Estrada College

Predatory, very predatory – So, I went for a diploma in counselling I'm sure Matt is snickering....it's a completely useless course that was reworded from a course in an American highschool, I completed one unit and somehow failed the next with no reason given........after cancelling the course they charged the government and by extension myself over $10,000 I cancelled… Read more

because I realised after the first unit that if you attempted to apply for a job with an American highschool course degree, you would be laughed out of the interview, they usually prey on those who have just started courses of antidepressants.

So obviously Optus is selling your data as well....to have you preyed on.

Poor service – Found this college unprofessional, unsupportive and unwilling to listen. Emails went unanswered and then I was bullied and threatened to be charged for subjects due to having difficulties in submitting practical videos on time despite this being fully paid by the government already. Requests for extensions were denied even though I had… Read more

compassionate reasons. This company was exploitive and I ended up having to cancel the course to avoid paying for a course that was already paid for. I recommend avoiding.

Debt - – Worse teaching school ever with ridiculous charges. They don’t even tell you that the units you’ve passed cannot be transfer anywhere. Left with a debt for a useless unfinished diploma.

Absolutely Terrible Education Institution – I enrolled in a diploma which I was not able to even complete 1 unit due to my 3 year old son( at the time) health declining rapidly. Prior to my enrollment, my son was physically assault and underwent multiple operations to save his life. I began to think of re-training so I could change careers to be available for him now I had full custody. My… Read more

son's doctors advised that at that stage my son's health appeared to be getting better. After enrolling, which I already felt pressure to do given the staff pushing me, my son was re-admitted to hospital under emergency situations. I withdraw from the unit after the census date but contacted Estrada directly and was advised over the phone that I would not be charged for this course at all. After spending $1000's on criminal and family lawyers pertaining to my son's abuser and biological mother was punished and not allowed near my son again, I discovered that not only was I charged for the course but I was also DOUBLE charged. I contacted them again and was yet again advised that all fees were removed and that I was not charged at all. I come to find that I have been charged for the course. I contacted them again and provided all documentation from my sons hospitalisations and from his GP stating that he had multiple surgeries during the study semester. They advised me that the documentation and professional word from my GP was not good enough and have decided that I still need to pay their HECS fees.

If I had the money to take this to the tribunal then I would but given that I have just spent 3 years fighting the court system to ensure that my ex-wife who tried to kill my son doesn't get access to him unsupervised. I can't afford the fees.

Personally I feel that they just don't want to repay the Australian Government for the HECS fees. [name removed] and [name removed] are horrific unmoral, unprofessional women who are doing this education institution nothing but harm.

I will be advising anyone I can to avoid this institution and will be contacting and and all media outlets that would be interested in my story.

What an experience, I would do it all over again! – Hello, My name is Alan Grant and I commenced my study in February 2016 where, like most who are contemplating of doing this course and wondering if it's going to be scary, I found to be an exciting journey in my life. As I went through the course completing my assessments and going in to the college to complete my practical assessments, I… Read more

discovered that if at any time I needed assistance or clarification on an issue, I felt like I was never alone.

There was always someone there who was willing to help you succeed not because they had to, but because they genuinely wanted to help.

If there is any doubt of whether you think that this Diploma of Counselling course is for you, consider the advantages of not doing it and the dis-advantages of not doing it; then, consider the dis-advantages of doing the course and the advantages of doing the course.

Yes, you can get your diploma's from various source providers and I considered that at the beginning and when people you trust who have already gone through or are still going through with Estrada College, tells me that they felt appreciated and getting help from all directions just fired me up to contact Estrada; and I did.

I have had the best experience of my adult like going through Estrada College, I have met some wonderful coaches and wonderful people in the form of students whom I have learned from as well.

What's important is the fact that we think we are alone with our feelings, that can be true if we don't express them and these feelings can affect us in many debilitating ways and yet, when you are alone with all your friends and people who want to help you succeed, our feelings of despair fade into the distance and is replaced with feelings of worth, excitement and new friendships develop; and your new career begins.

That's how I feel now about taking that leap into Counselling and that is what I have gained from studying with Estrada College, worth, excitement, new friendships, a new career and happiness.

Thank you Rob, Kathleen, Kelly, Kate and all the wonder people who marked my assessments and your kind thoughts and words.

If I could do it all over again, I would.

Alan Grant Dip. of Counselling.

