Is the Diploma of Counselling government funded? Your options explained

If you’re thinking about studying the Diploma of Counselling, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much it will cost and whether there’s government funding to help cover it.

It’s a practical question, and you deserve a straight answer.

The short version: yes, the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is government funded in several states, but eligibility depends on your circumstances, your state or territory, and the training provider you study with. Even if you don’t qualify for government funding, there are genuinely affordable alternatives that can make studying accessible.

This guide walks through every funding option available in Australia so you can find the pathway that works for your budget and your life.

Government funding for the Diploma of Counselling: the short answer

The Diploma of Counselling is listed as an eligible qualification under various state and federal government funding programs. That means you may be able to study for free or at a significantly reduced cost, depending on where you live and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

However, funding programs come with specific conditions. Your eligibility typically depends on:

• Your state or territory of residence
• Your age and employment status
• Whether you already hold a qualification at the same or higher level
• Whether you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• The training provider you choose (government funding is usually only available through TAFE or approved providers)

Even if you’re not eligible for government funding, it doesn’t mean studying is out of reach. Many learners fund their Diploma through flexible payment plans like Study Now Pay Later, which lets you start with no upfront fees. We’ll cover all your options below.

Free TAFE and fee-free training

Free TAFE is one of the most well-known government funding programs in Australia. Under this initiative, eligible learners can study selected qualifications at TAFE institutes at no cost.

The Diploma of Counselling is included in several states’ Free TAFE lists, particularly in Victoria, where the program has been most established.

How Free TAFE works

• The government covers the full tuition cost for eligible qualifications
• You still need to meet entry requirements for the course itself
• The qualification you receive is the same nationally recognised qualification as any other provider
• Free TAFE is available at government TAFE institutes only

Eligibility for Free TAFE

Eligibility varies by state, but you generally need to:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or humanitarian visa holder
• Be aged 15 or older (most counselling learners are mature-age)
• Not already hold a qualification at the same level or higher in the same field
• Meet your state’s specific priority criteria (such as being a job seeker, young person, or first-time VET learner)

An important note about Hader Institute and Free TAFE: Hader Institute of Education is a private Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Free TAFE pricing is only available through government TAFE providers. Hader does not offer Free TAFE pricing. We’re upfront about this because we believe transparency matters when you’re making a decision about your education.

What Hader does offer is a different kind of value: 100% online delivery, self-paced learning, trainers with current industry experience, job search assistance, and flexible payment options including Study Now Pay Later. For many learners, particularly career changers juggling work and family, this combination of flexibility and support is worth more than a free price tag at a provider that may not offer the same level of convenience.

State-by-state government funding options

Government funding for vocational education is managed at the state and territory level, which means the options available to you depend on where you live. Here’s a breakdown of the major programs.

Victoria

Victoria offers some of the strongest government subsidies for vocational training in Australia.

• Free TAFE — The Diploma of Counselling is included on Victoria’s Free TAFE priority list. Eligible learners can study at no cost through TAFE institutes.
• Skills First — A broader subsidised training program that reduces fees for eligible learners at approved providers. If you don’t qualify for Free TAFE, you may still access subsidised training through Skills First.

For the latest eligibility criteria and approved course list, visit the Victorian Skills Authority.

New South Wales

• Smart and Skilled — The NSW government subsidises vocational training for eligible residents. The Diploma of Counselling may be available under this program through approved providers. Fee levels depend on your qualification level and concession status.

Check your eligibility on the Smart and Skilled website.

Queensland

• Certificate 3 Guarantee — Provides a government subsidy for your first post-school Certificate III qualification. This doesn’t apply directly to the Diploma but may be relevant if you’re starting at a lower qualification level.
• Higher Level Skills — Subsidises Certificate IV and Diploma courses for eligible Queenslanders who don’t already hold a qualification at the same or higher level. The Diploma of Counselling may be eligible under this program.

Visit Queensland’s Skills Gateway for details.

South Australia

• WorkReady — SA’s vocational training subsidy program. Eligible learners can access subsidised training in priority areas, including community services qualifications.

Check WorkReady SA for the current eligible courses list.

Western Australia

• Jobs and Skills WA — Provides subsidised training for eligible Western Australians. Community services qualifications, including counselling, are often included on priority skills lists due to workforce demand.

Visit Jobs and Skills WA for eligibility information.

Tasmania, ACT, and Northern Territory

Each of these jurisdictions offers its own vocational training subsidies, though program sizes and eligible courses vary:

• Tasmania — Skills Tasmania funds subsidised training through approved providers. Community services is a priority area.
• ACT — The ACT government offers training subsidies through the Skilled Capital program for eligible residents.
• Northern Territory — The NT government subsidises vocational training in priority skill areas.

Contact your local training authority for the most up-to-date information on available funding.

Not sure if you qualify for government funding? Talk to Hader’s enrolment team – they can help you understand your options, whether that’s a subsidised pathway or an affordable private alternative.

