How to become a school counsellor

Becoming a school counsellor in Australia typically requires you to have a qualification in psychology and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. The qualifications required vary from state to state, so it’s important that you check the requirements carefully before applying. A school counsellor’s role is very important and involves supporting and guiding children and young adults, so you must think carefully to ensure it is the right career move for you. 

To give you an idea of the qualifications required, we have listed the entry requirements for a school counsellor in all Australian territories. 

Becoming a school counsellor state-by-state guidance 

How you become a school counsellor in Australia varies depending on the state in which you want to work. You will need to check the requirements for becoming a school counsellor, depending on the jurisdiction. We have outlined the requirements you need to become a school counsellor based on state government websites to help you see what qualifications you need to complete. 

Western Australia 

In Western Australia, school counsellors are known as pastoral care counsellors or school chaplains. You will need to have a certificate IV in youth work or pastoral care, a course that takes 12 minutes to complete and has no minimum entry requirements. To become a school counsellor, you will need either of the following: 

• Eligible for or registered with the Psychology Board of Australia 
• Be eligible for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia with either: 
  • An APAC accredited gift year qualification in psychology or 
  • An APAC-accredited fourth-year qualification and a recognised qualification in teaching 

New South Wales 

In New South Wales, school counsellors are in demand, and additional incentives are in place for working in rural and remote locations. To become a school counsellor in NSW, the following is needed: 

• Be eligible for approval to teach in NSW Department of Education schools 
• Have teaching and post-graduate qualifications in psychology 
• Hold or be working towards registration with the Psychology Board of Australia 

Victoria 

School counsellors in Victoria hold the title of mental health practitioner. These will provide counselling support to students and can contribute to ‘whole-school’ approaches to mental health. You need the following for this role in Victoria: 

• Hold a current Working with Children check
• Have demonstrated direct counselling experience
• Be eligible to be a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers 
• Hold full registration with the relevant professional body 
• Hold a bachelor-level qualification or a relevant specialist/postgraduate qualification 

Queensland 

In Queensland, school counsellors are known as guidance officers and have a variety of responsibilities, such as working directly with students and teachers or developing support and wellbeing programs. 

You need the following to become a guidance officer: 

• Be a registered teacher
• Hold a Master of Guidance and Counselling degree or a four-year degree in psychology 

South Australia 

South Australian schools have a student wellbeing leader who works within a school to create a safe and supportive space for students. To apply for a student wellbeing leader, you need the following: 

• Be currently registered or able to register with the Teacher Registration Board of South Australia before starting a position 

Tasmania 

Tasmanian schools employ a school psychologist who works to increase student engagement and create better outcomes for students. You need the following to become a school psychologist in Tasmania: 

• Be a qualified teacher 
• Be registered as a psychologist within Tasmania or have a degree with a fourth-year qualification in psychology
• Hold a current registration to work with vulnerable people 

Australian Capital Territory 

In ACT, every school has a school psychologist. There are also support staff roles, including: 

• School youth health nurse
• Student wellbeing worker
• Youth worker

To become a school psychologist in ACT you need to hold, be eligible for, or register with the Psychology Board of Australia. 

Northern Territory 

Northern Territory schools have school counsellors, where you need a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification to apply for the role. These roles are referred to as hard to fill, with schools looking for committed individuals to take on these roles. 

Start your career as a school counsellor now 

Becoming a school counsellor in Australia involves having the necessary qualifications to provide the experience and skills to give school children the best support. While the requirements can differ, ECU has all the counselling and psychology courses that you need to help you achieve your goals. With online courses, flexible learning patterns, and support from professors, ECU is the perfect place to start your journey to be a school counsellor. Apply for your course and become a school counsellor today.

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