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Become a qualified financial counsellor
Make a difference to the lives of those suffering financial hardship with a range of specialist legal, financial and counselling skills.
Financial counsellors help people to manage their finances and understand credit and debt issues as well as their rights and obligations. To be able to operate in Australia as a financial counsellor, you must have this qualification.
SM TAFE is the only registered training organisation in WA to deliver this course face-to-face, allowing more people to utilise this important service while the WA economy recovers. It also provides a solid understanding of social and systemic issues that impact on financial counselling clients.
Many charitable organisations seek to employ people who can provide these specialist financial support services and those already working in the community services sector will also benefit from being able to provide financial counselling to help people regain control of their lives.
Gain these skills
- Manage the counselling relationship
- Develop counselling interview skills
- Application of technical financial information
- Program community support mechanisms
- Interpret and use financial law
- Provide advocacy and referrals
- Respond to crisis situations
Want to find out more about this industry?
Students in community services benefit from sharing information about organisations, initiatives and leading expertise in our Community Services Facebook page.
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
This course is a VET Student Loan eligible course. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible.
To find out if you are eligible or to see the list of eligible courses visit our Student Loans page.
This course requires vaccination prior to work placement. See the important information tab for instructions.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
- Applicants will need to demonstrate a work history in the form of a CV or resume to show that they have enough experience to tackle the broad aspects of learning to counsel at-risk clients in legal and financial matters
Work placement
There is a requirement for 220 hours work placement in a suitable Financial Counselling organisation in this course.
You will be assisted to find an appropriate placement if you do not have one.
Attendance in class
You will need to attend class for 2 semesters when studied full-time, for 2 days per week in each semester.
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 2 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Online study
Students completing the online study option will enrol into and complete 4-5 units at a time, with progress monitored by their lecturer. This can be done at a pace suitable to you but for each group of units you have 6 months to complete, so we recommend you use our schedule provided to you at enrolment to assist you in avoiding having to re-enrol in the unit.
Your study will use online software, with access provided to you after enrolment. You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
The nature of online study can involve a significant investment of time and the ability to be a focused, self-motivated learner. You should consider your personal circumstances and past study history before committing to study online. Find out more in our online study info pack below.
Online study info pack (334 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)
Important COVID-19 update
This course requires you to undertake a mandatory work placement with an employer associated with an industry outlined in the COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy. This means that you must be triple dose vaccinated prior to your work placement. For the latest information on vaccine requirements for students visit our COVID-19 update page.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred study mode below to get started with your application.
All year round
eCampus - Online
| Duration | 4 Semesters | ||||||||||||
| When | All year round | ||||||||||||
| Where | eCampus | ||||||||||||
| How | Online | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Indicative fees and charges
Visit our Fees page for all you need to know about fees at SM TAFE including rules around refunds and withdrawals.
Call 1800 001 001 to get a more accurate fee indication based on your eligibility and study plan before applying.
More information about fees – at a glance
Fees and charges published on our website are indicative. The fee for this course is displayed in the table above, showing tuition fees, resource fees and total fees for general and concession fee types for qualifications and skill sets, and one total fee for short courses.
Your fees will depend on your eligibility for government funding or a concession rate, and the units you choose to study or seek to be recognised under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our Indicative fees lists show fees that are:
-
Based on the full possible study plan of units, including the recommended electives
-
Based on full time study in 2022
-
Charged at the government funded rate for over 18 years of age students
-
Based on unit electives designed to meet localised industry demand for skills
-
* Made up of course fees and resource fees, or RPL fees. Course fees are the cost of your tuition, while resource fees pay for consumables provided to you to aid your study (such as printing and paper). You may also be required to purchase text books or equipment that are not part of our tuition or resource fees. Short course fees include both tuition and resource fees as one total fee.
Fees may vary between students and between educational providers. Other charges may apply.
Lower Fees, Local Skills fee caps
The annual fees cap on Lower fees, local skills qualifications means that regardless of how much course fees are, you will not pay more than a set total amount per qualification or course in any one calendar year. The annual fees cap is set at $400 for eligible concession students, and $1,200 for non-concession students, plus resource fees. If you begin study in Semester 2 and your course runs longer than one semester, you should expect a new calendar year cap to begin in the next semester of your study, as your further study will be considered in a new calendar year.
