Graduate Diploma in Counselling

At a glance

Credential: graduate diploma
Credits: 18
Next start: see program details

Earning a Graduate Diploma in Counselling from Athabasca University equips you with essential skills in counselling psychology, offering a flexible pathway to advance your career or seamlessly transition into our Master of Counselling program.

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About Graduate Diploma in Counselling

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Athabasca University is an 18-credit online program that provides a solid foundation in counselling psychology, theory, and practice. Designed for those who may not meet the GPA requirements for a Master's in Counselling or for those who aren't looking to complete a full master's degree, this program offers a valuable pathway to ladder into the Master of Counselling program after completing 5 courses. The program has a single annual intake, with an application deadline of Feb. 1 and courses starting in Sept.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA), a minimum number of credits in psychology or educational psychology, and experience in the field of counselling (preferred).

See full Graduate Diploma in Counselling admission requirements

Program details

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling focuses on the fundamentals of counselling psychology, theory, and practice.

Why take the Graduate Diploma in Counselling?

If you don't meet the admission requirements for AU's Master of Counselling, you will be considered to ladder your credits into the Master of Counselling program after you complete 5 courses in the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
Feb. 1	Sept.

Routes and options

Ladder to a master's degree

Learners normally progress through the diploma program at a fixed pace. The time commitment will depend on whether you desire to ladder into the Master of Counselling program or exit the graduate diploma program with the diploma (Terminal Diploma program). Unless you inform the program office that you intend to exit the Graduate Diploma in Counselling program with the diploma, you will automatically be considered for laddering into the Master of Counselling program (minimum GPA of 3.0 in completed courses required). You will be informed of your admission to the Master of Counselling program after you have completed your 6th course.

Please email our program for more information on laddering to a master's degree.

Learn more about the Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study. You can take up to 3 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

Fees

The following fees are effective Sep. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services; for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

program application and admission fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$184
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$255
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once:	$116

fees in canada and out
Learners living in Canada	$1,866¹
Learners living outside Canada	$2,111¹

¹The Graduate Diploma in Counselling (GDC) course tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology Fee of $58 and Course Materials Fee of $37 per course and are included in this calculation. This calculation also includes the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) Fee of $14 per credit.

program fees
Program fee per 3-credit course (non-refundable)	$676
Program fee per 6-credit course (non-refundable)	$1,352
Total program fee (non-refundable)²	$4,056

²The total program fee is split up and charged with individual course registrations.

Estimated program tuition cost (2024-2025):

The total tuition cost for a learner living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, over a 1 ⅔-year period, would be $15,252 ($1,866 x 6 = $11,196, 3-credit course equivalents, plus program fees of $4,056 for a total of $15,252). AUGSA fees are included in this calculation. Application and admission fees are not included in the above calculation.

Other fees

other fees
Transfer credit evaluation fee	$348/course
Course extension fee (this fee applies to extensions of all FHD graduate courses, regardless of credit weight)	$334
Letter of Permission fee	$100
Course withdrawal processing fee³:	$453
AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit):	$14

³The course withdrawal processing fee includes the cost of course materials, shipping, and an administrative fee for processing the request. For early withdrawal only, the learner will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) less the Course Withdrawal Processing Fee. Refer to the information about course withdrawal under Course regulations and procedures.

Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025.

Courses

In the Graduate Diploma in Counselling program, you'll cover a range of essential topics such as counselling models, professional ethics, and sociocultural influences in counselling psychology. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from electives that delve into specialized areas like health psychology, child and adolescent counselling, or family therapy, allowing you to tailor the program to your interests.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling.

Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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Career options

Completing the Graduate Diploma in Counselling from Athabasca University opens doors to various roles in mental health settings, educational institutions, and community organizations, where you can apply your skills in counselling and client support. Whether you're looking to work as a guidance counsellor, mental health coordinator, or a specialized therapist, this diploma serves as a valuable stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the counselling field.

Some careers could include:

guidance counsellor
mental health coordinator
career advisor
substance abuse support
rehabilitation coach
employee wellness advisor
life coach

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

Additional resources

Program contact

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