Cairnmillar Institute
Contact
391-393 Tooronga Road
Hawthorn East VIC 3123
Phone No: 9813 3400
Email:
Web site: https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/
Accreditation
CRICOS provider code: 03530E
RTO provider code: 45267
Campus locations
Hawthorn East
391-393 Tooronga RoadHawthorn East VIC 3123
Hybrid - Face-to-face
Founded by Professor Emeritus, Dr Francis Macnab in 1961, the Cairnmillar Institute pioneered counselling and psychotherapy in Australia. Today, we are one of Australia’s leading centres for psychological trauma counselling. We are also an industry leader in psychology and counselling education and training.
As a registered higher education provider, our courses are university-equivalent and informed by evidence-based research and clinical practice. At a glance, we offer:
- Psychology courses accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
- Counselling and psychotherapy programs accredited by the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia (PACFA).
We offer high quality personalised training and industry experience opportunities. Our courses range from short courses through to Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology).
What more does Cairnmillar offer?
We are committed to making your experience at Cairnmillar one that continues to assist you beyond your degree. We aim to provide you with skills beyond what you will gain through the units of study, including:
Free leadership training and peer mentoring programs.
A supportive environment and a close community of students.
An inspiring colloquium program.
Academic writing and study skills support.
Career advice and mentoring.
Friendly staff with an open-door approach.
Professional development opportunities for a reduced price.
Modern and attractive learning facilities and classrooms.
Find out more by going to our website.
Courses
For all courses listed with VTAC, visit CourseSearch.
Events
Course Information Sessions - To be announced
For more information: https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/events/
Open days
Hawthorn East
Change of Preference Course Information Session - To be announced
For more information: https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/events/
Admission criteria
Admissions
While we do consider an ATAR for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling, this will not be the sole consideration. Our focus to support you while your study is by taking into consideration your work and life experience, recent VET studies, your personal skills and factor into the challenges you may have faced during your secondary education.
For our post-graduate courses, we consider your previous higher education study, overall WAM and meeting all the selection tasks as outlined in the Admissions requirements for that particular course. More information can be found at www.cmi.edu.au/postgraduate-courses
Applies to:
- All Applicants
Admissions
Short listed applicants will be invited for short online interview with the Course Coordinator during the Admissions period.
Applies to:
- All Applicants
Special consideration
Institutional access and equity queries should be directed to:
- Contact phone number: (03) 9813 3400
- Institutional web page: https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/
- E-mail address:
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Access & equity through VTAC (SEAS):
Cairnmillar, as a boutique not-for-profit registered health promotion charity, embraces diversity in all its activities and, where possible, provides a platform to promote equity between students in admissions, student life, and assessments to help our students reach their true potential. Under the guiding values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Professionalism, and Collaboration, Cairnmillar is dedicated to working with students and their support teams to empower students with a learning environment that meets their needs. This might mean a quiet room for those needing minimal sensory environments; a prayer room for religious purposes; non-gendered and gendered bathrooms; access to a learning support advisors and librarians for those needing additional support in achieving their learning goals (be it with their writing style, struggling to return to or to move into higher education, or locating, reading, and critiquing research). We develop research and our policies reflect our commitment to improve the access and achievement of students belonging to underrepresented groups.
Cairnmillar also facilitates LGBTQIA+ and international student groups who not only serve as a place to socialise and make friends but also who act as a voice that is heard throughout our school; enabling reasonable adjustments where appropriate in assessments and teaching & learning whilst delivering on the inherent requirements of our courses. We can also provide our students with free access to counselling and psychology services to help during difficult times.
Beyond our activities in the school, our admissions process embraces these qualities around diversity and equity as well. The VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) enables our course teams to grant special consideration where applicable. To be eligible applicants must also submit a VTAC course application and satisfy all relevant course entry requirements.
Additional information
Deferment
Due to the highly competitive nature of our programs each year, deferral is normally only possible on compassionate grounds and prior to enrolling. Deferments may be granted for up to 12 months.
Each case would be looked at on its individual merits. If you have been made or have accepted an offer and you think you may need to defer please contact the Registry team via email
Enrolment
Offer, acceptance and enrolment
Successful applicants will receive an email (to the email address supplied in their VTAC Course Application) with offer information and details about when and how to enrol.
Student and campus services
Academic Skill and Support
The Student Learning Support Advisor supports students with study and academic skills to maximise their academic success. This assistance is available via workshops, online resources and one-on-one consultations.
Library facilities
The Cairnmillar Institute Library supports students and staff with their educational, study and research requirements, provides accurate, current information and equitable access to Library materials, facilities and resources for all users of the Cairnmillar Institute Library. We also offer photocopying, printing facilities and electronic databases.
You'll have access to a rich collection of online resources at any time of the day or night, including:
databases
text books
e-learning content for courses
student email
student software packages
social networking tools.
