New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)

• Introduction to:
  • Salon operations 
  • Salon knowledge and skills 
  • Hair and scalp treatments 
  • Basic styling 
• Salon systems and processes 
• Professional salon support practice 
• Basic hair cutting and colouring skills 
• Wet to dry styling. 

Applicants under 20 years

• At least 8 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits showing basic literacy and 8 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits OR equivalent. 

Applicants 20 years or older

• No formal qualifications needed.

English Language requirements 

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Special entry 

• In exceptional circumstances, entry may be granted to those who don't have these requirements but who can show their ability to succeed in the programme. 

Other requirements 

• You'll need to have an interview.
• You'll need to have the physical fitness to withstand the demands of the hairdressing industry. 

Please note: this programme is subject to minimum numbers.

You might be asked to have an interview with the Programme Coordinator. This interview may be a phone call, a meeting or attendance at an information night.

All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be accepted onto the programme until maximum learner numbers are reached.

In cases where there are more successful applicants than places on the programme, applicants with the following attributes will be given preference:

• a genuine interest in the hairdressing industry
• enthusiasm in their interpersonal communication
• a commitment to their field of endeavour
• personal appearance that meet the requirements of industry
• an openness to different ideas, approaches, lifestyle and cultures.

• New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2)
• New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)

• New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
• Hairdressing apprenticeship (HITO)

• Course workload for this programme will require approximately 20 hours directed study in the form of salon and classroom sessions per week.  
• Contact hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am-3.00pm
• It is also expected that you will spend approximately 15 hours per week of your own time in self-directed learning, and a minimum of 50 hours of work experience within the year,  in order to successfully complete the programme

• Please note: We supply all hairdressing equipment and tools to support your practical training. You will also receive a hairdressing kit inclusive of your fees for your student-managed learning. 
• Name badge
• Personal stationery
• Highly recommended textbooks
• Ongoing access to a computer, camera, and internet
• Clothing and footwear similar to what would be worn in the hairdressing industry
• Costings towards photoshoots (costume, make-up, accessories)
• Optional costings towards extending your hairdressing kit.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.