As global awareness about mental health grows, the demand for qualified counselling professionals has soared across the world. For international students looking to pursue a career in counselling, New Zealand stands out as an excellent destination to receive high-quality education, practical training, and exposure to a culturally diverse environment. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about study in New Zealand—from available counselling courses to career prospects, cost considerations, and more for international students.
Counselling Courses in New Zealand
Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice
The Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice is a three-year, full-time undergraduate program offered at the Wellington Institute of Technology, Whitireia campus in Porirua, New Zealand, designed for students who want to make a significant difference in the fields of counselling and addiction support. This program is ideal for those interested in developing the skills needed to work as professional counsellors or addiction practitioners in a variety of social settings. It is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining on-site block courses, online learning, and practical placements to ensure that students receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Program Structure and Learning Approach
The program follows a blended learning model that integrates classroom-based learning and online self-directed study. Students will attend on-campus block courses at the Porirua campus and will also complete a range of online learning activities that require self-management. The teaching methods used include active learning, group work, peer and self-assessments, professional supervision, and workplace learning.
Year 1: Foundation in Counselling and Mental Health
In the first year, students will be introduced to a broad range of counselling approaches and mental health concepts. The program covers key topics such as social justice, and the importance of cultural awareness, including Indigenous knowledge and theories that shape the practice of counselling in New Zealand. Students will begin to develop their self-awareness and understanding of the impact of various factors on the clients and communities they will serve.
Year 2: Practical Skills and Professional Practice
The second year of study focuses on refining practical counselling skills. Students will learn to interpret and integrate various counselling theories, assessment models, and professional ethics. They will also explore the importance of supervision, self-care, and research in professional practice. A key component of the program in Year 2 is a practicum placement where students gain hands-on experience in the field. During this placement, they apply the knowledge gained in the classroom in a real-world setting, supervised by experienced professionals.
Year 3: Advanced Practice and Preparation for Professional Registration
In the final year, students consolidate their learning from Years 1 and 2 and strengthen their theoretical and practical knowledge. The focus of Year 3 is on intervention planning, mental health practice, and the application of counselling techniques in professional settings. Students also complete their second practicum placement, with one placement focused on addiction practice and the other on general counselling. This year serves as a foundation for students to apply for provisional membership/registration with DAPAANZ, NZAC, and the New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association.
Practicum Requirements
To complete the Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice, students must undertake 120 hours of practicum in both Year 2 and Year 3. One practicum must be in an addiction setting, while the other must be in a general counselling setting. These practicum placements provide students with invaluable, hands-on experience, preparing them for the challenges of the profession.
Additionally, students in Year 2 and Year 3 are required to complete cultural supervision (five hours) and clinical supervision (12 hours). While supervision is a vital component of the program, it may incur additional costs, ranging from NZD 50 to NZD 120 per hour, which are the responsibility of the student.
Entry Requirements for International Students
International students on New Zealand student visa must meet specific entry criteria to be eligible for admission into this program. These include:
- Academic IELTS score of 6.5 in each band, or an equivalent qualification.
- Equivalent secondary education or previous study/work experience that meets the academic entrance standards.
Additionally, students will need to demonstrate their suitability for the program through an interview, health declaration, safety check, and referee reports.
Program Duration and Fees
The Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice is a three-year, full-time program with part-time options available. The domestic fees for the program in 2025 are NZD 8,372 per year. While the tuition fees for international students on New Zealand study visa may vary, they typically are higher than domestic fees. Students should also budget for additional costs such as accommodation, living expenses, and supervision fees.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory
The Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory (PGDipCounsTh) is a one-year, full-time qualification that offers in-depth knowledge of the theoretical foundations and research that underpin effective counselling practice. This program is ideal for professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in fields like education, counselling, nursing, or social work, and have at least three years of practical experience in these areas.
This qualification not only equips students with advanced counselling theory but also provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in supervised counselling work within community settings. Additionally, the PGDipCounsTh can serve as a pathway to further academic progression, enabling students to transition smoothly into the Master of Counselling (MCouns) program if they meet certain academic criteria.