JobTrainer and other federal programs

The Australian Government has historically offered national programs to support vocational training, the most recent being the JobTrainer Fund. This program was created in response to increased demand for skilled workers and provided free or low-fee training places in partnership with state governments.

Is JobTrainer still available?

The original JobTrainer program has been wound down, but its funding has been incorporated into ongoing state and territory programs. If you search for “JobTrainer” and your course, you’ll likely be redirected to your state’s current funding program (such as Free TAFE in Victoria or Smart and Skilled in NSW).

Other federal support

Even if you don’t access a specific training subsidy, you may be eligible for broader government support while you study:

• Austudy — Income support for full-time students aged 25 and over
• Youth Allowance — Income support for full-time students under 25
• ABSTUDY — Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• Pensioner Education Supplement — An additional payment for students receiving certain Centrelink payments

These programs don’t cover tuition but can help with living costs while you’re studying, making it easier to focus on your coursework.

What if you don’t qualify for government funding?

Here’s the reality: many of the people who are drawn to counselling as a career are mid-career changers. You might be in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, already hold a qualification in another field, and be earning too much to qualify for concession rates. Government funding programs often prioritise younger learners, job seekers, or people studying for the first time.

That doesn’t mean affordable options don’t exist.

Study Now Pay Later with Hader Institute

Hader Institute of Education offers a Study Now Pay Later plan through Payright that’s designed specifically to remove the financial barrier to studying:

• No upfront fees — you can start studying immediately
• Interest-free — you don’t pay a cent more than the course fee
• From AU$28/week — manageable weekly payments that fit around your budget
• No hidden costs — transparent pricing with no surprises

This isn’t a loan in the traditional sense. It’s a structured payment plan that lets you spread the cost of your qualification over time while you study.

For many career changers, this is actually a more practical option than waiting for government funding that you may not qualify for. You can start studying on your terms, in your own time, without delaying your career change.

Study from AU$72/week with no upfront fees. Explore Hader’s Diploma of Counselling and start your journey into a counselling career.

Comparing your options: cost at a glance

What to consider beyond cost:

• Flexibility — Can you study around your work and family commitments? Online, self-paced delivery is often worth paying for if it means you can actually finish your qualification.
• Support — Will you have access to experienced trainers, live sessions, and a support team? Some free or subsidised options provide minimal learner support.
• Job search assistance — Are you on your own after finishing your course? Hader helps all our learners with our job-ready program.
• Completion rates — The cheapest option isn’t the best value if it doesn’t set you up to finish. Research your provider’s support structures, not just the price.

The right choice depends on your circumstances. If you qualify for Free TAFE and the delivery mode suits your life, that’s a great option. If you need flexibility, online delivery, and structured support, investing in a provider like Hader with a payment plan may be the better path forward.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Diploma of Counselling available under Free TAFE?

Yes, the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is listed under Free TAFE in several states, most notably Victoria. Eligibility depends on your personal circumstances, and Free TAFE pricing is only available through TAFE institutes, not private RTOs.

Can I study the Diploma of Counselling for free?

It’s possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for Free TAFE or your state’s subsidised training program. If you don’t qualify, affordable options like Study Now Pay Later (from AU$28/week with no upfront fees) make it accessible without waiting for funding approval.

What government funding is available for counselling courses?

Options include Free TAFE, state-based subsidies (Skills First in VIC, Smart and Skilled in NSW, Higher Level Skills in QLD, WorkReady in SA, Jobs and Skills WA), and income support payments like Austudy. Availability and eligibility vary by state.

How do I know if I’m eligible for government funding?

Eligibility depends on your state of residence, age, employment status, existing qualifications, and citizenship status. The best starting point is your state’s training authority website or contacting the enrolment team at your preferred training provider.

How much does the Diploma of Counselling cost?

Costs range from AU$0 (Free TAFE, if eligible) to AU$1,500–AU$8,000 at private RTOs. Hader Institute offers Study Now Pay Later from AU$28/week with no upfront fees and no interest.

Can I study with no upfront fees?

Yes. Hader Institute’s Study Now Pay Later plan through Payright lets you start studying with no upfront fees. Payments are interest-free and start from AU$28/week.

Ready to explore your funding options?

Whether you qualify for government funding or you’d prefer the flexibility of studying online with a payment plan, the most important step is the first one: starting the conversation.

Hader’s enrolment team can walk you through your options, help you understand what you’re eligible for, and find a pathway that works for your budget and your life. No pressure, no sales pitch, just honest guidance.

Talk to Hader’s enrolment team about the Diploma of Counselling and take the first step toward a career that makes a real difference.

Related reading:

• ‍‍How to become a counsellor in Australia: complete guide‍
• Diploma of Counselling vs Bachelor of Counselling
• ‍What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling? 10 career paths
• ‍How much do counsellors earn in Australia?

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