Course Overview
*This course is pending approval and is planned for February 2027 at our Windermere Campus in Tauranga.
Turn your passion for beauty, creativity, and self-expression into an exciting career in the makeup and hairstyling industry. This hands-on course brings together professional makeup artistry, hairstyling techniques, and industry knowledge, giving you the practical skills and confidence to bring your creative vision to life.
Designed for aspiring makeup artists, hairstylists, school leavers, and anyone looking to enter the beauty and creative industries, this course combines practical training with creative exploration. You'll learn to create stunning makeup looks and hairstyles for weddings, special occasions, fashion, photography, and other professional settings.
Throughout your studies, you'll develop skills in makeup application, hairstyling, client consultation, professional presentation, and industry practices. Working with a range of techniques, tools, and products, you'll build your creativity, confidence, and technical expertise while developing a professional portfolio that showcases your talents.
Whether you dream of becoming a freelance makeup artist, working in bridal and event styling, exploring opportunities in fashion and photography, or building your own beauty business, the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling (Level 4) provides an exciting foundation for a future in this vibrant and ever-evolving industry.
Unleash your creativity, develop your skills, and take the first step towards turning your passion into a profession.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hair Styling (Level 4)
| Locations | To be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Next intake | To be confirmed View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Timetable
Career Opportunities
This qualification provides a foundation for entering the makeup and hairstyling industry, pursuing freelance opportunities, or developing your own beauty business.
Topic Overview
- Professional Practice – Develop professional standards, hygiene, health and safety, and industry-ready skills.
- Anatomy & Physiology – Understand skin, hair, facial structures, and how they relate to makeup and hairstyling.
- Hair Styling & Complementary Services – Learn professional hairstyling techniques for a range of occasions and clients.
- Makeup Artistry Applications – Create makeup looks for beauty, bridal, fashion, and creative applications.
- Production Brief – Research, design, plan, and create makeup and hairstyling looks to meet creative briefs.
- Business Skills – Explore freelancing, business operations, marketing, and career opportunities.
- Client Consultation – Develop client communication, consultation, and service planning skills.
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|---|
| Course related costs | $1,000 |
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Fee Help
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry Criteria
To enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling (Level 4), applicants under 20 years of age must meet one of the following requirements:
- Hold NCEA Level 2 or higher
- Hold a New Zealand Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics (Level 3) or equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate equivalent skills, knowledge, and the physical capability required to successfully complete the course
Applicants aged 20 years and over
Applicants aged 20 years and over who do not meet the academic entry requirements may be considered for special admission based on their previous experience, skills, and ability to succeed in the course.
International Applicants
Applicants must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5, with no individual band lower than 5.0, or an accepted equivalent English language qualification.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English Language Requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Course Locations and Intake Information
Intakes to be confirmed Ask to be notified when the next intake becomes available
Course Unavailable in Your Location?
Register your interest and we'll be in touch with available options.
Important Dates
Further Study Options
Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai
Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions
- Advanced Makeup Artistry and Special Effects Makeup
- Hairdressing and Professional Hairstyling
- Fashion, Film, Television and Theatre Makeup
- Business Management and Entrepreneurship
- Advanced Skincare and Cosmetic Techniques
Entry into further study may be subject to specific entry requirements.