Program Structure and Learning Approach
The PGDipCounsTh is a 120-point postgraduate program, structured to provide comprehensive training in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program is equivalent to the first year of the Master of Counselling and includes:
90 points dedicated to core counselling courses, such as:
- Counselling Laboratory
- The Counselling Process
- Cultural Issues in Counselling
- Professional Issues in Counselling
- Counselling Practicum
30 points focused on research courses, including:
- Research Methodologies
- Māori and Indigenous Research
A key component of the program is the Counselling Practicum, where students engage in supervised counselling practice. To complete the program, students are required to undertake at least 100 hours of supervised professional counselling in a placement setting, along with 10 hours of regular professional supervision. Please note that the cost of supervision is not included in the course fees and is the responsibility of the student.
Pathway to the Master of Counselling (MCouns)
The PGDipCounsTh offers an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue the Master of Counselling (MCouns). If you complete the diploma with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in the most advanced courses, you can apply to enter the second year of the MCouns program. However, to be eligible for direct entry into the MCouns, you must also include a research methods course as part of your PGDipCounsTh study.
Entry Requirements for International Students
To apply for the PGDipCounsTh, international applicants on New Zealand student visa must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualifications: You must have completed a bachelor’s degree in education, counselling, nursing, social work, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Professional Experience: At least three years of practical experience in a relevant field, such as counselling, social work, nursing, or education, is required.
- English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency by submitting an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no individual band lower than 6.0. Alternatively, other recognized English proficiency tests may be accepted.
Admission to the program is also subject to a satisfactory interview, police check, safety checks, and referee reports.
Fees and Additional Costs
The tuition fees for international students enrolling in the PGDipCounsTh for 2025 are NZD 41,594 per year. This does not include additional costs such as supervision fees (which can range from NZD 50 to NZD 120 per hour). Students should also budget for their living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport, when planning their finances for study in New Zealand.
Master of Counselling
The Master of Counselling (MCouns) at the University of Canterbury offers international students on New Zealand study visa the opportunity to expand their theoretical knowledge and professional skills to work as a qualified counsellor in a variety of settings. This program is designed to train students to identify and implement effective, systematic approaches to helping clients address and resolve their personal concerns. The MCouns combines both practical and theoretical coursework, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to practice in diverse counselling environments.
Program Structure and Duration
The MCouns is a comprehensive 240-point qualification that takes between 2 to 4 years to complete on a full-time basis, or 4 to 6 years on a part-time basis.
- Part I involves four compulsory courses, including up to 70 hours of supervised clinical practice, and a research methods course. These foundational courses help students develop core counselling skills and theoretical understanding.
- Part II includes advanced practical training, including up to 300 hours of counselling experience in real-world settings. In this part of the program, students can choose to complete either a research project or a selection of advanced coursework, allowing them to tailor their learning to their professional interests and goals.
The program also requires students to undergo regular professional supervision throughout their training, ensuring high standards of practice.
Entry Requirements for International Students
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Counselling, international applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in a field such as counselling, nursing, teaching, social work, or a related profession.
- Have relevant practical experience in a counselling or helping profession, or demonstrate suitability for training as a counsellor.
- Meet the university’s English language requirements. International students on New Zealand student visa must typically provide an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if English is not their first language.
Submit an application, which includes an interview process as part of the admission to the Professional Counselling Practice course. Selection is based on academic qualifications, professional experience, and suitability for the program.
Applicants must also undergo a police vetting process as part of the admissions procedure.
Tuition Fees and Additional Costs
The estimated tuition fees for international students entering the MCouns program in 2025 are approximately NZD 87,600 for the full 240 points. It’s important to note that students may also incur additional costs related to supervision, clinical placements, and other program-related expenses, which are not included in the tuition fees.
New Zealand provides an ideal setting for international students looking to pursue a career in counselling. With its high-quality education system, cultural diversity, and numerous career opportunities, it’s no wonder that more and more students are choosing to study counselling here. Whether you’re starting your studies or looking for advanced training, New Zealand’s counselling programs offer an enriching and rewarding experience. Start researching your options today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in counselling.
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