P.S. The best results for the sake of the safety of your future Clients, use your own answers in the assessments, not someone else's, it the difference of you saving that Client or someone else damaging that Client.

Always be true to yourself first and the rewards and knowledge will follow.

My experiences with Estrada College – Enrolling was easy, and the orientation session was informative. I found this a great way to study my two Diplomas, as online is very convenient to me, even 'though at times there was some problems with the content on the site, that had to be corrected. i.e. Incorrect material for the particular unit etc., The practicals I preferred face to… Read more

face which worked out very well for myself, and found tutors and assessors always extremely helpful.

At all times Parramatta (Sydney campus) was most co-operative with any queries, or requests, and always would arrange for a tutor on campus or to phone me back at any time it was needed, which occasionally was the case, and always very prompt and efficient in answering my email.

However, I found it not so good when ringing the student line as when I would ask for a tutor, there was none available, on always promising they would have one ring me back that day or the next, this never happened. They simply said they would ring back, and did not, which is not good.

I also found some content in the Counselling Diploma book of readings, which was totally unrelated to our Indigenous culture, and this part certainly needs reviewing, as African/American has nothing in relation to Aborigine/Australian, and it only will cause confusion to new students not aware of this.

All in all, I found the College great, and I have completed my Community Services (Case management) diploma, and now in the last unit of my Counselling Diploma.

I had to follow up on receiving the Certificate when I completed the Diploma in case management, and it took more than 6 weeks to receive it. Like most cases where there was incorrect study material, it took Parramatta campus to sort it out for me. When phone Brisbane it was a waste of a phone call.

I give it 4 stars (good) because of Parramatta, they should have 5 starts, but it was not for Parramatta being so helpful and efficient I would give it only 2 or 3, for student help line, I would give it one star only.

I would go back again in a heart beat! – I did completed my diploma in Community services and case management. The teachers work in the industry, hey work with you to help you achieve your best. The online support was easy to use. I had to defer for a few months when I came back the course was updated and I was offered the opportunity to do the new modules for no extra cost. I could have not asked for a better experience, supportive, nothing was to much trouble,

Ridiculous over charges – Ridiculous charges and dismal communication, tried endlessly to sort out the issues I had but after 12 months of buck passing they got their way and I gave up. This dishonest company wrought the government’s training scheme charging 3 x the amount for an online diploma than a high quality university charges for most degrees

Diploma of Counselling – Curriculum solid Teaching approach when face to face uplifting, building, educative Offline support more than adequate Gained a thorough knowledge of counselling through the course It's true that there are few entry level jobs out there, but there are regulars ads for experienced counsellors, which generally means working as a volounteer somewhere for a while

Terrible assistance and Even worse 20+ k debt!!! – I had about 6 facilitaters in the 3 years i completed the diploma. Early on i was given incorrect information which meant i failed that module and was charged for it and wasnt my fault even the facilitator admitting it was estradas fault (portal error) then the 2nd unit i failed just so happened to be the biggest amount ( over 2k) the 3rd fail… Read more

ill accept but this diploa has cost me over 20k i could have gone to uni for that!! Considering legal action as the whole thing is a scam!

Waste of Money. No Jobs for Diploma of Counselling graduates – Signed up for Diploma of Counselling and graduated February 2017. I was clear that I was engaging in the course to gain employment in the industry. 17 months later I am still in a low paying customer service job and no where near working in the industry. I would never have engaged in this course knowing that there were no jobs in the industry for… Read more

Diploma graduates (most places will not even let you volunteer with this qualification). Also, study options are not flexible.

What a BLESSING!! – Throughout the whole time studying, I was motivated and encouraged by the teachers ESPECIALLY TRACY!!! THANKYOU! I nearly quit half way, but thanks to the support system, I did it! I DID IT!!

Fantastic education and support – I am so happy that I decided to study with Estrada College! The staff were simply amazing - the encouragement and support that I received is what got me through. I chose to take up study at a really difficult time in my life and every person I dealt with at the college was understanding and accommodating of my needs. I cannot recommend them enough!

Amazing course but even better assistance and support – What an amazing privilege and experience Estrada College is. The support, understanding and assistance I received was beyond words. Thank you Estrada.

Studying through Estrada was always such a pleasure – I enjoyed every bit of my studies and Estrada was always soo helpful when needed. I look forward to studying some more

Thanks Estrada – The standout was the support given by the staff who were very friendly and approachable. I would recommend this college to anyone still considering signing up... do it.... you won't regret it. Thanks Estrada.

