Graduate Diploma of Counselling
11384NAT
Study ACA-accredited Christian counselling, with practical training, supported placement and clear pathways into professional practice and further postgraduate study.
Duration: 24 months, designed to fit around work
Delivery mode: Live online classes, seminar days and student support
Funding options available for eligible students
Placement: Supported through the Centre for Human Flourishing
ACA Accredited Course
Why Choose the Tov Graduate Diploma?
A professionally recognised counselling qualification, practical preparation for real client work and a clear pathway into further postgraduate study.
| What You Receive | Included | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ACA-accredited qualification | Graduate with a complete AQF Level 8 counselling qualification that supports a pathway toward professional practice and ACA membership, subject to eligibility requirements. | |
| Real-client counselling experience | Move progressively from simulated practice into supervised counselling with real clients before you graduate. | |
| Supported placement through the Centre for Human Flourishing | Access placement opportunities and support through the Centre for Human Flourishing and approved partner organisations, rather than navigating placement alone. | |
| Progressive trainer and supervisor feedback | Develop your counselling capability through repeated cycles of practice, feedback, reflection and application—not through theory and final assessment alone. | |
| Pathway into the Master of Counselling | Eligible graduates may receive up to 50% recognition of prior learning into Eastern College Australia’s Master of Counselling. | |
| A staged and one of the most cost effective postgraduate pathway | Complete a standalone professional qualification first, begin building professional experience, and then complete the remaining Master’s units when the timing is right. | |
| Christ-centred counselling education | Develop professional counselling capability within a learning environment shaped by Christian theology, ethics and a whole-person understanding of care. | |
| Professional and spiritual formation | Grow not only in counselling knowledge and technique, but also in self-awareness, reflective practice, personal integrity and sustainable professional identity. | |
| The strengths of VET and higher education | Gain the practical, competency-based preparation of vocational education alongside a clear pathway into postgraduate higher education. |
Build Your Counselling Career
Across Australia, individuals, families and communities are experiencing growing levels of anxiety, relational strain, emotional distress and isolation. This has increased the need for counsellors who are professionally equipped, ethically grounded and prepared to work with complexity.
For graduates considering counselling, the question is often practical as well as personal: how can your existing qualification, professional experience and maturity become the foundation for a meaningful new career direction? The Graduate Diploma of Counselling provides a structured pathway through advanced counselling education, practical skills development, supervised client work and professional placement.
At Tov Academy, this professional preparation is shaped by a Christian understanding of the whole person and a vision of biblical human flourishing. You will learn to respond to suffering with evidence-informed practice, compassion and sound professional judgement, while supporting clients toward greater stability, connection, meaning and hope, in the settings and communities where you are called to serve.
Counselling for Biblical Human Flourishing
Professional counselling must equip practitioners to understand presenting concerns, recognise risk, apply appropriate therapeutic approaches and work ethically with each client’s goals. The Graduate Diploma develops these essential capabilities through advanced theory, practical application, supervised experience and reflective practice.
Tov Academy adds a distinctly Christian understanding of the person. Our approach recognises that emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity, purpose, spirituality, physical health and everyday circumstances can all influence a client’s experience and movement toward change.
This whole-person framework shapes how students learn to listen, assess, respond and reflect. You will develop evidence-informed counselling skills and professional readiness while considering the wider conditions that support healing, resilience, connection and meaningful life. Christian integration is approached carefully and ethically, with respect for each client’s beliefs, values, culture and circumstances.
Human flourishing is therefore the framework beneath the course, rather than a substitute for professional counselling practice. It equips graduates to address immediate concerns competently while remaining attentive to the broader factors that can help people experience lasting growth, stability and hope across the varied professional settings in which counsellors work.
“I already have a career. I need to know this next step is worth building toward.”
This course is designed for graduates seeking a substantial career transition or additional professional capability. It builds on your existing knowledge, experience and maturity while creating a supported pathway into professional counselling practice.
“I want advanced counselling training, not another course that stays at the surface.”
