How do I become a guidance counsellor
Get qualified to work as a guidance counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Guidance Counsellor.
Common questions
According to recent job listings, salaries for Guidance Counsellors are in the range of $70,000 to $80,000 — with even higher salaries available at large private schools. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in psychology.
Courses.com.au Team
There are at least 2,700 Guidance Counsellors employed at Australian schools right now. They work for both public and private schools at all levels of education.
Courses.com.au Team
To become a Guidance Counsellor in Australia you first need to be a fully qualified teacher. Complete a Bachelor of Education, and then register as a teacher with the Department of Education in your state or territory. Once you have your teaching credentials, there are two career pathways:
- Complete a Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling), OR
- Become a qualified psychologist and register with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This involves completing a Bachelor of Psychology plus a Master’s degree, working for at least one year as an intern, and then passing the National Psychology Exam.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling?
11th September 2019
How to start a career in Education Support and Assistance
7th December 2021Guidance Counsellor careers
Guidance Counsellors provide counselling and support services to students, teachers, and parents at Australian schools — from prep right through to senior high. They are fully qualified teachers who have post-graduate qualifications in psychology, school guidance and counselling.
As a Guidance Counsellor you could be helping a new student settle into the school culture, counselling a student who is having troubles at home, helping a student set study goals, acting as a mediator between two students who are in conflict, contributing to the development of the school’s emotional wellbeing policies, running a mental health information session for teachers, or just managing your busy calendar.
Becoming a Guidance Counsellor takes many years of study and service. To succeed, you’ll need to be committed to your professional development and have the ability to develop authentic relationships and collaborations.
