Otago Polytechnic is a well-established public tertiary institute in Dunedin, New Zealand, known for hands-on, industry-focused education across a wide range of vocational and professional areas — including hairdressing, beauty therapy, engineering, design, business and hospitality. For international students, Otago Polytechnic offers dedicated support services such as admissions guidance, English support, wellbeing and living advice, and help navigating visas and study pathways.

 

Why Study the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)?

Hairdressing is a creative, practical, and globally relevant skill — hairdressers are needed worldwide, and foundational training opens doors to salon assistant roles, apprenticeships, and further professional training. This certificate gives you essential foundation skills in salon operations and hair services, preparing you to work in a real salon environment and giving you hands-on confidence.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The certificate covers foundation knowledge and skills you’ll use in a salon, including:

Core Learning Areas

• Professional Identity: Roles and responsibilities of a hairdresser

• Salon Operations: Salon systems, team communication and professional behaviour

• Salon Knowledge and Skills: Consultation, client care, safety and hygiene

• Hair & Scalp Treatments: Basics of scalp analysis and care

• Styling: Wet-to-dry styling techniques

• Basic Cutting Skills: Introduction to haircutting techniques

• Colour Basics: Fundamentals of hair colouring and colour removal

• Client Journey: Managing consultations and client service

• Showcase: Final project applying your skills

 

Disciplines & Progression Pathways

This Level 3 certificate gives you foundational skills and leads to further study options, such as:

• New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4) — more advanced skills and client services training.
• Hairdressing Apprenticeship (HITO) — on-the-job training with pay.
• Other salon and beauty therapy diplomas.

 

Highlights of the Programme

• Hands-on salon training: Learn in a realistic salon environment with actual clients.
• Industry professionals: Regular visits from industry experts ensure you stay current with trends and employer expectations.
• Employment focus: Graduates often progress into salon assistant roles, apprenticeships or further specialist training.
• Creative & transferable skills: Cuts, styling, colouring, client communication and professional presentation skills are all covered.

 

Career Outcomes

Completing this Level 3 certificate prepares you for roles such as:

• Salon Assistant / Junior Hairdresser
• Apprentice Hairdresser
• Salon Support Worker
• Assistant Stylist
• A pathway into the Level 4 hairdressing qualification and salon careers

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students planning to study this full-time on-campus programme for 1 year must apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. Requirements typically include:

• A confirmed Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
• Valid passport and supporting documents
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance