMHS001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues.
UNIT NAME
Work with people with mental health issues

UNIT CODE
CHCAOD001

Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

UNIT CODE :
CHCAOD001

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.
UNIT NAME
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Springfield	On campus with some online	07 Oct 2025	18 months	Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Oct 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Springfield	On Campus	07 Oct 2025	1 year	Part time 2 days per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Oct 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Springfield	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	18 months	Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Springfield	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Part time 2 days per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Springfield	On campus with some online	20 Apr 2026	18 months	Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Springfield On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 20 Apr 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Toowoomba	On campus with some online	07 Oct 2025	18 months	Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 40% On Campus Time 60% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Oct 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). Yes Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Toowoomba	On Campus	07 Oct 2025	1 year	Part time 2 days per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 07 Oct 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Toowoomba	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	18 months	Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Toowoomba	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Part time 2 days per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Toowoomba	On campus with some online	20 Apr 2026	18 months	Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Toowoomba On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 20 Apr 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 x 4-hour morning Zoom session plus 1 week block per term on campus The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

Online with on campus practical training

Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more
Online self-directed

All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (South Bank)	27 Jan 2026	2 years	Part time 2 nights per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Online with on campus practical training (South Bank) Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 80% On Campus Time 20% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 2 years The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 2 nights per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Online self-directed	27 Jan 2026	2 years	Part time Approx. 20 hours self directed study per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Online self-directed Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 100% On Campus Time 0% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 2 years The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time Approx. 20 hours self directed study per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Online self-directed	13 Jul 2026	2 years	Part time Approx. 20 hours self directed study per week	Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Online self-directed Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 100% On Campus Time 0% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 13 Jul 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 2 years The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time Approx. 20 hours self directed study per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,920 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

You will be able to access your learning materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the first day of your study period for the relevant units of competency. You must be enrolled to access your learning materials.

Online self-directed study allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Learn more

Online virtual classroom study allows you to enjoy the freedom of choosing where you study, with no on-campus commitments. Virtual classes are delivered online, to a scheduled timetable, allowing you to interact with fellow students and high-quality educators from the comfort of a location that best suits you. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements. Learn more

Online with on campus practical allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study to complete the online component of your course followed up by a scheduled practical component on campus.

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Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)

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Diploma of Counselling

COURSE CODE: CHC51015

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Important information

This course requires you to undertake role plays. Role plays will cover sensitive topics such as trauma, domestic violence, cultural diversity, mental health, and children at risk.

Online self-directed
You will need to act out, record, save, and upload role plays to TQ Connect using compatible technology. You must source participants for your role plays, with some requiring more than one participant.
Numerous role plays are required for your online course, varying in duration and complexity.
Most subjects will require you to organise consenting participants to fully address the assessment criteria in each role play to achieve a satisfactory grade.

You are expected to engage in additional personal study to meet the course requirements. Online self-directed and online virtual classroom students will need to balance work and family commitments with your studies, which may include studying on weekends and outside of normal business hours.

Each assessment task will have specific criteria that you need to meet, which will be clearly outlined in your assessment instructions.
If you are studying via the online self-directed program there will be specific open and close dates for each unit, and each assessment task will have a due date. This forms the structured part of your online course.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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Diploma of Counselling

Course overview

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Pathways to study

World-class teachers

Core units

Elective units

Springfield

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Toowoomba

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Diploma of Counselling

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

Entry requirements

Skills check

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Mental Health

Careers

Certificate IV in Mental Health

Careers

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health

Careers