Cut Above Academy (UP Education)

Cut Above Academy is a specialist private training institute (PTE) in New Zealand focused on:

• Hairdressing

• Barbering

• Makeup & SFX (Special Effects)

• Established: 40+ years ago
• Part of UP Education
• Operates under Yoobee Colleges Limited

Ranking & Reputation

Not ranked in QS or global rankings (because it is a vocational college)

However, strong recognition:

• NZQA Category 1 provider (top quality rating)

• Industry-focused reputation in:

  • Hairdressing

  • Barbering

  • Makeup artistry

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

Cut Above offers NZQA-approved vocational programmes:

Certificate (Level 2–4)

Examples:

• Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2)

• NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) – Level 3

• NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) – Level 4

• NZ Certificate in Commercial Barbering – Level 4

Specialised Creative Courses

• Makeup Artistry (Level 4)

• Hair + SFX training

Focus on:

• Fashion

• Film & media

• Creative industries

Number of Programs Offered

• Approx. 5–8 core programmes

• Includes:

  • Hairdressing

  • Barbering

  • Makeup

Key Highlights (Why Choose Cut Above?)

Industry-Focused Training

• Real salon & barber environment

• Hands-on learning

Creative Career Pathways

• Fashion

• Film & media

• Beauty industry

Strong Employability

• Industry partnerships

• Job-ready graduates

Small Class Sizes

• Personalized attention

Part of UP Education Network

• 39,000+ students across network

• Pathways to further study

Latest Updates (2025–2026)

Scholarship Availability

• Up to 25% tuition scholarship for international students

Modern Campus Facilities

• Upgraded training spaces

• Industry-standard equipment

International Student Focus

• Increased recruitment

• Strong student support services

Final Counsellor Insight

Cut Above Academy is ideal if you want:

Career in:

• Hairdressing

• Barbering

• Makeup

• Short-term, practical courses
• Fast entry into creative industries

Not ideal if you want:

• University degree (Bachelor/Master)

• High global ranking

• Fully funded scholarships

Expert Advice for Indian Students ????????

• Apply early → better chance of 25% scholarship

Focus on:

• Strong SOP

• Passion for creative field

• Choose Level 4 programme → best career progression

Scholarship

1. Main Scholarship for International Students

A. Cut Above International Scholarship (Official)

Value:

• Up to 25% of tuition fees

Example:

• Course fee ~NZD 27,300

• Scholarship can reduce:

  • ~NZD 3,000 – 7,000

Eligible Programmes:

• Hairdressing (Level 3–4)

• Barbering (Level 4)

• Makeup Artistry (Level 4)

Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered, you must:

• Be an international student

• Apply for a full-time programme

• Meet entry requirements:

  • Age 18+ (typical)

  • Basic English proficiency

• Be assessed through:

  • Personal Statement
    OR

  • Interview

Important:

• Selection is not purely academic

• Focus is on motivation & passion

Required Documents:

• Offer letter

• Academic transcripts

• Passport

• Personal statement (very important)

Selection Criteria:

Scholarship is awarded based on:

• Passion for:

  • Hairdressing / Barbering / Makeup

• Quality of personal statement

• Interview performance

• Basic academic background

Official note:

• Scholarship amount depends on performance in interview or statement evaluation

2. Are There Other Scholarships?

A. Promotional / Intake-Based Scholarships

• Value: NZD $1,000 – $5,000 (approx.)

• Offered:

  • During selected intakes

  • Through admissions or agents

Important:

• Not guaranteed

• Depends on intake & seat availability

3. External Scholarships (Limited Applicability)

Since Cut Above is a private vocational college:

Some external options may exist:

• NZ Government scholarships (rare for this level)

• Private funding / education loans

But:

• Most large scholarships are designed for:

  • Universities

  • Degree-level programmes

4. General Eligibility (Admission + Scholarship)

Academic Requirements

• Flexible:

  • ~50–60% minimum

• Selection is holistic (not marks-heavy)

English Requirements

• Basic English understanding required

• IELTS typically ~5.5 (programme dependent)

Other Requirements

• Valid student visa

• Health insurance

Key Scholarship Insights (Expert Counsellor View)

Strengths:

• Up to 25% fee reduction

• Easier approval compared to universities

• Based on personality & motivation

Best Strategy for International Students ????????

To Maximise Scholarship:

1. Write a strong personal statement

   • Why this career?

   • Future goals

2. Prepare for interview:

   • Confidence

   • Communication skills

3. Apply early:

   • Better chance of higher %

Smart Positioning Tip:

Cut Above values:

• Passion > Marks

So even average students can win scholarships if:

• They show strong motivation

Final Counsellor Insight

Cut Above Academy is:

• Good for skill-based creative careers
• Offers moderate scholarships (up to 25%)

But:

• Not suitable if you need high/full funding

Honest Advice

Choose this if:

• You want fast job entry in hair/makeup industry

• You can afford partial fees

Avoid if:

• You depend on 50–100% scholarships