Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develops advanced beauty therapy skills beyond the foundational treatments covered in a Level 4 certificate.

• Provides training in advanced skincare, body therapies, electrology and hair removal.

• Builds the ability to analyse clients’ needs, develop treatment plans and deliver advanced services in line with professional standards.

• Includes business-related learning to help graduates manage a client base or operate a small beauty therapy business.

• Provides practical experience through Ara’s beauty clinic and work-integrated learning.

• Ara describes its beauty programmes as combining expert tutor guidance with practical experience in an in-house salon that is open to the public.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 2026 Ara programme handbook provides the following course matrix for the 120-credit diploma. It identifies all eight courses as compulsory.

• Professional Business Standards – DBTP511: 15 credits.

• Advanced Beauty Services 1 – DBTB512: 15 credits.

• Advanced Beauty Services 2 – DBTB522: 15 credits.

• Advanced Body Therapies – DBTS523: 15 credits.

• Electrology 1 – DBTE514: 15 credits.

• Electrology 2 – DBTE524: 15 credits.

• Anatomy and Physiology with Nutrition – DBTA525: 20 credits.

• Beauty Sector Clinic – DBTC526: 10 credits.

Main learning areas include:

• Advanced skincare services and products.

• Advanced beauty treatments and client consultation.

• Advanced body therapies.

• Electrology and advanced hair-removal techniques.

• Anatomy, physiology and nutrition relevant to beauty therapy.

• Professional business standards and client management.

• Beauty clinic practice and professional service delivery.

• Health, safety and hygiene requirements.

• Recognising skin and body conditions and referring clients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary.

• Developing treatment plans and evaluating client needs.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The diploma is focused on advanced beauty therapy. Its main areas of specialisation and skill development include:

• Advanced skincare and facial-related treatments.

• Advanced body therapies.

• Electrology and hair removal.

• Beauty clinic practice.

• Anatomy, physiology and nutrition for beauty services.

• Professional business practice and client-base management.

Programme Highlights

• Nationally recognised New Zealand Level 5 diploma.

• 120 credits completed through a one-year full-time programme.

• Advanced practical treatment training, including skincare, body therapies and electrology.

• Compulsory beauty clinic course and work-integrated learning.

• Develops professional standards in client consultation, health, safety and hygiene.

• Includes business knowledge relevant to managing a beauty clinic or client base.

• Ara’s on-campus beauty clinic provides opportunities for students to gain experience in a real service environment under the institution’s training arrangements.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following employment opportunities for graduates:

• Fully qualified beauty therapist with advanced skin and body care skills.

• Beauty therapist in a commercial salon.

• Beauty therapist in a spa or wellness environment.

• Beauty product trainer.

• Beauty services on luxury cruise ships.

• Salon or spa operator or owner, with relevant experience and business capability.

Further study and career development

Ara suggests complementing beauty therapy skills with business qualifications to prepare for small-business operation. Potential study pathways include:

• New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management).

• New Zealand Diploma in Business.

• Bachelor of Applied Management.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Ara programme page lists the next start as 22 February 2027.

• The international application close date is shown as “Received all year”.

• The 2027 International Mini Guide lists the programme at NZD 27,768 for one year and confirms the IELTS requirement of 5.5 overall, with 5.0 in each band.

• The programme page lists additional equipment or fees as “Advised on enrolment”.

• Applicants must be physically able to complete practical programme components in an industry-emulated environment.

• The 2026 handbook identifies a professional dress requirement for the Level 5 programme’s first day: Ara tunic, black dress pants, black closed-toe shoes, and professional hair and makeup. This is a 2026 handbook instruction, so applicants should check the 2027 dress code and uniform requirements with Ara.

• The programme page and previous-year handbook show different course-credit allocations for some subjects. Request the final 2027 programme matrix before accepting the offer.

International Student Visa Requirements

International applicants accepted into the programme may apply for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa. Ara’s programme listing states that the diploma may be available for a study visa. This is not a guarantee of visa approval; Immigration New Zealand makes the final decision.

Main visa requirements

• Offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, or that the applicant can pay them, or has an acceptable scholarship or funding arrangement.

• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• Genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of onward or return travel, or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Valid passport and other supporting documents required by Immigration New Zealand.

Financial requirements

• For tertiary study lasting one year or longer: NZD 20,000 for each year of study.

• For study lasting less than one year: NZD 1,667 per month.

• Tuition fees must also be paid for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter, unless an applicable exemption applies.

• Students studying for more than one year should prepare a credible plan for funding subsequent years.

• The NZD 20,000 living-funds requirement is a visa evidence threshold; it is separate from tuition fees and the student’s actual living costs.

Visa application cost and processing

• Fee Paying Student Visa cost: from NZD 850.

• Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks.

• The visa may be issued for up to 4 years, but is normally issued for the period of study paid for, or until the passport expires if that is sooner.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before planned travel.

Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be allowed during scheduled holidays, depending on the visa conditions and course arrangements.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student. Applicants must check the conditions printed on their individual visa.

Insurance and study conditions

• Students must maintain medical and travel insurance acceptable to Ara for the required period.

• Students must attend the course specified on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Immigration New Zealand may request medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

• Applicants from India applying in South Asia should note Immigration New Zealand’s specific rule that only immediate family members can act as sponsors or provide a financial undertaking in the relevant circumstances.