Hairdressing courses for international students in Australia

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Whether you dream of becoming a hairdresser & stylist, barber or perhaps you aspire to open your own salon one day, there are a number of hairdressing courses for international students in Australia to choose from.

Transform thousands of lives by creating haircuts that put smiles on your customers' faces and reinvigorate their wellbeing. Learn how to be patient and listen to your client’s wishes, how to work with your imagination and find the right skills which will identify your personal styles.

It’s a rewarding career which can take you around the world. You might be wondering:

●  What qualifications do you need to be a hairdresser in Australia?
●  How long does a hairdressing course take?
●  Is hairdressing a good career in Australia?
●  How long does it take to become a fully qualified hairdresser?
●  Can I be a hairdresser without qualifications?

Find out everything you need to know about hairdressing short courses in Australia below from entry requirements to future career opportunities.

What qualifications do you need to be a hairdresser in Australia?

To become a qualified hairdresser in Australia, you must complete an apprenticeship or your Certificate III in Hairdressing from a registered training organisation. We highly recommend exploring the option of a vocational education certificate as this will greatly improve your chances of being able to gain an apprenticeship.

According to TAFE, 79% of hairdressers completed their Certificate III in Hairdressing and/or Barbering before embarking upon their career. A relevant qualification will enable you to learn the fundamentals of haircutting while giving you the skills and experience required to work in a salon - from washing hair to selling products.

How much do hairdressers get paid in Australia?

Hairdressing in Australia is in high demand and offers hairdressers the opportunity to earn an estimated full-time average salary of $56,000 according to the website indeed.com.

Is it too late to become a hairdresser?

No! If it’s your dream to pursue hairdressing then get in touch with our team and we can help you to find the right course for you.

Do I need qualifications to be a hairdresser?

You don’t need a qualification to become a hairdresser or barber though it is highly advisable. Alternatively, you can complete an apprenticeship at a salon which will usually take between three to four years to complete.

Is hairdressing a good career in Australia?

Yes. Hairdressing is a great career path for creative, hardworking students with a love for all things hair. You’ll learn skills and techniques in cutting, barbering, styling, perming, straightening and colouring hair. You can further your skills in complex colour correction, hair extensions, chemical reformation or trichology.
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In Australia, the demand for hairdressers is growing - especially in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

How long does a hairdressing course take?

The length of your course will depend upon location, education provider and the level of certificate or diploma.

Below, find approximate lengths of each course. Most Vocational colleges offer monthly intake, quarterly intake or per semester intake (January and July) especially offered in TAFEs across Australia.

Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)
From 40 weeks up to 78 weeks (full-time), including holidays. Sample timetable: 3 days per week; 9am to 5pm (on campus).
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Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516)
From 46 weeks up to 64 weeks (full-time), including holidays. Sample timetable: 3 days per week; 9am to 5pm (on campus).

Diploma in Salon Management (SHB50216)
From 24 weeks (including holidays) up to 60 weeks (full-time), including holidays. Sample timetable: 3 days per week; 9am to 5pm (on campus).

Image by Allyson Carter via Unsplash

How long does it take to become a fully qualified hairdresser?

It depends on which pathway you choose to take. Some students decide to study their Certificate III before undertaking an apprenticeship while others decide to package Certificate III with Diploma.

Whichever route you decide to take, we’ll be there to hold your hand every step of the way. If you need guidance, get in touch with our team today.

What are the entry requirements for Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)?

Certificate III will introduce you to the world of hairdressing and is designed to give you a solid understanding of the industry. You will develop the consultation, sales and technical skills required to offer a broad range of hairdressing services to clients.

In order to apply for Certificate III in Hairdressing, you must meet the below criteria:

• Students must be 18 years of age or older.
• An IELTS or equivalent score of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all bands or equivalent. IELTS score requirements vary depending upon the education provider. Leave it with us, we’ll advise you correctly.
• If you have previous industry experience or studies then you may be eligible to apply for course credits at some colleges.
• Satisfactory completion of Year 10 or overseas equivalent.​

If you need to book an English test, we can organise this on your behalf. What’s great about a number of education providers across Australia is that they offer a free English test on campus, online or through a partnership with an English school. You’ll have your results through within 24-48 hours too!
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Find out everything you need to know about English courses available in Australia here.