The Graduate Diploma of Counselling is designed to develop advanced counselling knowledge, evidence-informed approaches and practical capability through postgraduate-level learning designed to prepare you for increasingly complex professional practice settings.
“If I step into this, I need it to lead somewhere professionally.”
The Graduate Diploma prepares you for counselling practice, while eligible graduates may receive up to 50% recognition of prior learning into Eastern’s Master of Counselling. Start counselling professionally after the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and earn an income while working towards the final stages of the Master of Counselling.
“I do not want to be left trying to piece together placement, practice, and the next qualification on my own.”
Professional placement is embedded within the course, with support through the Centre for Human Flourishing and partner organisations. Tov helps coordinate approved placement opportunities and supervision so you can focus on building competence, meeting course requirements and moving confidently from study into real client work.
Why Choose the Graduate Diploma of Counselling?
Study within a structured, supported rhythm
The course is delivered over 24 months, allowing you to continue working and managing family or ministry responsibilities while studying. You will complete 10 units—six core units and four electives—through live online teaching, recorded resources, seminar days and regular assessment milestones. This structured rhythm supports consistent progress and connection with trainers and peers. Students should plan for approximately 20–25 hours of study each week.
Become professionally qualified sooner
Graduate with a complete ACA-accredited AQF Level 8 counselling qualification. Eligible graduates can apply for ACA Level 1 registration and begin working professionally as counsellors, subject to professional membership and employer requirements.
You do not need to complete the full Master of Counselling before taking your first professional step.
Improve through progressive feedback
Counselling capability is not developed through theory or one final assessment alone.
Throughout the course, you move through repeated cycles of instruction, observed practice, feedback, reflection and application. Trainers help you identify areas for development, strengthen your therapeutic skills and prepare progressively for increasingly independent client work.
A Standalone Qualification and a Pathway to a Master’s
The Graduate Diploma is a complete ACA-accredited counselling qualification. Eligible graduates can apply for ACA Level 1 registration and begin working professionally as counsellors, subject to professional registration and employer requirements.
Eligible graduates may also receive up to 50% recognition of prior learning into Eastern College Australia’s Master of Counselling. This means you can qualify, begin developing professional experience, and then complete the remaining units of the Master’s when the timing is right for you.
Who This Is Built For
This course is designed for graduates who want to turn prior study, professional experience and personal maturity into advanced counselling capability. It suits people seeking a credible career transition, an additional professional skillset, or a stronger pathway from existing counselling work into postgraduate study and practice.
You may already work in education, ministry, healthcare, community services, leadership, human resources or another people-focused profession. The Graduate Diploma enables you to add professional counselling capability to your current vocation or move toward a dedicated counselling career. It is especially suited to students who value live online learning, practical preparation, supported placement and the integration of Christian faith with evidence-informed counselling. This is a substantial qualification for people ready to invest seriously in the next stage of their contribution.
We support the pathway.
You build professional capability.
Move progressively from simulated counselling practice into supervised work with real clients.
You will complete 100 hours of professional placement, of which 40 hours are direct counselling with clients. Tov supports your placement through the Centre for Human Flourishing and approved partner organisations, so you are not left to navigate the process alone.
Throughout the course, you will receive progressive feedback from trainers and supervisors, helping you strengthen your skills, professional judgement and readiness for counselling practice.
Real-world ready
Ready to Begin?
Book a Course Advisory Session to discuss entry requirements, study commitments, placement support and whether this pathway aligns with your professional goals.
Where This Qualification Can Take You
The Graduate Diploma can open several professional directions. You may use it to transition into counselling, add counselling capability to an existing role, or strengthen your preparation for further postgraduate study. Graduates may pursue opportunities across community organisations, schools, churches, pastoral-care settings, employee assistance services and private practice, subject to employer and professional membership requirements.
Your previous career remains valuable within this pathway. Experience in education, ministry, healthcare, leadership, human resources or community services can provide a foundation for understanding people, systems and the settings in which counselling occurs. This course helps you translate that experience into ethical counselling knowledge, supervised client capability and a clearer professional identity. It is a practical next step for graduates seeking work that combines professional competence, meaningful contribution and long-term development.