Professional, Encouraging and Supportive – A wonderful opportunity, thank you to Estrada and all the staff who continued to show tremendous support while I was studying a Diploma of Counselling, now completed. Your professionalism and encouragement has been nothing short of amazing, I am truly grateful. Wishing you all the very best.

Amazing Support – Completed my qual today- received the most amazing support from staff I am eternally grateful! The support you relieve is amazing. Thanks Estrada!

Best decision I ever made – Studying Diploma of Business Administration through Estrada College was one of the best things I did after leaving high school, the staff helped me through every step of the way and they were very understanding of my situation being a new mum, I had to learn how to juggle my time - and on many occasions I failed that part, but they didn’t make me… Read more

feel like a failure - they just pushed me to keep going and I did. Studying online was also a challenge at the beginning, not being able to physically see them and just talk to them when I need to. However the tutors and staff were only a Skype, e-mail and phone call away. I can’t thank them enough for everything that they did for me, their feedbacks helped me so much on all the units and the practicals I had to do. I’m lucky that I got to do it through Estrada College. If I thought about studying another Diploma, I would definitely do it through them again.

My best education experience – My experience with Estrada College Parramatta was very good. My Admin supervisor Tracie Sibrra was excellent throughout my DIPLOMA STUDIES. A passionate person Tracie is all about People and their timetable, without Tracie i dont think i would have made it through the tight schedules (as i was working in my day job) she was flexible with my… Read more

assessment delivery and gave really good advice, the experience and sensitivity of my Prac Tutors was par excellence. I would sincerely recommend the Estrada experience to anyone contemplating external studies for improving their tertiary education.

Beware – Just a few pointers from a ex staff member who has seen it all: 1. Be very careful with this company and their vet fee system. 2. Their system is to lock you into a specific unit and then you move onto the next so not flexible learning. 3. They have role plays as part of their course structures. 4. Some of the staff “training you” do not all… Read more

the necessary qualifications and have been thrown into the deep end.

5. Don't give out your phone number as they will call you over and over and over.

My advice is stay away and enrol elsewhere!

Fantastic Experience – I am so greatful for choosing this college to do my Diploma in Counselling,not only did I get a qualification I got to discover myself as an individual.Special mention to Tracie J who kept me on my toes to finish my assignments on time.I would definitely recommend anyone to enrol with Estrada,you just have to be ready to put up in the work.

Terrible, ripped off by $1000's – After making an initial enquiry about the Diploma in Counselling, I was harassed to sign up even though I said I'd rather wait as I wasn't ready to commit. Not long after enrolling, my Grandmother had a stroke and we thought we would loose her so I was busy with work and supporting my Mum with the situation. I asked the College to defer my… Read more

studies. I then deferred again. I never understood that I was re-enrolled into the entire Diploma twice. So I was charged the Entire course $4782 twice!!!! I read the email with my Commonwealth Assistance Notice far too late do dispute apparently. So now thanks to Estrada I get no tax return and I owe nearly $10,000 and I've completed one subject of the Diploma. The appeals process got me nowhere and it appears spending hundreds on mediation is the only way out. As I now realise I'm about to get less than $400 on my tax return because of this ridiculous debt, I'm absolutely furious. I'd like to know how many other people have had similar problems and didn't realise this cost. I would have never 're-enrolled' knowing this I would be liable for the entire course twice. I wish someone knew how to help me with this as I feel like I need counselling after this which is financially crippling. I've had no tax return last year due to the debt and now none this year which would have really helped after my daughter graduated grade 12. I'm sure everyone can appreciate how expensive this year is for parents. I wish someone could help me with this as Estrada sure won't and I'm now considering contacting A Current Affair as this would be terrible for other people to end up in this situation not knowing. Wish I never heard of Estrada now.

Fantastic Support – Thankyou for allowing me the opportunity to complete my Diploma of Counselling with this college, it was a fantastic experience and it was great to have the support to study independently online living so far away from a campus. I loved completing the written assessment books I found they were easily understandable and as a read write learner I… Read more

found them very useful and enjoyable to complete.

The practical assessments were a good balance and I liked that it was like completing work experience in a spread out way.

Overall my experience with Estrada was fantastic and I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking at studying online.

