Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
GDRC
With 4.4 million Australians living with a disability and rising demand driven by the NDIS, rehabilitation counsellors are needed now more than ever. AIPC's Graduate Diploma of Rehabilitation Counselling equips you with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundations to support clients through injury, illness and disability, promoting their wellbeing, independence and social reintegration.
The Graduate Diploma of Rehabilitation Counselling focuses on equipping professionals to support individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or injuries through a counselling framework. With 4.4 million Australians living with a disability (ABS, 2019) and rising demand due to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), rehabilitation counsellors play a critical role in enhancing clients' quality of life. This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations to deliver effective counselling services, promoting client well-being, independence, and social reintegration.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) degree in any field.
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme for eligible students to pay their tuition (subject) fees.
Pay your subject fees direct to the institute each semester for each subject in which you are enrolled.
Split Payments. This means you can pay a portion of your subject fees yourself, and the remaining portion using FEE-HELP (if eligible).
Pay via Credit Card or Direct Debit.
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Course Recognition
Why study our Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling provides a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional tertiary education.
Career ready
A specialist graduate course is your chance to step up with advanced knowledge in a focused area of counselling practice. These qualifications give you real-world, immediately applicable expertise to enhance your current role or prepare you for future study — putting you on a clear pathway if you decide to pursue full counselling qualifications later on.
Extremely applicable
Our specialist graduate courses are designed for professionals who want to elevate their impact. You’ll gain powerful knowledge that integrates seamlessly into your career — helping you better support others, deepen client communication, and stand out as a specialist in your field.
Counselling education specialists
We believe you're better off learning from a specialist than a generalist. Many training providers deliver courses across a variety of industries. At AIPC, we prefer to concentrate on counselling and community services education.
Flexible learning
With so many demands on our time it can be difficult to fit study in around other commitments, that's why our Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling has been designed to maximise your learning from home where you can progress through your studies in a full-time or part-time pace.
Career ready
A specialist graduate course is your chance to step up with advanced knowledge in a focused area of counselling practice. These qualifications give you real-world, immediately applicable expertise to enhance your current role or prepare you for future study — putting you on a clear pathway if you decide to pursue full counselling qualifications later on.
Extremely applicable
Our specialist graduate courses are designed for professionals who want to elevate their impact. You’ll gain powerful knowledge that integrates seamlessly into your career — helping you better support others, deepen client communication, and stand out as a specialist in your field.
Counselling education specialists
We believe you're better off learning from a specialist than a generalist. Many training providers deliver courses across a variety of industries. At AIPC, we prefer to concentrate on counselling and community services education.
Flexible learning
With so many demands on our time it can be difficult to fit study in around other commitments, that's why our Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling has been designed to maximise your learning from home where you can progress through your studies in a full-time or part-time pace.
Course Outline
Prerequisite: NIL, EFTSL: 0.125
This unit provides students with the theoretical grounding and fundamental elements of counselling practice through an integration of counselling processes and skills. Students will learn about the importance of the therapeutic alliance and develop discrete micro-counselling skills with an emphasis on relationship development and change facilitation. Students will be supported to explore and reflect on their own values and beliefs and how these may affect the counselling relationship and process.
Prerequisite: NIL, EFTSL: 0.125
This unit discusses the importance of ethical and legal frameworks and the obligations of the counsellor within the therapeutic context. Students will examine confidentiality and other core ethical principles with consideration of culture and identity within an Australian context. Record keeping, note taking and general client management are included to ensure student understanding of these legal and procedural elements.
Prerequisite: NIL, EFTSL: 0.125
In this unit students develop a critical understanding of major counselling models and their application. Students recognise the individual needs of clients, and the importance of a counselling approach that is flexible and adaptive based on presenting client needs. Students reflect on their own values and beliefs within the context of the counselling models to develop an integrative model of practice.
Prerequisite: NIL, EFTSL: 0.125
This unit provides students with a global perspective of counselling practice. Students will critically reflect on therapeutic knowledge developed in previous units, their professional framework and current best practice evidence to develop responses to different counselling contexts. Students will examine skills and knowledge for working with (but not limited to) cultural identity, gender and sexuality, neurodiversity and social justice in counselling.
