Diploma of Counselling Course in Sydney for International Students
Recognition: Nationally recognised – meets Australian Qualifications Framework standards
Study mode: Face to Face / Online Classes
Location: On campus (5/40 Phillip Street, St Marys, Sydney, NSW)
Calendar: Contact the office to confirm face to face class online dates, session times and term periods of this Diploma of Counselling Course in Sydney.
Payment options: We have a number of payment mechanisms available. Please contact the administration team to enquire
Prerequisites
- 18 years or above
- Completion of High School (Year 12); or equivalent qualification/s
- Academic IELTS 6.0 overall
Course Duration
The duration for this diploma of counselling course is 18 months for International Students, including breaks, who are required to complete at least 20 hours of face-to-face study online per week, or engage in 20 hours of online study per week. International Students will attend classes two and a half days per week to meet this requirement and will complete 60 weeks of actual study for the counselling course Sydney. This mode of study is set up using a traditional academic structure of 6 terms, each of 9 weeks.
What You Will Learn
As a nursing assistant, you’ll develop practical skills to support clients and work as part of a healthcare team. Training includes patient observations, effective communication with culturally diverse clients, and the use of medical terminology. For students interested in expanding their client-support skills, a diploma of counselling may be a valuable next step.
Course Structure
Units of competency: Total number of units = 17, 13 core units and 4 electives in accordance with the packaging rules
Core Units
| CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
| CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship |
| CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
| CHCCSL003 | Facilitate the counselling relationship and process |
| CHCCSL004 | Research and apply personality and development theories |
| CHCCSL005 | Apply learning theories in counselling |
| CHCCSL006 | Select and use counselling therapies |
| CHCCSL007 | Support counselling clients in decision-making processes |
| CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
Elective Units
| CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients |
| CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
| CHCDIV003 | Promote and manage diversity |
Recognition of Prior Learning
- Counselling course Dubbo understand that you may already have many skills and areas of expertise that you have obtained in different ways, and these are recognised through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
- We have developed an RPL application kit for this course.
- The Student Handbook provides more information about our RPL process. Alternatively, you can liaise with our administration staff to gain more information.
Fees and Payment Information
You may elect to pay the full course fee up front, or the counselling course St Marys can organise payment instalments for you to assist with your circumstances. The option exists for you to make regular payments at set intervals throughout your course. We will need to formalise a payment schedule in that instance. Please enquire with administration for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a nationally recognised Australian qualification designed to develop counselling, communication, case management and client-support skills. Students learn counselling relationships, interviewing techniques, counselling therapies, crisis response, case management, cultural safety, legal and ethical practice, and professional reflection.
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for people who want to develop professional counselling and client-support skills for roles in counselling, community services, family support, youth support, welfare and related support settings.
It can also be suitable for people with existing work experience who want to formalise or expand their skills through a nationally recognised qualification.
Students develop skills in counselling relationships, specialist interpersonal communication, counselling interviews, counselling therapies, crisis response, case management, working with diverse people, cultural safety, legal and ethical practice, and reflective professional practice.
The course includes units covering areas such as crisis response, counselling relationships, counselling interview skills, counselling therapies, case management and professional practice.
For international students, INT College lists the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling as an 18-month course. The course is structured across six terms, with 60 weeks of actual study and scheduled breaks.
Study requirements and class arrangements should be confirmed directly with INT College before enrolment.
INT College describes the course as offering face-to-face and online classes. International students have specific study requirements, so students should confirm the current delivery arrangements, class schedule and attendance requirements with INT College before enrolling.
Previous counselling experience is not listed as a prerequisite for the course. International students are required to be at least 18 years old, have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, and meet the stated English-language requirement.
Students may also need to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment as part of the enrolment process.
International students must generally be 18 years or older, have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, and have an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0, according to INT College’s published course information.
Students must also complete the required LLND skills assessment and satisfy the applicable enrolment requirements.
The current domestic course information states that a mandatory work placement is not required and that practical skills are developed through simulations, role-plays and observed counselling practice.
For international students, the course page contains placement/compliance information that appears to relate to other training components, so prospective counselling students should confirm the current placement requirements directly with INT College before enrolling.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in counselling, community services, family support, youth support, welfare, mental health support and related client-support environments.
Potential roles can include counsellor, case worker, intake worker, community services worker, family support worker, youth support worker, welfare support worker and client support worker.
Actual employment opportunities depend on the employer, workplace requirements, professional requirements and the graduate’s individual experience and qualifications.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling can provide foundational and practical counselling skills for employment in supported counselling and client-support environments.
However, completing the qualification does not automatically guarantee professional registration, professional association membership, employment or eligibility for independent counselling practice. Graduates should check the requirements of their intended employer, professional body and career pathway.
Course fees can vary depending on the student’s circumstances and applicable course arrangements. INT College’s published international student application information lists the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling at AUD $13,000, but prospective students should confirm the current tuition fee and any additional charges directly with INT College before applying.
- Care assistant
- Nursing Support Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Assistant in Nursing
- Care Service Employees
- Nursing Support Worker
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment
In accordance with regulatory requirements, all international students must complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment on the first day of Orientation, prior to commencing any training or assessment.
The purpose of this assessment is to identify any reasonable support needs by reviewing each student’s current foundation skill levels in relation to the requirements of their chosen training product. This process enables INT College to provide appropriate support strategies and ensure learners are set up for success throughout their course of study. For students planning to study counselling Sydney, this assessment also helps ensure they are prepared for the academic and practical demands of the course.
Host Organisation Requirements
Before commencing your placement, you must meet the mandatory compliance requirements set by our host organisations. These requirements are essential for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and are enforced by all partner facilities.
The following items are commonly required by host organisations:
- National Police Check – This can be obtained online.
- Current First Aid Certificate – HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid). You are welcome to complete this course with INT College, where it is available at a discounted rate for students enrolled in one of our qualifications. However, you may also choose to complete it through any accredited provider.
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
- COVID-19 Vaccination
Please note: requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific host organisation. You will be advised of the exact requirements for your placement once it has been arranged.
All compliance requirements will be discussed in detail during Orientation, and support will be provided to assist you in meeting them.
When choosing the best counselling course in Australia for international students, it is important to understand that placement readiness and compliance requirements form an essential part of professional training and industry preparation.
While on placement you may be required to complete tasks that at physically demanding such as providing direct personal care including showering, transferring and assisting clients with mobility and a range of other manual handling tasks. Please inform staff at enrolment if you have any physical disabilities or limitations as these may restrict you from participating in the practical components of the training and assessment. By advising us it will allow us to make reasonable adjustments to your training and assessment plan.



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