Accessibility Support
Cairnmillar provide advice and support to students who are experiencing extenuating circumstances or have special needs have adequate assessment or support arrangements in place to continue their progress for ongoing success in their course. Both discretion and flexibility are used in managing these applications. Services provided are in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
Please contact us at
Learn more about our student services and campus facilities
Located in Hawthorn East, the Institute moved to our new campus in 2018 where we offer our accredited higher education (university equivalent) postgraduate courses, as well as clinical services to the community. Our building is two stories, with the ground floor dedicated to our School of Higher Education. While upstairs, our first-floor houses our Psychology Clinic, group therapy rooms, as well as additional teaching and research spaces.
All teaching staff are experienced practitioners, researchers and excellent educators, who are committed to advancing psychology, counselling and psychotherapy through their work and interaction with students. Our students benefit from small class sizes, which promote in depth discussions, allowing students a chance to fully explore the subject areas.
Cairnmillar is located 500 meters from Monash Freeway, via the Toorak Road exit. Tooronga train station is also 400 meters away, and we are a short walk from major bus and tram routes. Many car park spaces are also available onsite for free.
We have a dedicated Student Hub and kitchenette that is available to students whenever the campus is open. We provide free coffee, tea, sugar, and a variety of milk for all students, as well as fridges, microwaves, and a Nespresso coffee pod machine.
There is a semi-private computer rooms, and make the most of our courtyard that features a barbeque, where staff and students celebrate the start and end of semester.
- For more information
https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/campus
Student Mentoring
This is especially helpful for students who want feedback on applications and advice about current student challenges. Sometimes just knowing a student who is a few years ahead in the process can be helpful.
Student Assistance Program
Cairnmillar offers a Student Assistance Program (SAP) service where students will be able to access up to three free counselling sessions. This may be beneficial for students experiencing difficulties in their personal life, or the stress and anxiety associated with academic study. Our provider has a wide variety of practitioners, so we are confident that they will have more options and more choice of where to go and who to see. Aside from face to face services, the provider also offers telephone and skype/zoom consultations for the student’s convenience.
Self-Care and Mental Health Resources
Our students are provided with tip sheets and resources to encourage self-care. We also have links to thedesk, who aim to support Australian tertiary students to achieve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Being a student can be a challenging time and many students do not access support services for a range of reasons including time pressures, not knowing where to go for help and feeling embarrassed. Providing resources online means that more people will be able to get help to improve their wellbeing and be able to study more effectively. thedesk offers free 24/7 access to online modules, tools, quizzes and advice.
Mentoring Program
We also offer a mentoring program where mentors are offered at least one specialist training session to help learn key mentoring and leadership skills. You will also have support from an academic staff member, the school admin team and your mentorship trainers including our very own Executive Director and Organisational Psychologist, Prof Kathryn von Treuer.
Student Leadership Program
We offer an exciting Student Leadership Program (SLP) that trains students in developing leadership skills. The skills students will gain can be applied and consolidated in a number of different contexts.
The Student Leadership Program will enable you to
- connect with potential future colleagues/networks
- enhance your leadership skills
- build a narrative around learning and practicing leadership
- to add to your resume, including receiving a certificate of completion
- learn about event management by sitting on the organising committee for the Cairnmillar Annual Research Conference
- influence the quality of your course through participating on a Course Advisory Committee
- be supervised in leadership and by an experienced academic
- make a positive impact on the study culture and environment at Cairnmillar
Financial assistance
Tuition fees are one the most significant costs associated with studying, but students need to be aware there are other costs such as text books.
When working out the complete cost of obtaining your degree, you should factor in annual fee increases. Tuition fee increases are necessary because the School’s costs increase each year. Cairnmillar Institute School is committed to maintaining the quality of its courses and providing the highest level of support and assistance to students. Tuition fees are set at a rate that will ensure a high standard of teaching and to enhance the student experience while keeping the costs as affordable as possible.
FEE-HELP Loans
Students can pay up-front for their fees prior to the commencement of each semester, or apply for FEE-HELP. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee paying students to pay all or part of their tuition fees. To determine your eligibility for FEE-HELP or further information, please visit: http://studyassist.gov.au
Internship Fees
Information on fees for Cairnmillar’s Internship Program can be found on the Domestic Student Fee Structure, please go to https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/course-fees
Austudy Support
Austudy provides financial help to full-time students aged 25 or more and enrolled in an eligible course of study. Students wanting to submit a claim for Austudy should do so as early as possible, so they can be paid from the earliest possible date. When you lodge your claim, you will be asked for information to assess your entitlement. For further information, or to determine your eligibility for Austudy, please visit: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/austudy
Study Loans
Cairnmillar partners with Study Loans – the first dedicated private student loan provider for Australian Citizens and/or Permanent Residents in Australia. They offer competitive interest rates and flexible payment schedules, making it easier to fund your studies. For any students wishing to utilise Study Loans to assist in funding their course fees; we recommend visiting our specific information page here. This will provide further information on what your repayments may look like and determining the pre-qualification factors.
NB: Credit criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Students should always seek independent financial advice before making a decision on a financial product. Study Loans. ACL 498589
Further information
- Institutional course finder
https://www.cmi.edu.au/ - Appeals and grievance website
https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/policies