What will I learn while studying Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)?

Studying Certificate III in Hairdressing will enable you to learn the fundamentals of working in a hair salon from consulting with clients and selling products/services to designing and offering a broad range of technical hairdressing services to clients.

Below, find some of the skills you will acquire whilst studying Certificate III in Hairdressing:

• How to use your creative flair and skills on all hair types
• How to apply cutting methods and techniques
• How to apply colour techniques
• How to create special occasion styles
• How to develop and expand a client base

Work placement requirement. There is no work placement requirement as a part of this qualification however, students will complete 360 hours of work experience with the support from industry professionals and educators.

 What career paths can I take after studying Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)?

Certificate III is recognised as a standard trade qualification and will teach you the collaborative, creative and practical skills required to work within the hairdressing industry. The course also provides a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue further study such as the Diploma in Salon Management.

Career opportunities can include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Hairdresser 
  
• Hair stylist
• Hair colourist
• Freelance session stylist
• Sales advisor

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What are the entry requirements for Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516)? 

Certificate III in Barbering will teach you the sales, consultation and technical skills required to become a barber. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide a broad range of barbering services (such as head and face shaving, beards, moustaches teamed with haircutting and finishing the clients’ hair) to clients.

Certificate III will provide a pathway to work in either a barber shop or salon.

In order to apply for Certificate III in Barbering, you must meet the below criteria:
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• Students must be 18 years of age or older.
• An IELTS or equivalent score of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all bands or equivalent. IELTS score requirements vary depending upon the education provider. Leave it with us, we’ll advise you correctly.
• If you have previous industry experience or studies then you may be eligible to apply for course credits at some colleges.
• Satisfactory completion of Year 10 or overseas equivalent.

What will I learn while studying Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516)?

Certificate III in Barbering is designed to teach aspiring barbers the art of barbering and to learn more precision cutting.

Below, find some of the skills you will acquire whilst studying Certificate III in Barbering:

Cutting techniques:
●  How to design haircut structures; kids cuts, skin fades, pixie haircuts, etc.
●  How to create graduated haircut structures
●  How to use freehand clipper techniques
●  How to design and maintain beards and moustaches
●  How to provide general grooming services

Other invaluable skills: 

• How to conduct financial transactions in a salon
• How to identify and treat hair and scalp conditions
• How to provide relaxing head, neck and shoulder massages
• How to recommend products to clients
• ​How to provide salon services
• Work placement requirement. Students will need to complete 324 hours of work experience

Image by @blakewisz

What are the entry requirements for Diploma of Salon Management (SHB30516)?

Diploma of Salon Management is designed to give you the skills and knowledge required to take on the role of a manager or small business owner whether that’s at a salon, barber shop or spa.

The course will be a combination of online theory, training webinars and face to face classes with practical tasks taking place at your education provider of choice.

In order to apply for a Diploma of Salon Management, you must meet the below criteria:
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• Students must be 18 years of age or older.
• An IELTS or equivalent score of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all bands or equivalent. IELTS score requirements vary depending upon the education provider. Leave it with us, we’ll advise you correctly.
• Satisfactory completion of Year 12 or overseas equivalent.

What will I learn while studying for a Diploma in Salon Management (SHB30516)?

This nationally accredited course is a great way to combine your interest in business with your love of the industry as you will learn how to manage a team, sell products/services and build a successful business.

Below, find some of the skills you will acquire whilst studying your Diploma of Salon Management:
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●  How to develop workplace policy and procedures
●  How to manage treatment services and sales delivery
●  How to provide a safe work environment
●  How to manage recruitment and selection processes
●  How to show leadership in the workplace

What career paths can I take after studying Diploma in Salon Management (SHB30516)?

A Diploma in Salon Management will set you apart from competitors. Students can look forward to receiving up to date and relevant information about running a business in Australia by utilising the received knowledge of licencing, government regulations, industry standards and managing staff in the business.

The Study Online Australia team were all international students once too so we know what we’re talking about! If you are interested in studying hairdressing, barbering or salon management, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for free advice and information.

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Thank you,

The Study Online Australia team