Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 1 year
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 7365
- CRICOS code -
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $7,000*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $7,000*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $20,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $20,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Cutting-edge curriculum
-
Community impact
-
Flexible online learning
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Are you a health professional wanting to deepen your understanding of mental healthÌýand improve your practice? The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice at 91É«ÇéƬ offers a flexible way to studyÌýadvancedÌýmental healthÌýskills andÌýhowÌýmental healthÌýservicesÌýoperateÌýin Australia. This program focuses on mental health assessment,Ìýtreatment, psychological therapies,Ìýmental health serviceÌýprovisionÌýand managing challenging and difficult situations.Ìý
Designed to fit alongside your existing work, this part-time, online program supportsÌýcareer progression,ÌýorÌýcanÌýprovideÌýa strong foundation ifÌýyou’reÌýthinking about transitioning into a mental health role.Ìý
One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental disorder each year (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025), drivingÌýstrong demand for health practitioners trained in mental health across sectorsÌý(National Mental Health Workforce Strategy, 2022-2032).ÌýMental health often shapes how people experience illness and how they respond to treatment and recovery.ÌýAs a health professional,Ìýupskilling inÌýmental health can help you better support patients across a range of clinical settings.Ìý
Led by experienced, expertÌýmental health clinicians and educatorsÌýfromÌýtheÌýDiscipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, the program supports thoughtful, ethical, patient-centredÌýpractice.ÌýYou’llÌýgraduate with the confidence to apply whatÌýyou’veÌýlearned across a range of health roles, contributing to better outcomes for patients and the wider community.Ìý
Key features
Flexible learningÌý
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is a fully online program, allowing you to study alongside work and other life commitments. The qualification is designed for busy medical practitioners, including nurses, psychologists, socialÌýworkersÌýand occupational therapists.Ìý
°ä³Ü³Ù³Ù¾±²Ô²µ-±ð»å²µ±ðÌý³¦³Ü°ù°ù¾±³¦³Ü±ô³Ü³¾Ìý
Benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that covers the theoretical and practical aspects of mainstream mental health services, including acute inpatient and community mental health assessment and treatment. This program willÌýassistÌýyou in meeting the mental health needs of patients across diverse mental health presentations, in both private and public settings.Ìý
Academic excellenceÌý
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is delivered by the Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health within 91É«ÇéƬ’sÌýSchool of Clinical MedicineÌý– one of Australia’s top medical faculties (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026). The Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental HealthÌýhasÌýa distinguished academic history, excelling in both research and education across postgraduate mental health degrees.
Why study at 91É«ÇéƬ?
°Â´Ç°ù±ô»å-°ù±ð²Ô´Ç·É²Ô±ð»åÌý°ù±ð²õ±ð²¹°ù³¦³óÌý
91É«ÇéƬ Medicine & Health is a leading teaching and research environment. Throughout the Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Practice,Ìýyou’llÌýhave the opportunity to engage with distinguished researchers and gain insights from collaborations with prestigious institutes like theÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.Ìý
Excellent employment outcomesÌý
91É«ÇéƬ isÌý#1ÌýÌýinÌýAustralia andÌý#32ÌýÌýgloballyÌýfor employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings,Ìý2026Ìý).ÌýOur graduates earn theÌýhighest median salaries among graduates of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024).ÌýAs aÌý91É«ÇéƬ alumni,Ìýyou’llÌýhave access toÌýongoing career support, including workshops, resumeÌýassistanceÌýand job opportunities.Ìý
Global recognition
91É«ÇéƬ is a global topÌý20ÌýuniversityÌý(QS World UniversityÌýRankings,Ìý2024–2026), renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to progress for all. Play your part in shaping a better future by joining a university that drives real-world impact and contributes to solving complex challenges on a global stage.Ìý
Ìý
Explore related degrees in forensic mental health
If you’re interested in advancing your expertise in mental health with a focus on the justice system, consider exploring our Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health and Graduate Diploma in Forensic Mental Health. These programs provide specialised knowledge and practical skills for those working at the intersection of mental health and the legal system.