The Invitation
Choosing a counselling qualification involves more than comparing course titles. You need confidence that the training is professionally credible, practically grounded and achievable alongside your existing responsibilities. The Graduate Diploma brings these elements together through ACA-accredited study, live online teaching, supervised client work, supported placement and a pathway into the Master of Counselling.
It also offers a distinctly Christian learning environment where professional capability and personal formation develop together. You will be encouraged to examine your practice, strengthen your self-awareness and understand clients within a whole-person framework. Throughout the course, trainers, assessors, supervisors and student-support staff help you navigate academic requirements and move steadily toward professional practice. Whether you are changing careers or adding counselling to your current vocation, this pathway provides a clear and supported way to build the skills, experience and qualification required for your next significant professional chapter.
Book a Course Advisory Session with our team to talk through your options, ask your questions, and explore whether this counselling pathway fits the season you are in.
Ancient Wisdom,
New Way to Learn
At Tov Academy, online study remains interactive and applied. You will learn through live teaching, reflective practice, practical projects and counselling activities.
AI-supported simulations provide opportunities to practise judgement, communication, problem-solving and counselling responses before working with external clients.
Recorded resources, seminar days and trainer support help you remain connected and progress consistently throughout the course.
Course Details
Applicants for a Graduate Diploma must:
- Hold an undergraduate degree or higher
and be over 18 years of age
- be competent in written and spoken English
- Provide proof of identity, such as a certified copy of a driver’s licence or passport.
- All applicants must complete the aifc Pre-Enrolment Questionnaire, which includes a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) self-assessment.
This process helps identify any areas where additional support may be required to ensure students are ready for online study.
All students must have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) before enrolling in any nationally accredited qualification with aifc, as required by the Australian Government.
Student support and wellbeing
aifc is committed to supporting each student’s academic, personal and spiritual wellbeing throughout their study journey. Students are encouraged to inform aifc at the time of enrolment of any additional support needs, including:
- Learning or disability support (e.g. additional time for assessments, assistive technology)
- Cultural or language support
- Pastoral and wellbeing support, available through the aifc Student Services and Abound counselling network
Early disclosure enables aifc to provide appropriate, reasonable adjustments and connect students with the right support services from the beginning of their course.
Technology and equipment requirements
Because this course is delivered online and includes recorded workplace-simulated counselling role-plays, students must have access to:
- a computer or laptop with word-processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
- a high-speed internet connection
- a webcam and microphone suitable for online classes and recording assessments
- a quiet and private environment for video participation and counselling simulations
Additional requirements for students applying for a VET Student Loan (VSL):
Applicants must also provide evidence of
- completion of Year 12, or
- evidence of a Certificate IV (or higher) qualification, or
- complete a formal LLN assessment demonstrating working at Level 4 / Exit Level 3 in Reading and Numeracy, as required under the VET Student Loans legislation.
Core Units
| Provide Counselling for Human Flourishing | Promote personal growth and holistic wellbeing through a flourishing-based counselling framework that integrates emotional, relational, spiritual, and psychological health, helping clients move beyond symptom reduction toward meaning, resilience, and purposeful living. |
| Establish and apply counselling skills | Apply specific and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship. Assess the client’s wellbeing, safety concerns and goals, and use counselling skills with a structured approach to counselling to work with clients on personal and psychological issues. |
| Manage own self-care in professional practice | Analyse one’s own professional wellbeing and care for self as part of an ongoing review for sustaining health and professional counselling practice. Evaluate the role socio- cultural issues and one’s past history have with regard to practitioner self-efficacy, with a view to implementing good self-care practices. Set personal goals to achieve a self- care regimen. |
| Provide trauma informed approaches to counselling | Provide effective therapy to those who have experienced reactions to trauma. Recognise circumstances and events that may lead to trauma reactions and provide effective therapy responses to these. |
| Provide Counselling for mental and emotional welllbeing | Provide effective counselling to those who experience common mental health issues. Recognise circumstances and events that may lead to common mental health issues and provide effective therapeutic responses to these. |
| Evaluate and apply a theoretical approach of counselling | Application of a new theoretical approach of counselling to suit a client’s presentation. Identify gaps in the counselling theoretical approaches one uses in practice and then research, critique, and apply a theoretical approach that could be suitable for a client’s presentation and evaluate outcomes. |
Electives
Students in the Graduate Diploma of Counselling complete four elective units, allowing you to specialise in an area that reflects your calling and career direction. Each elective sits within one of our Flourishing Streams — core pathways that represent different aspects of human flourishing and professional practice.