Skills Ready skill sets
Skills Ready skill sets are free for eligible students. For those who are not eligible, tuition, resource and other fees are payable. Find out more about the initiative.
VET Student Loans
Selected Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses are VET Student Loan eligible courses. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible. Student Loan fee caps apply. To find out if you are eligible, to see the list of eligible courses or view the loan caps visit our Student Loans page.
International students
Selected courses are available to International students for full time study only. Fees, charges, available locations, applications and enrolment procedures for International students are different to those for students who have Australian permanent residency. For more information or to find a course visit the TAFE International WA website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enrolments are charged at $3.25 per nominal hour of study.
No concession fees apply to RPL enrolments. Refer to the institutional or apprenticeship/traineeship fee list above for an indicative RPL course fee.
To get started with RPL, visit the Recognition of Prior Learning page.
College Discretionary Fee (CDF)
For all on campus and online and on campus students an annual $20 discretionary fee is payable to cover items like security and other onsite facilities. Fully online students are not expected to pay a CDF as they do not attract on campus costs.
Traineeship
| Duration | 4 Semesters |
| When | All year round |
| How | Traineeship |
Indicative fees and charges
Visit our Fees page for all you need to know about fees at SM TAFE including rules around refunds and withdrawals.
Call 1800 001 001 to get a more accurate fee indication based on your eligibility and study plan before applying.
More information about fees – at a glance
2022 Apprenticeship/Traineeship fees list
Fees and charges published on our website are indicative. The fee for this course is available in the list in the document linked above, showing tuition fees, resource fees and total fees for general and concession fee types.
Your fees will depend on your eligibility for government funding or a concession rate, and the units you choose to study or seek to be recognised under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our Indicative fees lists show fees that are:
-
Based on the full possible study plan of units, including the recommended electives
-
Based on full time study in 2022
-
Charged at the government funded rate for over 18 years of age students
-
Based on unit electives designed to meet localised industry demand for skills
-
Made up of course fees and resource fees, or RPL fees. Course fees are the cost of your tuition, while resource fees pay for consumables provided to you to aid your study. You may also be required to purchase text books or equipment that are not part of our tuition or resource fees.
Fees may vary between students and between educational providers. Other charges may apply.
Fees for apprenticeships and traineeships are charged at a rate per nominal hour of study. This means that your fees will vary depending on the units you study as part of your training plan. Lower Fees, Local Skills indicative fees do not apply to existing worker trainees.
Apprentices and trainees are liable to pay for their own fees but some industrial agreements (awards) dictate that employers are required to reimburse their apprentice upon receipt of satisfactory progress. An employer may also opt to pay on behalf of the apprentice or trainee.
For more information visit our Apprenticeships and traineeships page.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enrolments are charged at $3.25 per nominal hour of study.
No concession fees apply to RPL enrolments. Refer to the institutional or apprenticeship/traineeship fee list above for an indicative RPL course fee.
To get started with RPL, visit the Recognition of Prior Learning page.
College Discretionary Fee (CDF)
For all on campus and online and on campus students an annual $20 discretionary fee is payable to cover items like security and other onsite facilities. Fully online students are not expected to pay a CDF as they do not attract on campus costs.
Semester 1
Bentley - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 1 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Bentley | ||||||||||||
| How | On Campus | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Indicative fees and charges
Visit our Fees page for all you need to know about fees at SM TAFE including rules around refunds and withdrawals.
Call 1800 001 001 to get a more accurate fee indication based on your eligibility and study plan before applying.
More information about fees – at a glance
Fees and charges published on our website are indicative. The fee for this course is displayed in the table above, showing tuition fees, resource fees and total fees for general and concession fee types for qualifications and skill sets, and one total fee for short courses.
Your fees will depend on your eligibility for government funding or a concession rate, and the units you choose to study or seek to be recognised under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our Indicative fees lists show fees that are:
-
Based on the full possible study plan of units, including the recommended electives
-
Based on full time study in 2022
-
Charged at the government funded rate for over 18 years of age students
-
Based on unit electives designed to meet localised industry demand for skills
-
* Made up of course fees and resource fees, or RPL fees. Course fees are the cost of your tuition, while resource fees pay for consumables provided to you to aid your study (such as printing and paper). You may also be required to purchase text books or equipment that are not part of our tuition or resource fees. Short course fees include both tuition and resource fees as one total fee.