Prerequisite: GCCP01 & GCCP02, EFTSL: 0.125
This subject equips students with a comprehensive understanding of key theories, models, and practices to support individuals with disabilities, injury, or chronic illness. The subject emphasises an integrated approach to addressing clients' biological, psychological, and social needs, applying counselling techniques to facilitate positive behavioural changes. It also highlights the importance of cultural safety, ethical practice, and client-centred care, particularly when working with diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Prerequisite: GCCP01 & GCCP02, EFTSL: 0.125
This subject provides students with the knowledge and skills to utilise vocational assessments in rehabilitation counselling, focusing on key theories and methodologies for evaluating client needs. With an emphasis on collaboration with healthcare professionals, students will design vocational plans that address the biopsychosocial aspects of client care.
Prerequisite: GCCP01, GCCP02 & REHC02, EFTSL: 0.125
This subject explores the critical role of case management in rehabilitation counselling, focusing on the integration of services to support individuals with chronic conditions or permanent impairments. Students will learn case management techniques for effective care coordination and service provider collaboration, while also developing skills in ethical decision-making and accurate documentation to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation services and optimal client outcomes.
Prerequisite: GCCP01, GCCP02, REHC01, EFTSL: 0.125
This subject examines the intersection of disability, chronic illness, and rehabilitation counselling, focusing on the psychological and social dimensions that influence both clients and service delivery. Students will learn to design client-centred, evidence-based services that promote autonomy and quality of life, while integrating collaborative care models and self-management approaches. Rehabilitation counselling principles are emphasised, equipping students with the skills to support clients in their recovery, reintegration, and overall well-being.
This course is for the development of specialist knowledge and skills enhancement and does not lead to accreditation or registration as a generalist or specialist Counsellor.
Below are the upcoming intake periods for the Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling.
Trimester | Commences | Census | Residential School | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Term 1, 2026 | 2nd Feb 2026 | 16th Feb 2026 | - | 5th April 2026 |
Term 2, 2026 | 20th April 2026 | 4th May 2026 | - | 21st June 2026 |
Term 3, 2026 | 13th July 2026 | 27th July 2026 | - | 13th Sept 2026 |
Term 4, 2026 | 5th Oct 2026 | 19th Oct 2026 | - | 6th Dec 2026 |
Course | Year | Tuition Fee per unit | Total Course Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling (8 units) | 2026 | $2,990 each | $23,920 |
On your Application Form, you chose one course payment option to pay for your course. You are able to:
Option 1: Pay for your course using FEE-HELP (if you are eligible).
Option 2: Pay for each term of your studies upfront.
Option 3: Pay for a portion of your fees upfront and the remaining portion using FEE-HELP.
If your application is successful and you accept your placement, the investment for each unit is payable via the following methods after accepting your placement:
If you are choosing to pay all or part of your unit fees through FEE-HELP, you will need to return your Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form for the term by the due date indicated in your term enrolment letter. You can find out more about FEE-HELP from the following publication: Fee Help Information – 2026
Payment by credit card, cheque or money order for the term by the due date indicated in your term enrolment letter (usually within two weeks of the term commencing).
If you are paying some of your fees yourself and some through FEE-HELP, then returning your Request for FEEHELP Assistance form and payment of the remaining amount by credit card, cheque or money order by the due date of the term.
If accepted into the course, you nominate your preferred payment method on your Confirmation of Acceptance form to confirm your place in the course. Please note that the unit fees, and any other associated fees, are current only for the units in which you are presently enrolled, and can be reviewed and changed at the Institute’s discretion for future terms.
Subjects where credit is granted
Students are able to apply for credit of previous studies and experience as described in the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy and are not required to pay the unit fee for each unit in which credit is granted.
Additional and Non-Tuition Costs
The following additional and/or non-tuition costs apply:
Current textbook lists are found on the Higher Education Learning Portal which can be accessed upon enrolment. Students are encouraged to submit their online textbook order through Booktopia prior to commencing their studies for the trimester. Students are able to source textbooks from other suppliers if they choose. Students are able to choose from textbooks or e-books, depending on availability, and further information is provided each trimester as to where these can be sourced from.
Students have access to comprehensive online library of texts and resources.
External students borrowing hard copy library resources will need to pay for postage to return the borrowed item/s to the Institute at Locked Bag 15, Fortitude Valley 4006. Please refer to the Australia Post postage calculator for current indicative pricing: http://auspost.com.au/apps/postage-calculator.html.
For students living overseas, please check postage costs with your chosen postal or courier service. Overdue items are charged at $1 per day until the item is returned.
Students are able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer to receive credit for one or more units** of the Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling (up to a maximum of 2 units).
