Bachelor of Counselling

Applications for the 2027 Bachelor of Counselling open 31 August 2026. The current target closing date is 6 November 2026.

Counselling at BTI

Develop the personal awareness, professional knowledge and practical skills to support individuals, couples, whānau and communities.

Why study Counselling at BTI?

  • Full-time study, with limited part-time places available
  • Small teaching groups
  • Great learning support to help you succeed

Formed in community

  • Christ-centred and biblically informed learning
  • A relational, strengths-based learning community
  • Educators who take time to know and support you
  • Opportunities for personal growth and transformation

Career outcomes

  • About 70% of graduates employed by graduation
  • A pathway towards professional association membership
  • Roles in community agencies, churches and private practice

Bachelor of Counselling

Professional and personal formation

Overview

Counsellors journey with individuals, couples and families as they face challenges, grow and make changes. BTI’s counselling degree brings together learning that develops the heart, mind, awareness and practice of each student.

Across the three-year programme, you will develop the knowledge and skills to support children, young people and adults facing grief, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and social or cultural disconnection.

Delivery

This programme is available online from anywhere in New Zealand. Some courses also offer a hybrid onsite class option, alongside students studying online.

All students attend block courses on campus in Tauranga once per semester, normally in February or March and July or August. Year 1 weekly tutorials require daytime attendance.

Study commitment

Full-time study is preferred and requires approximately 35–40 hours each week. Limited part-time places may be available; allow around one day of study per week for each course you take.

Before you apply: police clearance is required because students work alongside vulnerable persons. Applicants must be over 25 years of age at the time of application. Applicants must successfully participate in and complete an individual interview and half-day small-group participation before being accepted into the programme. Applicants must provide a professional referee as part of their application—check the application requirements before applying.

Programme information

Explore study and career pathways

Review the programme guide for more detail about study, professional formation, entry requirements and the application process.

The available programme guide is labelled 2026. Please check with BTI before relying on it for 2027 dates, fees or admission information.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply for the 2027 Bachelor of Counselling or contact BTI to discuss entry requirements and study options.

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Study Enquiry Form

Use this form to enquire about studying at BTI. Enquiries are sent to the BTI admissions team for follow-up.

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“Choosing BTI to pursue my dream of counselling has provided me with a steadfast base to my practice that helps me to have confidence in my abilities as well as an awareness to continually reflect and strive to be the best practitioner I can be for my clients.” 

Shivonne – BTI Counselling graduate

Meet Key Staff

Rebekah Thomas: Professional Lead (Academic)
Michelle Youngs : Professional Lead (Students)
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