- Level
- Master Degree
- Duration
- 2 Years (includes practicum)
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- Mental Health and Counseling
- Institution
- Private University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
The non thesis Master of Counselling Psychology is Adler’s main practitioner route in Vancouver. It covers counselling theory and skills, psychopathology and assessment, group and family work, professional ethics, multicultural and trauma informed practice, and career counselling, with supervised clinical practicum inside the two year structure.
Because it replaces the thesis with additional applied coursework and clinical hours, it is the route most students choose when the goal is registration and practice rather than research. Adler designs the curriculum against professional registration expectations in British Columbia, though applicants should verify current requirements with the regulator directly.
Clinical training is substantial and supervised, and students should expect the emotional demands of real client work from the second year onward. Personal therapy, supervision and self care are treated as professional obligations in this discipline rather than optional extras.
IRCC lists Master of Counselling Psychology among the Adler degrees whose graduates qualify for a Post Graduation Work Permit. Master’s programs are exempt from the field of study requirement, so no CIP code applies, and the two year length supports a work permit of up to three years at IRCC discretion.
The portal export records admission at a three year bachelor’s degree with 80 percent, IELTS 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5, and no GRE or GMAT requirement. Adler’s published Vancouver tuition for 2026 to 2027 is CAD 42,398 in year one and CAD 26,187 in year two.
Two things separate this route from the Master of Arts version in practical terms. It is slightly cheaper in Adler’s published first year tuition, and it carries the widest intake pattern of the counselling degrees in the portal export, with September and January starts recorded across the 2026 to 2028 cycles. For students whose timeline slips past an autumn deadline, that flexibility is worth real money compared with waiting a full year for the next thesis stream intake.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 80 percent, per the portal export. A course by course credential evaluation is normally required.
- English (meet any one, per source): IELTS Academic 7 overall with no band below 6.5; TOEFL iBT 92 total with no section below 22; PTE Academic 66 overall; Duolingo English Test is recorded as not accepted for this program.
- English waiver: No English proficiency exam waiver is offered for this institution per the ASV source.
- Also required: Statement of intent, resume or CV, letters of recommendation and transcripts from all institutions attended, per Adler University admissions.
- Tests: No GRE or GMAT required. Application fee CAD 30 per the portal export; Adler publishes the fee as 30 dollars, so confirm the currency at application.
- Work permit: IRCC lists Master of Counselling Psychology among the Adler University degrees whose graduates qualify for a Post Graduation Work Permit. Degree level programs are exempt from the field of study requirement, so no CIP code applies. IRCC makes the final decision.
- Spouse: Master’s programs of 16 months or longer and doctoral programs are the categories that remain eligible for a spousal open work permit under the rules in force since January 2025. Adler is a private degree granting institution, so confirm the current position with IRCC before relying on it.
- Study permit: Adler University DLI number O19394452198, to be confirmed against the letter of acceptance.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Registered Clinical Counsellor: the primary destination after registration
- Community Mental Health Counsellor: agencies and non profit services
- School Based Counsellor: with the relevant additional requirements
- Addictions Counsellor: treatment and recovery programs
- Crisis Intervention Worker: acute and outreach services
- Private Practice Therapist: independent or group practice
Reality check: British Columbia has real demand for qualified counsellors, but registration requirements including supervised clinical hours continue after graduation, so plan the full timeline rather than the degree alone.
About Adler University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Private
- Rating
- ★ 4.4
- World rank
- #14556
- Established
- 2005
- Reference No.
- O19394452198
