Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda

The primary difference lies in their professional scope. The Diploma (HLT52615) focuses on preventive health and lifestyle management — graduates are trained to provide simple but effective health management strategies including Ayurvedic nutrition, lifestyle advice, and basic bodywork such as massage. The Advanced Diploma (HLT62615) qualifies you as a clinical practitioner with specialised knowledge to formulate responses to specific therapeutic needs, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing herbal medicines (Dravyaguna), and performing advanced remedial therapies. The Advanced Diploma also covers complex areas such as Ayurvedic Pathology, clinical case work for chronic disorders, and Women & Child Care.

The course fee is $25,650. VET Student Loans (fee help) are not available for Ayurveda health courses in Australia; these courses are self-funded. To help cover study costs, HIA offers flexible instalment plans, though these payment plans include a 10% per annum administration fee.

Students must complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical training, where skills, knowledge and attitudes are developed as you work toward mastering your therapy practice. Qualified practitioners conduct and supervise these clinical sessions at the student clinic. Options include the HIA Gold Coast campus, the Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat, or an HIA-approved clinic. The course also includes an 8 day detox retreat at Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat required to be attended in person by all students regardless of study format.

Yes, online and blended delivery options are available, however online and blended delivery students are required to attend: 2 x 3 day non-residential weekends for skills training at Southport (covering Abhyanga and Kati Basti/Shirodhara), 7–10 days of Living Ayurveda and Yoga residential retreat at the Beechmont Campus, and consultations at the Southport campus. Mixed Delivery / Online is available for domestic students only. International students must meet the requirement of attending a minimum of 15 hours of face to face study per week. All students must also attend the 8 day detox retreat at Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat in person.

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with professional associations such as the Australasian Ayurvedic Practitioners Association (AAPA), the Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA), the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), or other organisations representing Ayurvedic practitioners. Please note that these associations may require additional information or have specific conditions for membership, and these requirements can change. Currently, there are no licensing requirements to practice Ayurveda in Australia.