How do I become a guidance counsellor?
Master of Education (Wellbeing)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Master of Counselling (Advanced)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
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Common questions
How much do Guidance Counsellors earn?
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.
What are the job opportunities for Guidance Counsellors?
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.
How do I become a Guidance Counsellor?
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