New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
This programme will give you a solid foundation to start your career in beauty therapy. You will study a wide range of beauty treatments and cosmetic services and get an introduction into important topics such as anatomy and physiology, first aid, and professional practice.
Domestic
About the programme
Beauty therapy roles are varied, creative and in high demand. Employers are seeking trained therapists with the ability to walk into a new job and to work with clients straight away.
Our top-quality facilities and products are recognised as some of the best in the industry. Study with leading tutors and learn through a combination of practical and theoretical activities. You will have the opportunity to learn the latest emerging trends and techniques, work with real clients, use an online booking system and gain hands-on/practical in-clinic experience. A wide variety of guest speakers such as spa managers, appearance medicine specialists and cosmetic representatives give you an insight into products, technologies and the specific qualities that employers are looking for in employees.
International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) qualifications are optional in this Certificate. If you choose to complete the exam, your qualifications will be recognised by employers and clients internationally. ITEC is an international examination board, operating in over 38 countries worldwide and their qualifications are supported by industry and easily transportable both nationally and internationally.
At the end of this programme, you will meet the requirements to become a Registered New Zealand Beauty Therapist. Other career options include a Cosmetic Representative or a Mobile Beauty Therapist.
International
About the programme
Beauty therapy roles are varied, creative and in high demand. Employers are seeking trained therapists with the ability to walk into a new job and to work with clients straight away.
Our top-quality facilities and products are recognised as some of the best in the industry. Study with leading tutors and learn through a combination of practical and theoretical activities. You will have the opportunity to learn the latest emerging trends and techniques, work with real clients, use an online booking system and gain hands-on/practical in-clinic experience. A wide variety of guest speakers such as spa managers, appearance medicine specialists and cosmetic representatives give you an insight into products, technologies and the specific qualities that employers are looking for in employees.
International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) qualifications are optional in this Certificate. If you choose to complete the exam, your qualifications will be recognised by employers and clients internationally. ITEC is an international examination board, operating in over 38 countries worldwide and their qualifications are supported by industry and easily transportable both nationally and internationally.
At the end of this programme, you will meet the requirements to become a Registered New Zealand Beauty Therapist. Other career options include a Cosmetic Representative or a Mobile Beauty Therapist.
What You Study
Topics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Facial treatments
- Make-up services
- Cosmetic enhancements
- Massage treatments
- Professional practice
- Nail services
- Waxing services
- Clinic
Further study options
- New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)
These qualifications can lead to self-employment as a therapist or to a career as a beauty clinic manager/owner.
Entry
Entry requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old by the time the programme ends in November.
- Applicants under 20 must have:
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Beauty context OR
- NCEA Level 2 (English and Science credits preferred) OR
- New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) (Level 3),
- OR equivalent.
- In exceptional circumstances, applicants under 20 who do not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme.
- There are no minimum entry requirements for those over 20.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
If you don’t have the entry requirements above, talk to us about whether you have the equivalent skills and knowledge or to determine if this is the right programme for you.
Please note: this programme is subject to minimum numbers.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
Our bridging to beauty certificate, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) provides the perfect pathway into this Level 4 programme.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
- External examination fees
- Beauty therapist uniform
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
