Overview
The Graduate Diploma - Counselling focuses on the fundamentals of counselling psychology, theory, and practice.
Why take the Graduate Diploma - 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 - Counselling.
Application deadlines and start dates
| Application deadline | Start date |
| Jan. 15 | 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 - 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 - 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
A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.
The following fees are effective for courses starting 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: | $197 |
| Program Admission Fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable) | $255 |
| Non-program Application Fee (non-refundable) required only once: | $124 |
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
fees in canada and out | Learners living in Canada | $1,8661 |
| Learners living outside Canada | $2,1111 |
1The Graduate Diploma – 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 - 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 - 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 - 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