Whether you’re looking to build a foundation or deepen your understanding of forensic mental health, these pathways offer flexible study options and access to leading experts in the field.
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ Medicine and Health?
Entry requirements
Entry into this program requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant health discipline (nursing, psychology, social work, medicine, occupational therapy, or other allied health).
English language requirements
Ìý
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.Ìý
Entry into this program requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant health discipline (nursing, psychology, social work, medicine, occupational therapy, or other allied health).
In exceptional circumstances, applicants with qualifications from non-relevant disciplines and/or extensive relevant professional work experience (e.g., Aboriginal health workers) may be considered.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
91É«ÇéƬ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?Ìý
Program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice is a one-year, fully online program that provides comprehensive training in the discipline of mental health practice.ÌýYou’llÌýevaluate evidence-based practice and its application to patient outcomes, conduct comparisons across a wide range of patientÌýgroupsÌýand learn how to explain various mental health conditions and treatment modalities.Ìý
Full program structure
Students must complete 24ÌýUnits of Credit (UOC)Ìýof the following mental health courses:Ìý
- Mental Health Assessment and Treatment – 6 UOC
- Fundamental Psychological Therapy Skills – 6 UOC
- Philosophies of Mental Health Care, Services and Systems – 6 UOC
- Assessing Risk and Managing ChallengingÌýBehaviourÌý– 6 UOC
For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice and its learning outcomes, visit the Handbook.Ìý
Future careers
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice from 91É«ÇéƬ opens doors to a wide range of future career opportunities in mental health. The field requires significant development and expansion, with demand for highly trained healthÌýprofessionalsÌýidentifiedÌýasÌýa key priority (National Mental Health Workforce Strategy, 2022-2032).Ìý
IfÌýyou’reÌýcontinuing with your current healthÌýspecialisation, you can use this qualification to strengthen your understanding of mental health,Ìýbetter support your patientsÌýand advance your career in mental health practice,Ìýand thisÌýspecialist mental health knowledge may supportÌýyourÌýprogression into more senior roles.Ìý
The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practice also provides aÌýrecognisedÌýfoundation for further study and professional development in the field. It could lead to career opportunities in moreÌýspecialisedÌýareas of clinical practice, such as mental health nursing. It can also open doors in research, education and training, policy and advocacy,ÌýconsultancyÌýor community engagement.Ìý
Potential roles
- Clinical mental health practitioner
- Community mental health worker
- Clinical nurseÌýspecialist/consultant
- Health service policy or advocacy advisor
- Mental health clinician (within existing scope of practice)
- Mental health consultant (healthcare orÌýorganisationalÌýsettings)
- Mental health educator or trainer
- Mental health nurse*
- Mental health program coordinator
- Mental health researcher
- Mental health service development officer
- Mental health workplace consultantÌý
*Role titles and scope of practice depend on professional background, registrationÌýrequirementsÌýand further training.
Ìý
Our academic
"With Australia facing a critical shortage of mental health specialists, our Mental Health Practice Program equips students with practical skills and increased confidence to deliver mental health support within their own professions. This course is long overdue and couldn’t come at a better time."
Katya Numbers
Lecturer
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through ourÌýÌýportal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.ÌýFind out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýourÌý service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date.ÌýFor details, visit theÌýinternational admissions information page.
Ìý
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program.ÌýYour eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code in UAC to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide onÌýhow to apply. 
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visitÌý91É«ÇéƬ Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking theÌýdegree/program.ÌýThe indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed whenÌýrequiredÌýand may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
TopÌý20 Worldwide
​91É«ÇéƬ is ranked #20 university in the world
Ìý
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future LeadersÌý& Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
Partnering with our clinical colleagues, we developed a comprehensive mental health Program.