This enhances student progression through the course and provides recognition for students entering the course with relevant prior studies and work experience. Students granted RPL or credit are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes of the course, and the integrity of the qualification must be maintained.
RPL recognises that students, due to relevant life and work experiences, may already possess the requisite skills and knowledge for unit/s in the Bachelor course. Students who have been working within a counselling environment for a number of years are able to apply for recognition of this prior learning or experience. Exemption can be applied for one or more course units** (up to a maximum of 2 units).
Assessing credit from prior experience takes into account the authenticity, currency, quality, relevance, transferability and comparability of the experience to the requirements of the unit for which credit is being applied.
Credit Transfer
Credit Transfer refers to obtaining credit towards another course on the basis of having completed previous study of an equivalent subject or unit. Students who have completed similar units to those included in the Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling are welcome to apply for Credit Transfer. Students who have completed or partially completed another counselling course are particularly encouraged to apply for Credit Transfer.
Credit will not normally be granted for formal study completed more than 10 years prior to application unless there is evidence of continued relevance of this study for the course towards which credit is sought. Credit is granted where there is substantial overlap with the content and/or learning outcomes of the unit for which credit is being applied.
When assessing credit based on prior study, consideration is given to the objectives of the course, methods of delivery and assessment, admission requirements, course durations, the breadth and depth of the course material, practical training requirements, and experience requirements.
**Students can only obtain credit for a total maximum of 2 units inclusive of whether this credit has been obtained via RPL or credit transfer.
Below is a list of policies and procedures that apply to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling.
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Zero Risk
We understand that sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to continue with your studies. If you need to withdraw from a subject, simply follow our formal withdrawal process prior your census date and you will not be charged the subject fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rehabilitation counselling supports people living with disability, chronic illness or injury to rebuild their independence and quality of life. A rehabilitation counsellor works with clients on their wellbeing and their return to work or study following injury, illness or changes in health or ability. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the major settings in which disability and rehabilitation professionals may provide support across Australia.
We designed this course for professionals who already work with people affected by disability, illness or injury. Allied health practitioners, disability support workers, case managers, return-to-work coordinators and community services staff all regularly work with people who need this kind of support without necessarily having counselling training behind them. Your first degree can be in any discipline, as the course is designed to build specialist rehabilitation counselling knowledge and skills.
You’ll learn to deliver counselling services to people affected by disability, chronic illness or injury. Across eight units, you’ll cover counselling practice, the ethical considerations involved in this type of work, and how to promote a client’s wellbeing and independence. One unit also teaches you about the therapeutic alliance and the micro-counselling skills that establish a working relationship. You’ll also examine your own values and beliefs and how these affect the way you work with a client.
The course focuses on supporting wellbeing, independence and participation in work, study and community life. You’ll learn to work with someone whose circumstances have changed and who needs to rethink what daily life looks like. You’ll also explore the ethical considerations involved in supporting client choice, autonomy and independence.
Anywhere in Australia, since we deliver the course entirely online. Full-time study takes a year over eight units, and part-time enrolment lets you focus on other commitments while you complete your studies. You won’t need to attend campus at any point and entry is open to anyone who has completed a bachelor's degree in any field.
You’ll study counselling processes and models, then apply them to clients affected by disability, illness or injury. The emphasis falls on promoting a client’s wellbeing, independence and participation in their community. The unit Counselling Foundations: Skills and Practice grounds you in the therapeutic alliance and relationship development first, as these skills underpin effective counselling practice across a range of approaches.
Rehabilitation support can involve professionals from several disciplines. You’ll develop skills for collaborating with professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors and case managers, as well as employers where relevant, while keeping the client’s needs and goals at the centre. The counselling skills you’ll develop here will let you communicate what you observe in terms your colleagues can act on.
The diploma strengthens roles that already involve supporting people with disability, illness or injury rather than granting you eligibility to register as a therapist or counsellor. Disability support coordinators, case managers, allied health assistants, return-to-work consultants and community services workers can apply this training in the positions they already have. To practise as a counsellor, you’ll need a Bachelor of Counselling or a Master of Counselling, both of which qualify you for Australian Counselling Association membership.
Related Courses
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Graduate Diploma in Neuro-affirming Practice
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Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
With 4.4 million Australians living with a disability and rising demand driven by the NDIS, rehabilitation counsellors are needed now more than ever. AIPC's Graduate Diploma of Rehabilitation Counselling equips you with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundations to support clients through injury, illness and disability, promoting their wellbeing, independence and social reintegration.