Are you thinking of becoming a counsellor?

Counselling is a unique professional and intentional process which draws on a range of skills and interventions that enable people to increase their self-awareness, and to identify, address and find ways of coping with challenges that occur in life.

Counselling qualifications and where to study

In order to qualify as a professional counsellor and attain membership of NZAC, counsellors need to hold either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in counselling. 

Counsellor education programmes at bachelor’s or master’s level are offered by a number of tertiary institutions in Aotearoa/New Zealand (see list below).

Programmes that have been accredited by NZAC have demonstrated that they meet and consistently maintain the standards for counsellor education programmes established by the Association.

For information about programmes of interest, consult their websites and contact the tertiary institutions directly. Programme websites provide details about programme content and delivery, requirements for admission and the application process. Instructions are also provided for seeking further information.

Counsellor Education Programmes Accredited by NZAC (February 2023)

Master’s degrees:

The University of Auckland, Epsom campus, Master of Counselling

Canterbury University, Christchurch, Master of Counselling

Massey University, Palmerston North, Master of Counselling Studies

Waikato University, Hamilton, Master of Counselling

Bachelor’s degrees:

Te Taupuatanga o te Whānau, Bachelor of Applied Counselling, Te Pū Wānanga o Anamata  Location: Rotorua

Auckland University of Technology (AUT), South Campus, Manukau City, Bachelor of Health Sciences in Counselling

Bethlehem Training Institute Te Whare Tauira O Peterehema (BTI), Tauranga, Bachelor of Counselling

Laidlaw College, Henderson (West Auckland) and Christchurch, Bachelor of Counselling

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Manukau City, Bachelor of Applied Counselling (distance learning)

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nelson, Paetahi Tumu Korero, Bachelor of Counselling

Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, Bachelor of Social Services

Vision College, Christchurch

Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC), Hamilton, Paetahi Tumu Korero, Bachelor of Counselling

WelTec (Te Whare Wananga o te Awakairangi) / Whitireia New Zealand, Porirua, Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice

(Please also see: www.careers.govt.nz)