Fees may vary between students and between educational providers. Other charges may apply.
Lower Fees, Local Skills fee caps
The annual fees cap on Lower fees, local skills qualifications means that regardless of how much course fees are, you will not pay more than a set total amount per qualification or course in any one calendar year. The annual fees cap is set at $400 for eligible concession students, and $1,200 for non-concession students, plus resource fees. If you begin study in Semester 2 and your course runs longer than one semester, you should expect a new calendar year cap to begin in the next semester of your study, as your further study will be considered in a new calendar year.
Skills Ready skill sets
Skills Ready skill sets are free for eligible students. For those who are not eligible, tuition, resource and other fees are payable. Find out more about the initiative.
VET Student Loans
Selected Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses are VET Student Loan eligible courses. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible. Student Loan fee caps apply. To find out if you are eligible, to see the list of eligible courses or view the loan caps visit our Student Loans page.
International students
Selected courses are available to International students for full time study only. Fees, charges, available locations, applications and enrolment procedures for International students are different to those for students who have Australian permanent residency. For more information or to find a course visit the TAFE International WA website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enrolments are charged at $3.25 per nominal hour of study.
No concession fees apply to RPL enrolments. Refer to the institutional or apprenticeship/traineeship fee list above for an indicative RPL course fee.
To get started with RPL, visit the Recognition of Prior Learning page.
College Discretionary Fee (CDF)
For all on campus and online and on campus students an annual $20 discretionary fee is payable to cover items like security and other onsite facilities. Fully online students are not expected to pay a CDF as they do not attract on campus costs.
Semester 2
Bentley - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 2 Semesters | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 2 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Bentley | ||||||||||||
| How | On Campus | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Indicative fees and charges
Visit our Fees page for all you need to know about fees at SM TAFE including rules around refunds and withdrawals.
Call 1800 001 001 to get a more accurate fee indication based on your eligibility and study plan before applying.
More information about fees – at a glance
Fees and charges published on our website are indicative. The fee for this course is displayed in the table above, showing tuition fees, resource fees and total fees for general and concession fee types for qualifications and skill sets, and one total fee for short courses.
Your fees will depend on your eligibility for government funding or a concession rate, and the units you choose to study or seek to be recognised under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our Indicative fees lists show fees that are:
-
Based on the full possible study plan of units, including the recommended electives
-
Based on full time study in 2022
-
Charged at the government funded rate for over 18 years of age students
-
Based on unit electives designed to meet localised industry demand for skills
-
* Made up of course fees and resource fees, or RPL fees. Course fees are the cost of your tuition, while resource fees pay for consumables provided to you to aid your study (such as printing and paper). You may also be required to purchase text books or equipment that are not part of our tuition or resource fees. Short course fees include both tuition and resource fees as one total fee.
Fees may vary between students and between educational providers. Other charges may apply.
Lower Fees, Local Skills fee caps
The annual fees cap on Lower fees, local skills qualifications means that regardless of how much course fees are, you will not pay more than a set total amount per qualification or course in any one calendar year. The annual fees cap is set at $400 for eligible concession students, and $1,200 for non-concession students, plus resource fees. If you begin study in Semester 2 and your course runs longer than one semester, you should expect a new calendar year cap to begin in the next semester of your study, as your further study will be considered in a new calendar year.
Skills Ready skill sets
Skills Ready skill sets are free for eligible students. For those who are not eligible, tuition, resource and other fees are payable. Find out more about the initiative.
VET Student Loans
Selected Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses are VET Student Loan eligible courses. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible. Student Loan fee caps apply. To find out if you are eligible, to see the list of eligible courses or view the loan caps visit our Student Loans page.
International students
Selected courses are available to International students for full time study only. Fees, charges, available locations, applications and enrolment procedures for International students are different to those for students who have Australian permanent residency. For more information or to find a course visit the TAFE International WA website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enrolments are charged at $3.25 per nominal hour of study.
No concession fees apply to RPL enrolments. Refer to the institutional or apprenticeship/traineeship fee list above for an indicative RPL course fee.
To get started with RPL, visit the Recognition of Prior Learning page.
College Discretionary Fee (CDF)
For all on campus and online and on campus students an annual $20 discretionary fee is payable to cover items like security and other onsite facilities. Fully online students are not expected to pay a CDF as they do not attract on campus costs.