Introduction

If you’re planning to study counselling in Australia or already on that path, understanding counselling course accreditation is crucial. Accreditation affects not only the credibility of your qualification but also your eligibility for professional registration and future career pathways. In 2025 and into 2026, significant developments have taken place at the national and professional level that shape how counselling and psychotherapy programs are recognised and delivered. This blog breaks down key updates and what they mean for students, educators, and future counsellors.

1. New PACFA Accreditation Standards for Counselling Programs

One of the most important updates for counselling education in Australia is the rollout of the revised accreditation standards by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). These standards became effective on 1 January 2025 and will guide accreditation reviews moving forward.

What’s New in the PACFA Accreditation Standards?

PACFA’s updated framework is designed to ensure counselling courses are:

• Outcomes‑focused: Programs must demonstrate graduates have the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required for ethical and competent counselling practice.
   
• Aligned with professional competencies: Standards link directly with PACFA’s Professional Competencies for Certified Practising Counsellors, ensuring education aligns with real‑world practice requirements.
   
• Flexible yet rigorous: While supporting innovation in teaching methods and assessments, educational quality and public safety remain paramount.
   
• Structured across five domains: These include public safety, academic governance, program design, student experience, and assessment.

Educational providers must now align their counselling programs with these standards when applying for initial accreditation or re‑accreditation. Institutions are encouraged to begin this alignment early to ensure smoother reviews during their next cycle.

2. National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Another major development is the endorsement of National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in late 2025, supported by both PACFA and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). This represents a nationally recognised framework that promotes consistency across education, training, ethics, practice, diversity, and quality assurance.

Key Features of the National Standards

The national framework includes:

• Career stages that define expectations at different professional levels (Stage 1 to Stage 3).
• Detailed competency domains including education and training, ethics, diversity, and professional practice.
• A vision for stronger public confidence and consistent recognition of counselling qualifications nationwide.

This new standard helps unify the profession and sets clearer expectations for what counselling graduates should be able to do once qualified — a major step toward standardising quality across the mental health landscape.

3. Changes Affecting Professional Practice and Pathways

The updated national framework also introduces new expectations for counsellors after graduation, which have implications for education programs:

Supervision Requirements

The National Standards outline supervision requirements based on career stage:

• Counsellors at higher career stages (with advanced qualifications and client hours) may take on clinical supervision roles.
   
• Counsellors at earlier stages are required to undertake ongoing supervision at specified annual hours depending on their client contact.

This emphasis reflects a stronger focus on competence, ongoing development, and safe practice when working with real clients.

Private Practice Eligibility

Under the new framework, the eligibility to practice privately will involve licensing and endorsement, although the detailed requirements are still being finalised in staged implementation over the next 3–5 years.

4. TEQSA Actions: Course Accreditation News

Accreditation of counselling courses also involves oversight by government regulators, particularly the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), which ensures courses meet national threshold standards.

Recent TEQSA Accreditation Decisions

• In February 2025, TEQSA renewed accreditation for the Bachelor of Counselling and Master of Counselling at the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Pty Ltd until 2032, reaffirming their compliance with the 2021 Higher Education Standards Framework.
   
• In August 2025, TEQSA accredited new Graduate Diploma courses in Rehabilitation Counselling and Neuro‑affirming Practice, expanding specialisation options for students.
   

These decisions illustrate how national quality bodies ensure counselling programs remain robust and relevant for modern practice.

5. Recognition and Accreditation by Professional Bodies (PACFA & ACA)

Accreditation by professional bodies such as PACFA and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is essential for graduates who want to pursue professional registration, join professional directories, or maximise career opportunities.

New Course Accreditations in 2026

A notable recent development is the ACA accreditation of the Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy (Holistic Practice) at Metavision Institute, demonstrating how new programs continue to achieve recognition from peak professional bodies.

Accreditation by ACA signifies that a program meets established benchmarks for curriculum, professional standards, and readiness for ethical counselling practice — a strong advantage for students and graduates.

6. What These Changes Mean for Counselling Students

Clearer Pathways to Professional Practice

With national standards aligned and supported by major professional bodies, students can expect:

• Greater consistency in course quality across Australia.
   
• Stronger recognition of qualifications by employers and professional bodies.
   
• Defined expectations for skills, competencies, and professional behaviour post‑graduation.

Focus on Competency and Ethics

Accreditation changes emphasise:

• Graduates must demonstrate competence, ethical standards, and professional attributes aligned with expected practice outcomes.
   
• Counselling programs now integrate these expectations into course design, assessment, and practical placements.

Evolving Career Structures

Emerging accreditation frameworks also support career development pathways, bridging education with professional growth, supervision, and eligibility for advanced private practice roles.

The Future of Counselling Education in Australia

The counselling accreditation landscape in Australia is evolving rapidly in 2025–2026, with major advancements driven by professional unity, government support, and national standards. These updates aim to ensure that counselling qualifications remain credible, consistent, and aligned with the complex demands of modern mental health practice.

For current and future counselling students, understanding these changes helps you make better decisions when choosing courses, aligning expectations, and preparing for a fulfilling career in the mental health sector.

Ready to choose an accredited counselling course in Australia?

At StudyCounselling.com, we help you navigate the latest accreditation updates, compare recognised programs, and choose pathways that support your goals. Contact us today for personalised guidance on accredited counselling courses, professional registration, and future career opportunities in Australia’s growing mental health sector.