Beauty courses
4 beauty qualifications in Australia, compared side by side: cost, duration, providers and where each one leads.
- Qualifications
- 4
on this page
- Providers
- 231
across all qualifications
- Median pay
- $49,400–$61,300
across roles in this field
- Employment growth*
- +11%
2 of 2 roles in shortage
Which of these is right for you?
We don't recommend one provider over another, but four things usually decide which qualification is the right one to start with.
- How much time can you give it?
- A certificate usually runs months, not years, and gets you working sooner. A degree is a multi-year commitment, but it's the only route into a registered profession like pharmacist.
- Do you want to study online, on campus, or both?
- Check each qualification's study modes below. Some are online only, some require placements or on-campus units even in a mostly online course.
- What's your entry point?
- If you're starting from school leaver or career change with no background in the field, the lowest rung on the ladder is usually the realistic start, not the top qualification.
- Which role are you aiming for?
- Some roles need one specific qualification. Others accept several. The roles section below says which qualification on this page actually gets you there.
The beauty qualifications
4 qualifications in this field. Each links through to cost, duration and the providers that teach it.
Certificates and diplomas
Certificate III in Beauty Services
67 providersThis qualification trains you to work as a beautician in a salon, providing nails, waxing, lash and brow treatments, basic make-up and cosmetic tanning.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Nail Technology
35 providersThis qualification trains you to work as a nail technician, either in a salon or running your own station as a self-employed operator.
Certificate IIINail TechnicianView qualification →Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
52 providersThis course trains you to work as a beauty therapist in a salon or spa, covering the treatments a client books most often: facials and skin care advice, waxing, spray tanning, body massage, lash and brow services, make-up, and manicures and pedicures.
Certificate IVView qualification →Diploma of Beauty Therapy
77 providersA diploma in beauty therapy prepares you to work as a beauty therapist in a salon or spa, covering a full menu of treatments rather than one speciality.
DiplomaBeauty TherapistView qualification →
What beauty study leads to
The 2 roles where a beauty qualification is a recognised route in, which qualification on this page it is, and what else you need.
Nail Technician
The direct route is the Certificate III in Nail Technology. The Certificate III is a common way in and has no entry requirements. Employers and salons may also expect practical experience; check the provider's version.
Median salary for the role
$49,400
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Indicative estimate, not yet verified against official Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS data, Estimate.
Beauty Therapist
The direct route is the Diploma of Beauty Therapy. Work within the treatment scope covered by the qualification; additional procedures may have separate requirements.
Median salary for the role
$61,300
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.