Flourishing Streams (Students will choose a stream)
Flourishing Relationships – Deepen your understanding of how people connect,
heal, and grow through relationships. Develop advanced skills in attachment, family
systems, and working with individuals and couples in relational contexts. Units:
Apply Attachment Theory with Clients, Counsel Clients Affected by Domestic and
Family Violence, and Provide Counselling to a Young Person.
Flourishing Workplace – Equip yourself to provide professional counselling and
wellbeing support in organisational settings. Learn to integrate business and
counselling skills that strengthen workplaces and communities. Units: Identify and
Develop Counselling Business Opportunities, Provide Brief Counselling within
Organisational Contexts, and Provide Critical Incident Response
Flourishing Health – Explore the relationship between emotional, physical, and
spiritual health. Specialise in areas such as grief and loss, addiction, and
neurodiversity support, applying holistic counselling strategies to promote wellbeing.
Units: Provide Grief and Loss Counselling, Provide Counselling for Addiction, and
Comorbidity, and Provide Counselling for Neurodiversity Support
Flourishing Faith – Integrate theology and counselling by exploring Christian
formation, spirituality, and biblical approaches to conflict and growth. Prepare for
ministry, pastoral care, or faith-based counselling settings. Units: Apply Christian
Counselling to Common Spiritual Issues, Apply Attachment Theory with Clients, and.
Facilitate Biblical Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Gain real-world experience
Students gain hands-on experience through supervised placements, with up to half of the required placement hours completed directly through the Tov Centre for Human Flourishing Community Care Program. aifc also supports students to complete the remaining hours through the Tov Ecosystem’s trusted networks and partner organisations, giving you access to diverse and meaningful counselling settings.
The 11384NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling consists of 10 units in total —6 core units and 4 elective units and is delivered over 24 months.
Students should allow 20-25 hours per week to complete the course.
All teaching is delivered online, with each unit including two 2-hour live classes at the beginning of each term to support learning and engagement.
Assessment is completed through Tov Academy’s online learning platform and includes written responses, case studies, recorded counselling practice, reflective tasks and counselling sessions with external clients.
Workplace-simulated role-plays allow students to develop and demonstrate counselling skills safely before progressing into supervised client practice. The Graduate Diploma also requires students to demonstrate competence through direct work with real clients.
Professional placement is a formal course requirement and is distinct from simulated counselling activities. Students complete 100 placement hours, including at least 40 hours of direct counselling with clients seeking general counselling support.
Placement access is supported through the Tov Centre for Human Flourishing Community Care program and approved partner organisations. Tov assists students to identify appropriate opportunities and meet placement, supervision and documentation requirements across the course.
This progression from theory and simulation into supervised client work is designed to strengthen professional judgement, practical confidence and readiness for counselling practice. Students receive guidance as they prepare for placement, complete required activities and integrate feedback from trainers and supervisors into their developing professional practice with integrity.
At tov, we believe that learning happens best when students are supported personally, academically, and spiritually. Throughout your study, you’ll have access to a wide range of services designed to help you succeed and flourish.
Academic and Study Support
Each student is allocated a qualified trainer and assessor who journeys with them academically and pastorally through each unit of study.
- One-on-one assistance from trainers and assessors is available throughout the course.
- Access to study skills resources, academic writing guidance, and structured feedback.
- Individualised support plans are available for students who need additional academic, learning, or wellbeing support.