Thankyou for all the support throughout my studies :)

Roller coaster of a experience ! – I’ve successfully finished my Diplima of Counselling through estrada with the Sydney based parramatta campus. I was tutored by experienced and well based skilled tutors and also guided well through my units by Tracie constantly keeping me up to date with assemebts etc. The team is really genuine and supportive and help you through all your units,… Read more

I would recommend Estrada! And if in the future I wanted to gain higher qualifications I would come back to Estrada and do it with them again!

Was the best descision – I was so well informed when I found Estrada, what the process was and was kept upto date with every process. When I started my studies I was given more than enough information about what I needed to do and in what timeframe. I was also given the best person in the company to guide me and aid me, Tracie was not only understanding and caring in my… Read more

times of need she was encouraging and empowering and I love that about a person, no matter how hard my situation was at the time she would always offer her help and suggestions in regards to my work and I am forever greatful. I also worked with the best assessor ever Marissa gave me motivation and the best feedback to make me the best counsellor I can be and I will take those words with me for the rest of my career.

Thank you

Great Experience – My experience doing my Dip of Counselling online was great. All the staff at the Brisbane office were great, always helpful, easy to deal with. Being able to have the same assessor for my practical assessments was really nice, a BIG THANK YOU to her and everyone at the Brisbane campus. I would not have any issues recommending Estrada College to anyone who would like to complete a Dip of Counselling online.

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE – I have completed my course and I found my time at Estrada to be very rewarding. The staff were always very professional and very helpful. It was great to be able to come onto campus and have practice sessions as well as sit exams there. It's a great place to connect with other students and the knowledge and feedback of the assesors is a very… Read more

valuable commodity to have. All up I'm glad I chose this college and would like to say thank you to all the staff there who provided assistance and guided me through to reach my goals.

wonderful group of people ,always ready to support – An excellent place to learn, great support group and friendly atmosphere. No regrets about enrolling with Estrada. Im loving every minute of my learning experience.

Excellent service – I have been studying with Estrada College for two years studying online and I am extremely happy with the Brisbane Campus. The staff have always been helpfull encouraging and have made my Diploma trouble free. As an online mature student studying online can be differcult. I found they took care of my every need during the course made studying… Read more

online with their campus a pleasurable experience. I would not think twice if I needed to do further studies to study though Estrada Brisbane Campus.

Excellent and rewarding – To all the staff at Carina- Brisbane Estrada thank you. ..this course was amazing. .it is the first time I studied on line. ..the course structure was easy to follow and all at your fingertips...and easy to log on and access. .the staff so helpful and always there for you. .the training sessions amazing and to have contact face to face to practice… Read more

very good. Phone help great and the tutorials amazing and you could book to suit your study. ..this was so helpful. ..administration staff always warm and able to answer any questions you had perfectly...great work to all. .I would recommend this college to anyone to study counseling. ..thank to all. ....

Perfect.. Experience – It has been a great learning journey for me and I should especially THANK PREETI,Melbourne office for helping me with my understanding on most of the difficult words and assessment... At times iwanted to give up but having a great staff like Preeti,keeps me going..so to Preeti and the Melbourne base team..Thank you so much for bearing with me and… Read more

helping me, Ridhima, thank yu as well for putting up with my difficulties. ..It had been a perfect learning enviroment for me... Thank yu team Melbourne once again

Great Course! Professional, convenient and expedient! – I enjoyed my course. I found staff (admin and lecturers) to be very approachable, professional and always there to assist. Online modules were very easy to understand and follow and instructions were clear. First time I did an online course and based on my experience I would certainly do it again and recommend it to others. Thanks for great work guys. Dragana -Melbourne CBD

Great Journey – At first I had doubts studying online, but quickly discovered that the tools and resources needed were available, as well as the great support from Estrada Melbourne Campus. All the reading material was written in a clear and understanding way and I truly enjoyed every step of my course, including the practicals. I will always recommend Estrada, as studying is made simple and supportive.

Great Course – I finished a Diploma of Life Coaching with Estrada in February 2017. I found the course to be very informative and I really enjoyed studying it. I found the staff to be really friendly, helpful and encouraging. My course co-ordinator was constantly sending emails to make sure I was on track with my online studies. The constant checking in kept me… Read more

on track and I always knew if I needed anything all I had to do was email my course co-ordinator and she was more than happy to assist me.