All careers

Guidance Counsellor Courses

Guidance Counsellors support students, teachers, and parents in Australian schools, aiding emotional wellbeing and academic success.

    • AI Exposure: High

      This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.

      Explore all careers
  • This role has a high level of AI exposure. While some human skills are required, many tasks could be automated or replaced by new technology.
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

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.

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.

Author Image 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.

Author Image 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:

  1. Complete a Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling), OR
  2. 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

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Related fields of study

Community Services

If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.

All Community Services

Counselling

Create real change in the lives of others with professional counselling courses in Australia. Career pathways include Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Relationship Counsellor. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Counselling today!

Career opportunities

Further reading

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020

What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling?

11th September 2019

How to start a career in Education Support and Assistance

7th December 2021

All guidance counsellor courses

Guidance 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.

Courses by location