- Extensions and reasonable adjustments may be provided where appropriate to ensure equitable participation.
Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
Tov provides a caring, faith-based environment that recognises the whole person.
- Students have access to free counselling sessions through trainee counsellors under supervision, or may choose to access support from Abound counsellors for confidential emotional and wellbeing support.
- Pastoral care is available through the Student Services team and Course Managers.
- Optional group sessions and community-building activities help foster connection and belonging throughout your study.
- Where needed, tov can assist students in connecting with external support services for specialised care.
Disability, Cultural and Learning Support
If you have a disability, learning difference, or personal circumstances that may affect your studies, we encourage you to let us know early. This enables tov to provide appropriate, reasonable adjustments, develop individualised support plans, and connect you with the right resources to support your success.
Course fee
Total tuition fee: $14,880
VET Student Loans are available to eligible students. Flexible payment options are also available.
Download the Course Guide for the complete fee schedule, funding information, course structure and study requirements.
For a full breakdown of payment options, invoicing, and the cooling-off period, please refer to the Course Fees page.
For information regarding refunds, withdrawals, or deferrals, please refer to the Withdraw, Defer or Change Enrolment Process & Procedure.
Austudy / ABSTUDY
Some students may be eligible to apply for Australian Government student payments while studying an approved course with an approved education provider.
Austudy provides financial assistance for eligible students aged 25 years or older who are studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship. Students generally need to be studying full time and meet Services Australia’s eligibility requirements.
ABSTUDY provides support for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking approved study or training. To receive ABSTUDY, students must be studying an approved course with an approved institution.
Students may be asked by Services Australia to provide evidence of enrolment, such as a confirmation of enrolment letter.
RTO Provider Code: 88037
The following Tov Academy courses are approved for Centrelink/student payment purposes, subject to Services Australia’s assessment of the student’s individual eligibility:
- CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
- CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
- 11207NAT Advanced Diploma of Integrative Practice
- 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian)
- 11384NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling
Applying for Austudy or ABSTUDY is the responsibility of the student. Tov cannot determine student payment eligibility or guarantee approval of a claim.
For more information, students should contact Services Australia:
- Austudy / Youth and Students line: 132 490
- ABSTUDY line: 1800 132 317
There are no specific licensing requirements attached to this qualification.
However, Students who enter the Graduate Diploma with a Bachelor’s (or higher) AND a previous counselling qualification accredited by ACA, are expected to maintain or obtain professional membership with either the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA). Note that this cannot be student-level. Professional membership ensures that graduates meet industry-recognised standards of ethical practice, supervision, and continuing professional development (CPD) required for practising counsellors in Australia.
Students who enter the Graduate Diploma without a previous counselling qualification are required to obtain Student Membership with either ACA or CCAA.
"In my role at the school, I noticed many parents in need of support, and many youth feeling lost and anxious. I was concerned that I wasn’t equipped to help. Finding Tov (formally aifc), with its biblically integrated courses, was reassuring. I wanted a Christian course that would allow me to guide others with the wisdom of Scripture as I listen to them."
‘God opened my eyes to see how much people are suffering in secret out there and I see that they don’t know how to seek help, who to go to or where to go to. And I listened to God’s calling for my life and after doing research, I was drawn to study at Tov (formally aifc), and since that day, I have never looked back. I know God has transformed me through my time at tov, I am more self aware. God has taught me to rely on him. Every counselling outcome is in His hands. It is really quite humbling and liberating.”
Ready to Begin?
You’ve been considering this for a while. Perhaps sensing a call to helping work, wondering if formal training is right for you, asking whether it’s too late or too soon. The next step is simple: a conversation. Book an advisory session to explore whether tov Academy is the right formation pathway for where you are—and where you’re becoming.
8,000+ practitioners formed through real-world practice
Formation that stays with you.
Across decades, roles, and places — people return to what they learned here.
- 16K+formed through AIFC and tov Academy programmes
- 49countries represented in our learning community
- 1M+counsellings sessions held by our alumni
"*" indicates required fields
