Beauty Therapy is a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in Australia, offered at multiple levels — from the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121) through to the Certificate IV and the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121). The Diploma is the most comprehensive entry point into a professional beauty therapy career, requiring students to complete 29 units of competency (20 core and 9 elective units) under the SHB Training Package. The course is designed for individuals who want to work as skilled beauty therapists across a broad range of treatments and services, including advanced facial treatments, body massage, hair removal, lash and brow services, nail technology, makeup artistry, and skincare consultations. Qualifications are issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and are recognised nationally, meaning graduates can work in any state or territory without additional upskilling.

The course is designed for people who are passionate about the beauty and wellness industry, enjoy working closely with clients, and want to develop both technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Graduates work in a wide range of environments — including day spas, beauty salons, skin clinics, resort wellness centres, cruise ships, cosmetic counters, and mobile therapy settings. Employers range from boutique independent salons to national franchise chains, luxury hotel spas, and internationally recognised cosmetic brands such as L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, and Unilever's Australian operations. The course also equips students with the business and management knowledge needed to run their own salon or operate as a self-employed mobile therapist.

For the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121), most registered training organisations (RTOs) require applicants to have completed Australian Year 12 or an equivalent overseas secondary qualification. Some providers will also accept a Certificate IV or higher qualification delivered in Australia as an alternative academic entry pathway. Applicants who have not completed Year 12 may be considered at a provider's discretion, particularly if they can demonstrate relevant work experience in the beauty industry or hold a lower-level beauty qualification such as the Certificate III in Beauty Services. The minimum age at enrolment is typically 17 years. As part of the enrolment process, most providers require students to complete a Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) assessment to ensure they have the foundational skills needed to succeed in the course. Some providers also require a pre-enrolment interview or initial skills assessment to confirm suitability for the career pathway.

For international students studying in Australia on a student visa, an IELTS score of 6.0 (Academic) with no individual band below 5.0 to 5.5 is typically required, or an equivalent result in an accepted English language test such as PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced (paper-based format). Proof of Hepatitis B immunisation is mandatory at many providers, as students perform hands-on treatments on real clients. Students will also need access to a laptop with internet, a word processor, and the ability to install required examination software. VET Student Loans (VSL) are available for eligible domestic students enrolled in the Diploma of Beauty Therapy, and Skills First government funding may also apply in some states, potentially reducing out-of-pocket tuition costs significantly. All students studying nationally recognised training in Australia are required to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI).